National Gallery of Art Tours and Activities

Photo provided by National Gallery of Art, Washington
National Gallery of Art
National Gallery of Art
National Gallery of Art
National Gallery of Art


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 centre 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
citizenM Washington DC Capitol
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
The Henley Park Hotel

The Henley Park Hotel

4 out of 5
926 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC
The Henley Park Hotel
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
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

5 out of 5
900 F St NW, Washington, DC
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

While visiting the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., immerse yourself in captivating art tours and explore the extensive collection. Enjoy your free time by indulging in nearby shopping and theatre experiences. For a comfortable stay, consider hotels close to the gallery, and don’t miss the opportunity to visit the nearby space museum for a well-rounded cultural experience.

Shopping

The Union Station Shopping Center, 1.3km from the National Gallery of Art, offers a vibrant atmosphere for family and entertainment. CityCenterDC, located 966m away, features a mix of city and business vibes. Union Market, 3.2km away, provides a bustling public market experience.

Recreation

At Capital One Arena, feel the adrenaline of live sports events just 644m from the National Gallery of Art. Enjoy luxury at Cosmos Club, a private country club 3.2km away. For family fun, visit Amidon-Greenleaf Playground, located 1.3km away, perfect for outdoor activities.

Adventure

The Allegheny Passage, a scenic hiking trail 966m from the National Gallery of Art, offers thrilling outdoor adventures amidst breathtaking views. Similarly, the nearby Pinery Trail invites you to explore nature's beauty, while the Greenstone Ridge Trail promises an exhilarating hiking experience in a stunning environment.

Nightlife

Explore the vibrant nightlife near the National Gallery of Art. Enjoy a show at The Anthem, 1.4km away, or catch a performance at Ford's Theatre, only 805m away. For a charming evening, visit Warner Theatre, located 966m from the gallery, offering a blend of culture and entertainment.

Find the best attractions near National Gallery of Art

Visiting the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. offers a wealth of cultural experiences, from exploring the impressive art museum to nearby memorials and historic government buildings. For those seeking a blend of outdoor and urban adventures, the surrounding area provides an array of attractions, including other national museums and vibrant art scenes. This is a perfect destination for travellers eager to immerse themselves in the rich cultural tapestry of the city.

  • White House: The iconic White House is not only the residence of the President but also a symbol of American democracy. Located 1.6km from the National Gallery of Art, its historic architecture and rich cultural significance make it a must-visit.
  • National Mall: The National Mall, merely 322m away, is a sprawling national park that invites adventure and exploration. With picturesque scenery, it's perfect for leisurely strolls amidst monuments and memorials.
  • Walter E. Washington Convention Center: Situated 1.4km from the gallery, this modern event space buzzes with business vibes. It hosts various conferences and events, offering insight into the local professional scene.

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 SunnyAverageSlightly Low
March45.7°F (7.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
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 LowAverage
September71.1°F (21.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October59.9°F (15.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly High
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

To save money on your visit to the National Gallery of Art, take advantage of the free entry and nearby attractions like the National Mall and Smithsonian Institution. Consider planning your trip between December and February for lower accommodation prices, particularly on Saturdays. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly hotels and explore eco-certified options. Combining your hotel, flights, and activities in a package can also lead to savings. Public transport is available, but walking is a great way to explore the area without spending extra.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around National Gallery of Art are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April to May and October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around National Gallery of Art is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay around National Gallery of Art is Tuesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your ideal location, and much more. You can easily arrange the results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you see the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will highlight sustainable and environmentally friendly accommodations that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay near the National Gallery of Art with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.