National Gallery Of Art
National Gallery Of Art
6 minutes read•Published on 06-10-2024
The National Gallery of Art, situated in Washington D.C., is a world-renowned cultural institution exhibiting an extensive collection of exemplary artwork. Established in 1937, this treasure house of art showcases a broad range of more than 150,000 paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, photographs, prints, and installations from the Middle Ages to the present. Attracting millions of visitors each year, the Gallery offers a comprehensive timeline of Western art history along with an exploration into various global arts, making it a must-visit destination for art lovers around the globe.
Tickets & tours
A selection of the best tours to experience the National Gallery Of Art with our partner GetYourGuide. These tours offer the best experience for visitors from all around the world.
A short history
The National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., a titan institution in the realm of art preservation and research, boasts a story deeply embedded in America's cultural history. It all began in 1937 when Andrew W. Mellon, a tycoon in banking and treasury secretary, proposed to President Franklin D. Roosevelt his idea to create a new gallery of art. It was Mellon’s aspiration to gift a collection of his sizable artworks and the architectural design of the museum to the American people.
The gallery's establishment took a step forward in 1938 when the congress accepted Mellon's offer, leading to the creation of the National Gallery of Art Act. The construction of the gallery started, using the designs provided by John Russel Pope, a celebrated architect. Unfortunate for Mellon, he passed away that same year, not living to see his dream fulfilled. His children, Ailsa Mellon Bruce and Paul Mellon, took over their father's task and saw through to the completion of the building. The gallery first opened its doors in 1941, with Roosevelt in attendance to dedicate the gallery to the American people.
The size of the gallery expanded over the years, with major additions such as the East Building in 1978 made possible by Mellon's children. This modernist expansion was constructed to accommodate contemporary art and the gallery's increasing administrative, study, and research activities. The design was crafted by the critically acclaimed architect, I.M. Pei. Following years saw the development of a 6.1-acre adjacent sculpture garden, which added another dimension to the gallery, further enhancing its appeal and prestige.
As the National Gallery of Art strides into the 21st century, it continues to uphold Mellon's initial vision of offering an unparalleled insight into the world of art for people, fueled by a commitment to preservation, research, and encouraging an appreciation for the visual arts. With more than 150,000 pieces of Western art from the Middle Ages to the present, it remains one of the premier art museums in the world and a testament to the cultural spirit of America.
One reason to visit
Ginevra de Benci by Leonardo da Vinci
Visiting the National Gallery of Art, Washington provides you an opportunity to see Leonardo da Vincis painting, Ginevra de Benci. This spectacular oil and tempera on panel painting is the only da Vinci artwork that is on public display in the Americas. Created between 1474 and 1478, the painting is a portrait of the 16th-century-Italian aristocrat, Ginevra de Benci. Its intricate detailing, depth of realism and faded background, all hallmarks of da Vincis style, make it an enchanting viewing experience. It carries da Vincis classic subtlety in the representation of human expression which offers an exploration into the character and emotion of the subject. This masterpiece is an essential sight for any art enthusiast or Leonardo da Vinci fan visiting Washington. The rare chance to see a da Vinci in the United States can make your journey more valuable and memorable.
Getting there
Assuming you are starting from the Washington Monument, you will first need to head north on 14th St NW for about half a mile. You will see the Smithsonian National Museum of American History on your right. Next, turn right onto Constitution Ave NW, which you need to follow for roughly 0.4 miles. The National Gallery of Art will then appear on your right. You can use public transportation as well. From the Washington Monument, the direct bus is the 13Y and the stop is 14 St NW + Con.Ave. Another option is to take the Metro on the Blue, Orange, or Silver lines to the Smithsonian Station. From there, the National Gallery of Art is just a 10-minute walk north on 7th St SW.
Starting from Georgetown University, bike southeast on O St NW toward 37th St NW. Turn right onto 37th St NW then take the 1st left onto N St NW. Next, turn right onto 22nd St NW and then left onto Q St NW. You’ll pass by Sudanese Consulate on the right. Turn right onto 16th St NW. Keep on this road - you’ll go by Meridian Hill Park on your left. Turn right onto H St NW which is the last street before The White House grounds, then take a slight left onto 15th St NW. Turn right onto Constitution Ave NW and you’ll find the National Gallery of Art on your right.
The best way to get to the National Gallery of Art by public transport is to use the Metro service. Take the Red, Blue, Silver or Orange line to the Smithsonian Station. After exiting the station, you need to walk about eight minutes. Walk west on Independence Ave SW towards 6th St SW. Then use any lane to turn left onto 6th St SW. After you will reach Madison Dr. NW turn right and the National Gallery of Art will be on your right. Alternatively, you can use the bus lines 30N, 30S, 32, 33, 34, 36, 39 which all have stops near the museum. The nearest bus stop to the National Gallery of Art is Constitution Ave. NW & 7th St. NW. After getting off the bus, walk south on 7th St NW towards Constitution Ave NW. Turn right onto Constitution Ave NW and then turn left onto Madison Dr NW. The National Gallery of Art will be on your right.
To get to the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C, start North on I-95. Take the left exit number 170B towards Alexandria and continue onto I-395N. Then, take the exit number 10C onto George Washington Memorial Parkway towards Washington. Exit onto Memorial Bridge/ Arlington Cemetery. Get across the bridge and pass the Lincoln Memorial on your right. Then take a slight right turn onto 23rd St. NW. Turn left at Constitution Ave NW. The National Gallery of Art will be on your right, between 3rd and 9th Streets, at 6th St NW & Constitution Ave NW.
