Every traveler is different. While some are led with their stomachs, others can’t resist the pull of modern sculpture and brilliant visual creations from local and international artists. Luckily, almost every major city has museums catering to art lovers’ diverse interests – including DC. Not just a haven for national monuments and memorials for history buffs and government aficionados, DC is home to a plethora of museums that offer diverse cultural experiences and insights into the rich history of America and all over the globe. Keep reading to discover DC museums you should visit!
DC National Gallery of Art
Whether you’re an art-obsessed local or planning a trip to DC, the National Gallery of Art should be on your list of museums. Why, exactly? One of the top DC art museums to see, this world-renowned museum boasts an exceptional collection of European and American art throughout the ages, including over 141,000 paintings, drawings, photographs, sculptures, and new media in its East and West buildings that range all the way from the Middle Ages to today.
If you love the arts, the DC National Gallery of Art will be like a sweet fantasy come to life – or should we say canvas? Prepare to get up close and personal with the work of Renoir, Cézanne, Picasso, Rothko, and almost every other artist you can imagine. The best part? The DC National Gallery of Art is free to visit!
The Gallery may be one of the top DC art museums, but their Sculpture Garden is well worth stopping by during your visit. Located adjacent to the West Building, this 6.1-acre garden oasis features Robert Indiana’s AMOR sculpture, breathtaking views, and even includes its very own year-round café.
Smithsonian American Art Museum & DC National Portrait Gallery
Learn all about the story of America through the portraiture of those who shaped its history: poets, presidents, actors, activists, and more famous American visionaries. You don’t need to be an art enthusiast to visit the Smithsonian Institution’s Portrait Gallery! One of the top DC art museums to see, it’s a brag-worthy experience for any history or pop-culture buff, aspiring artist, or admirer of the arts.
If you’re visiting the DC National Portrait Gallery, don’t forget to stop by the Smithsonian American Art Museum! Both museums are housed in the Donald W. Reynolds Center for American Art and Portraiture and the Lawrence A. Fleischman Gallery.
This museum is home to the world’s largest and most inclusive collections of American art, making it one of the top DC art museums to see. Dive into an immersive art and history experience with thousands of artworks that include:
- Impressionism
- Abstraction
- Photography
- Masterpieces from the Gilded Age
- Modern folk art
- African American art
- Latinx art
- Video games
…and plenty more. If you’re not depleted from your day at the museum, finish things off with a visit to the Renwick Gallery, a branch of the Smithsonian American Art Museum with an exciting collection of contemporary craft and decorative art.
Bonus: like the DC National Gallery of Art and the National Portrait Gallery, the Smithsonian American Art Museum is always free to visit!
The Phillips Collection DC
As America’s first museum of modern and contemporary art, The Phillips Collection is one of the top DC art museums to see for modern art enthusiasts. Founded over 100 years ago, this Dupont Circle staple presents visitors with 5,000+ works in their permanent collection and temporary exhibitions from artists like Georgia O’Keefe, Van Gogh, and Gauguin – all in one museum.
But The Phillips Collection DC doesn’t just offer your typical museum experience. They frequently rearrange their galleries to facilitate fresh conversations between artworks and offer patrons an unconventional yet exciting experience with each visit. In addition to its art, this intimate museum features award-winning Bread Furst as its in-house café so you can satiate your hunger for art and fresh bakery goods!
National Museum of Women in the Arts
Another of the top DC art museums to see is the National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA), the first – and only – museum solely dedicated to championing women artists.
Women artists are at the front and center of the NMWA, which is a big change, considering most museums (unfortunately) don’t really highlight their work much. Seeing the disparity, NMWA showcases 5,500 works from prominent artists like Frida Kahlo, Louise Bourgeois, and more to advocate for gender equity and representation. Make a whole day of it at NMWA because they’ve got:
- Exhibitions – in-person and online
- A Library and Research Center
- Museum Shop (a portion of proceeds goes to the exhibits)
- Café
Getting to experience art from the 16th century to the present through the lens of these groundbreaking female artists makes visiting the National Museum of Women in the Arts a truly unique experience – and solidifies its place as one of the top DC art museums to see.
Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden
Craving more modern art after stopping by The Phillips Collection DC or the National Gallery of Art? Another of the top DC art museums to see, the Hirshhorn Museum is a leading museum featuring over 12,000 modern and contemporary paintings, sculptures, photography, digital media, and other unique pieces.
There’s a little something for everyone inside and outside. The 1.3-acre Sculpture Garden displays work from a myriad of artists like Jeff Koons, Auguste Rodin, and Yoko Ono and features the trademark circular fountain of the Hirshhorn Museum. But once you’re finished marveling at the garden’s sculptures, you also get the opportunity to step inside and discover captivating exhibitions from modern artists around the world, including Icelandic-Danish artist Olafur Eliasson, whose work will greet you upon entrance into Hirshhorn.
Exploring DC’s Art Scene
Cities like Paris and New York may be renowned for their art museums, but DC’s art scene is one to watch for art enthusiasts. Home to must-see spots like the DC National Gallery of Art and DC National Portrait Gallery, visitors will discover a throng of awe-inspiring art from visionaries across the world here.
Ready to elevate your DC experience beyond the visual arts? After exploring these enriching museums, why not enhance your relaxation and enjoyment with a visit to Dispensary Near Me? Located conveniently in the heart of Gallery Place Chinatown, Dispensary Near Me offers a curated selection of premium cannabis products to complement your artistic journey. Whether you’re unwinding after a day of museum-hopping or seeking inspiration for your own creative endeavors, our friendly staff is here to assist you. Discover a new dimension to your DC adventure with Dispensary Near Me. Learn more!
Start planning your DC visit or staycation and add these art museums to your itinerary, and make sure you check out our blog for more!
