National Portrait Gallery
Art museum · Downtown ·
Portraits of presidents, athletes, artists, and cultural icons
Portraits of presidents, athletes, artists, and cultural icons
"This gallery presents thousands of visual, performance, and new media works that chronicle American history and culture through portraits of presidents, poets, film stars, scientists, and athletes, aiming to provide a complete narrative that acknowledges slavery, racism, and inequality; notable pieces include a life-sized Abraham Lincoln portrait and presidential portraits such as those of Barack and Michelle Obama." - Patricia Doherty Patricia Doherty Patricia Doherty is a writer who specializes in covering destinations, resorts, and cruises for Travel + Leisure and other publications. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"Architectural Courtyard Wonder An undulating steel and glass canopy wows visitors who enter the Kogod Courtyard. Inside you'll find diners from the museum's café, tourists soaking their weary feet in the shallow fountain running across the space, and students taking advantage of free Wi-Fi in the light and airy setting. The modern roof seals the center of the old Patent Office Building, currently shared by the National Portrait Gallery and American Art Museum. Architect Norman Foster designed the roof to have minimal impact on the building by creating a support system that prevents direct contact and weight placement on it. Unlike most of the other Smithsonian Museums located on the Mall, this gem is found in the busy Penn Quarter of downtown D.C. It is my favorite place to bring visitors, not only for the impressive courtyard space, but also for the preserved architecture of the patent offices on the top floor. Check the Smithsonian's website for special courtyard workshops, concerts, or events. The museum is right near the Gallery Place/Chinatown Metro on the green, yellow, and red lines."
"The gallery that hosted a designer’s presentation of a new collection, after which attendees headed to nearby bars for drinks and seafood." - Guy Pewsey
"Used as a backdrop for Erdem, underscoring the inventive use of unusual surroundings this season." - Alice Naylor-Leyland
"A museum in Washington, D.C. where visitors can explore historical portraits, contributing to the city's accessible cultural offerings."