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Smithsonian American Art Museum

Smithsonian American Art Museum

Art Museum and Art Gallery
Downtown-Penn Quarter-Chinatown, Washington
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9.0/10
542
ratings
  • Stars
  • Stars
    Has a stamp of approval from Michelin Travel & Lifestyle and Travel + Leisure
    • Michelin Travel & Lifestyle
    • Travel + Leisure
  • Tips
    Steve H.
    "Impressive! Enjoyed the folk art."(5 Tips)
    Anthony A.
    "Check out the Art of Video Games exhibit."(3 Tips)
    Island Bruin
    "There is better American Art at the National Gallery."(3 Tips)
    Mark N.
    "Nam June Paik!!!!! 2 of his installations are located here!"(2 Tips)
Tips and Reviews icon80 Tips and reviews
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  • Fodor's Travel
    Fodor's TravelAugust 31, 2017
    The museum includes folk art and crafts, decorative arts, and the largest collection of New Deal art and American Impressionist paintings. Visitors tend to adore the contemporary craft collection. Read more
  • stepherheart icon on user image
    stepherApril 21, 2015
    You can save this museum until later in the day as it is open until 7PM while most others close earlier. Please verify because these things change.
  • Mark B.heart icon on user image
    Mark BJune 29, 2015
    Less crowded of Smithsonians, but loaded with great American artists and sculptors. From 1600s to present day. Includes modern works of pop culture art that are eclectic. Great museum!
  • Smithsonian
    SmithsonianJune 7, 2012
    Take one of the daily docent-led tours or behind the scenes tour of the Lunder Conservation Ctr (Wed @ 3). Short on time? Stop by the Info Desk to get the Ten Highlights self-guided tour
  • Steven A.heart icon on user image
    Steven AndrophyFebruary 8, 2015
    Been here 10+ times
    One of my favorite museums in DC--open until 7, not as many tourists thanks to its location off the Mall, great modern art collection, airy courtyard.
  • Sophia A.
    Sophia AlexApril 26, 2017
    Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, Washington, D.C, the world’s largest collection of historic aircraft and spacecraft has aviation fans streaming in to see 50,000 original artifacts. Read more
  • Serhii L.heart icon on user image
    Serhii LutskoAugust 17, 2017
    This museum has mostly modern art so definitely nice place to go for people who like it
  • Anne H.heart icon on user image
    Anne HenochowiczJanuary 29, 2016
    I like to bring my lunch to the atrium during the work week. It feels like you're picnicking by a stream on a warm spring day, no matter the weather outside.
  • Bruna S.
    Bruna SommerJuly 16, 2015
    I thought it was bigger, but I loved the building and the Civil War collection. Good memories in the heart of Chinatown.
  • Yuval Z.heart icon on user image
    Yuval ZukermanAugust 14, 2019
    Outstanding collection of modern American art. A must stop in DC.
  • Michelin Travel & Lifestyle
    Going to see a show? TICKETplace, nearby at 923 F Street, offers tickets for select events on the day of the show at half price. Purchases must be made in person. -- Green Guide Editor Read more
  • Dave H.heart icon on user image
    Dave HamelinkDecember 19, 2015
    Every few months you get a new featured exhibit so it will often have something new to see. Good for having quiet conversation.
  • Jojo A.heart icon on user image
    Jojo AJune 13, 2014
    Been here 50+ times
    Please pass by the information desk and ask about tours .. It provides great details without searching. Just remember the last tour is at 3:30 pm
  • Morgan T.heart icon on user image
    Morgan ThomasNovember 11, 2014
    One of my favorite museums. This place it literally attached to the Portrait Gallery. Check out the Kogod courtyard.
  • John T.
    John TaylorSeptember 12, 2016
    Been here 10+ times
    Sit back and stare into Nam June Paik's "Megatron/Matrix" and "Electronic Superhighway" for as long as you like. It's free!
  • Rachel U.
    Rachel UtschFebruary 25, 2011
    LOVE the "open" conservation labs and storage! An interesting side to museums that you rarely see. Don't leave without seeing this part of the museum on the third floor mezzanine and fourth floor.
  • George Z.heart icon on user image
    George ZinkgrafApril 4, 2016
    The tours and the collection of art you could,spend weeks learning about various,artists
  • Karenheart icon on user image
    KarenDecember 19, 2021
    Beautiful artwork here. So much history. Connected to the Portrait Gallery.
  • Cidomar B.heart icon on user image
    Like the other Smithsonian Museums, great place to go. And the admission is free.
  • Julie S.
    Julie Smith DavidOctober 6, 2012
    Be sure to walk between the buildings through the underground tunnel: great light installation, gelato and coffee bar, and fun museum shop!
  • Edgar
    EdgarSeptember 5, 2012
    Great gallery, fun to go if you like art, pictures and history. No as fun with children since reading and keeping quite is required.
  • Ellie P.
    Ellie PinesAugust 29, 2014
    For me, the best part was the peek at how the conservation and restoration of some pieces of art works. Fascinating!
  • Travel + Leisure
    Travel + LeisureJanuary 4, 2013
    Chef José Andres tells us he comes for here for a little escape: walking through the vast halls always inspires him.
  • Natalie
    NatalieJune 17, 2012
    Great Museum. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to walk around. Go to each floor. Don't rush like I had to...I wish I saw more.
  • Nathan
    NathanJanuary 16, 2013
    If you have trouble convincing your son to go to this museum, tell him it's actually the Boobies Museum.
  • Alvaro R.heart icon on user image
    Alvaro RabaMarch 7, 2014
    Start by going to the third floor, that's the spot for all Modern Art
  • Steve H.
    Steve HummerDecember 1, 2012
    Impressive! Enjoyed the folk art. Looking forward to coming back to explore the other two floors!
  • Camille W.heart icon on user image
    Camille WrightMarch 7, 2015
    A hidden gem. Very gorgeous with a cool modern art section.
  • Amy C.heart icon on user image
    Amy CummingsFebruary 25, 2018
    Check out the American Superhighway on the 3rd floor!
  • Brian B.
    Brian BJanuary 27, 2013
    The atrium is a wonderful place to take a break with an infant or really anyone.
  • Meredith S.
    Meredith StewartAugust 19, 2011
    The courtyard is the best place to feel like you're outside without being outside. Nice light, great place to bring your lunch.
  • Maria N.heart icon on user image
    Maria NelsonAugust 2, 2017
    Gorgeous museum! Open later than a lot of the other ones
  • Crescentrating Halal Friendly Travel
    The American Art Museum of the Smithsonian Institution features an exclusive compilation of the largest collection of American Art. Read more
  • Kelly M.heart icon on user image
    Kelly MNovember 12, 2015
    Always free, always a good time. Love all the Smithsonians.
  • Kaytie B.heart icon on user image
    Kaytie BroadhurstApril 30, 2013
    So much to look at. Be sure to set a day aside to see this wonderful museum.
  • Michael G.
    Michael GizziNovember 17, 2013
    Amazing museum. As good as, maybe better, than the National Gallery.
  • Thomas V.heart icon on user image
    Thomas Vander WalApril 18, 2022
    The Shephard Failey Obama poster was stunning to see in person
  • Mary Kate K.heart icon on user image
    Mary Kate KeapplerMarch 27, 2016
    Very peaceful experience. Staff is great!
  • Mary R.
    Mary ReynoldsApril 7, 2012
    Great the art of video game exhibit! Awesome photography exhibit as well.
  • Sabrina S.
    Sabrina SMarch 23, 2014
    Beautiful landscapes, folk art. Plus it closes at 7pm.
  • Erik B.heart icon on user image
    Erik BrokApril 27, 2015
    The contemporary exhibition is not big but great
  • Jonathon C.
    Jonathon ColmanFebruary 27, 2014
    "Where there is an open mind, there will always be a frontier."
  • Lindsey R.
    Lindsey RixJuly 25, 2012
    The video game exhibit is underwhelming and small but all the rest of the museum is beautiful.
  • Rachel L.
    Rachel LFebruary 17, 2019
    Don’t miss the third floor!
  • Katie F.
    Katie FilbertOctober 1, 2010
    Been here 10+ times
    Art & Coffee in the Luce Center, Wed-Sun 1-3:30pm, chat with the curators, enjoy free coffee and wi-fi
  • Peter
    PeterJanuary 15, 2012
    The courtyard is one of the most calming and open indoor spaces I've ever been in
  • Walburga A M.
    Walburga A MarderFebruary 19, 2013
    one of the best collections of museums worldwide - and always free -
  • Dirty B.
    Dirty BirdAugust 9, 2014
    Great art and it's always quiet
  • Heather Rome D.
    Great place to see great things.
  • Hannah M.heart icon on user image
    Hannah MueryApril 11, 2015
    I absolutely love the art here!
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