National Gallery of Art Tours

Photo provided by National Gallery of Art, Washington
Downtown Washington D.C.
National Gallery of Art showing an administrative buidling and heritage architecture
Downtown Washington D.C.
National Gallery of Art featuring interior views


As classic as it looks, this building contains a huge assortment of the world’s treasures. Immerse yourself in collections for all tastes.

The stately row of Corinthian columns and the domed roof proclaim clearly that Washington, D.C.’s National Art Gallery is a collection point for some of the world’s greatest art treasures. Plan to spend time in the gallery to fully appreciate these artistic masterpieces that emphasize human creativity.

Among the outstanding pieces are Leonardo da Vinci’s Ginevra de’Benci, his only original work displayed in the U.S., Vincent van Gogh’s Self-Portrait and Rembrandt van Rijn’s Self-Portrait.

Also look for classic works by Raphael, Titian, El Greco, Rubens, Blake, Constable, Picasso and Matisse, among other outstanding artists. In contrast, find modern thought-provoking art in the other part of the gallery designed by I.M. Pei, which has an underground area displaying an artistic light show connecting the two buildings.

With about 141,000 works in the gallery, if time is limited you may want to plan your viewings in advance by charting your steps on a map of the collections. Otherwise, a stroll-and-stop approach will bring you in contact with works that you may have seen only in pictures. Be aware that food and drink, including water, are not permitted in any room where art is displayed.

See what special events are happening at the gallery during your visits. Concerts, films and family activities are frequently scheduled. Be sure to experience the gallery’s outdoor Sculpture Garden, a 6.1-acre (2.5-hectare) area located near the building’s western wing. In addition to botanical attractions, you’ll find artworks that can be appreciated in seating areas located throughout the garden. The garden has a popular café and at its center is a large fountain that becomes an ice rink in winter.

Find the National Gallery of Art on Constitution Avenue NW, between 3rd and 9th Streets, several blocks from the Capitol building. The gallery has complete accessibility and can be reached by taking the Metro to Archives-Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter stop. Alternatively, take the DC Circulator’s National Mall route. Admission is free and the gallery is open every day except Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

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Best Lodging Options Near National Gallery of Art

Washington Plaza Hotel

Washington Plaza Hotel

4 out of 5
10 Thomas Circle NW, Washington, DC
Washington Plaza Hotel
Hamilton Hotel Washington DC

Hamilton Hotel Washington DC

4 out of 5
1001 14th St NW, Washington, DC
Hamilton Hotel Washington DC
citizenM Washington DC Capitol

citizenM Washington DC Capitol

4 out of 5
550 School St SW, Washington, DC
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Motto by Hilton Washington DC City Center

Motto by Hilton Washington DC City Center

3.5 out of 5
627 H Street NW, Washington, DC
Motto by Hilton Washington DC City Center
YOTEL Washington DC

YOTEL Washington DC

4 out of 5
415 New Jersey Ave Nw, Washington, DC
YOTEL Washington DC
Holiday Inn Washington Capitol - Natl Mall by IHG

Holiday Inn Washington Capitol - Natl Mall by IHG

3 out of 5
550 C St SW, Washington, DC
Holiday Inn Washington Capitol - Natl Mall by IHG
The Henley Park Hotel

The Henley Park Hotel

4 out of 5
926 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC
The Henley Park Hotel
Hyatt Place Washington DC/National Mall

Hyatt Place Washington DC/National Mall

3 out of 5
400 E Street SW, Washington, DC
Hyatt Place Washington DC/National Mall
Riggs Washington DC

Riggs Washington DC

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Riggs Washington DC
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near National Gallery of Art

At the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., visitors can explore impressive art collections and engage in group tours. Nearby, there's a vibrant scene with shopping, theater, and entertainment options. Don't miss the chance to discover other art galleries and attractions that enrich the cultural experience in the area, making it a perfect destination for art enthusiasts and tourists alike.

Food and drinks

For a unique experience near the National Gallery of Art, visit District Winery, just 2 miles away, for a delightful blend of local wines. For a bit further, George Washington's Distillery & Gristmill offers a taste of history with its spirits, 14 miles out.

Shopping

The nearest shopping center is CityCenterDC, located 0.6 miles from the National Gallery of Art, offering a variety of shops and dining options. Union Station Shopping Center, 0.8 miles away, provides family-friendly entertainment. If you're up for a drive, visit Eastern Market, 1 mile away, for local goods.

Recreation

Experience the energetic atmosphere at Capital One Arena, perfect for sports enthusiasts. For a touch of luxury, visit the Cosmos Club, where you can unwind in an exclusive setting. Enjoy tranquility and scenic views at Potomac River Waterfront Park, ideal for relaxation and wellness activities.

Adventure

The Greenstone Ridge Trail, located 0.6 miles from the National Gallery of Art, offers a scenic hiking experience with beautiful outdoor views. For a thrilling adventure, try the Go Ape Treehouse Adventure Course and The Adventure Park at Sandy Spring, both featuring exciting zipline and treetop activities 16-17 miles away.

Nightlife

In Washington, D.C., the Kennedy Center offers a romantic theater experience filled with culture, just 2 miles from the National Gallery of Art. For family fun, the United States Naval Observatory is 3 miles away, while the Capital Wheel, offering adventure vibes, is a short 7-mile journey.

Find the best attractions near National Gallery of Art

During your visit to the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., explore nearby attractions like the National Mall and the Washington Monument for a blend of culture and history. Families can enjoy the outdoor spaces and memorials around the area, while art enthusiasts can delve into the rich collections at the gallery. Don't miss the chance to visit other national museums that showcase the vibrant art scene in the capital.

  • National Mall: Just a short stroll from the National Gallery of Art, the National Mall offers an expansive green space surrounded by iconic monuments and memorials. Enjoy a leisurely walk, take in stunning views, and immerse yourself in the rich history of the nation.
  • White House: A mile away, the White House stands as a symbol of American democracy. While tours may require advance planning, the surrounding Lafayette Park offers a great vantage point to appreciate this historic building and its cultural significance.
  • Smithsonian Institution: Located 0.8 miles from the gallery, the Smithsonian Institution houses an array of museums and galleries. Perfect for families, it offers engaging exhibits that celebrate art, history, and science, making it a must-visit for all ages.

Best time to go to National Gallery of Art

Visitor numbers around National Gallery of Art is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit National Gallery of Art can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around National Gallery of Art falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around National Gallery of Art falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January35.1°F (1.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
February38.3°F (3.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
March45.7°F (7.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
April56.3°F (13.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
May65.7°F (18.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June74.3°F (23.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July79.5°F (26.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August77.4°F (25.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
September71.1°F (21.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October59.9°F (15.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
November47.8°F (8.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
December40.6°F (4.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for National Gallery of Art

Visiting the National Gallery of Art can be budget-friendly with several money-saving tips. Entry is free, and nearby attractions like the National Mall and Smithsonian Institution also have no admission fees. To save on accommodation, consider visiting during the cheaper months of August or December to January, and use Expedia to find budget-friendly hotel options. Take advantage of package deals combining flights and hotels, and join Expedia's One Key membership for exclusive discounts. Always check for good availability, great rates, and positive hotel reviews to ensure a cost-effective stay.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around National Gallery of Art are August and December to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to March to May, where prices are slightly higher.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. For the best prices and deals, be sure to sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by combining your hotel stay near the National Gallery of Art with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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