Smithsonian American Art Museum

F St NW & 8th St NW, Washington, DC 20004, USA

Address:	F St NW & 8th St NW, Washington, DC 20004, USA
Phone:	+1 202-633-1000
Site:	americanart.si.edu
Rating:	4.7
Working:	11:30AM–7PM 11:30AM–7PM 11:30AM–7PM 11:30AM–7PM 11:30AM–7PM 11:30AM–7PM 11:30AM–7PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 15

Michael Sheehe

We felt like we had this amazing museum all to ourselves. It was less crowded, had a great collection of art, and the building was a work of art itself. I’m not sure if we got lucky or it’s because it’s a bit of a walk from the National Mall, but this museum was much less crowded than any around the National Mall. On top of that, most of the collections were top notch, especially the section with artwork of the Presidents of the United States. Make sure you see the casts of Lincoln’s face before he went into office and weeks before he was killed, the difference is shocking. While most of the exhibits were paintings, there are some spectacular sculptures scattered throughout all the exhibits. In addition to the artwork, the building itself is just as interesting as the artwork. The atrium in the middle of the museum is particularly breathtaking with large glass roof, foliage, and "waterfall" integrated into the floor that creates a tranquil oasis to relax with a cup of coffee or glass of wine at the small cafe tables. The American Museum of Art is well worth the walk or cab ride from the National Mall. Or, if you’re seeing a Shakespeare production at the Sidney Harman Hall or a game at Verizon Center, come into the city a little early and take a stroll around the museum.

Nick Ellis

I have always teferred to this as the national portrait Gallery. I guess the name has changed recently. However, it is the perfect mix of history and art. Take a look, the hall of presidents as portraits of every president with a brief bit of their history. The building itself is very interesting from an old classical architectural perspective. Admission is free and there are lockers that are also free to put your backpacks in if you dont feel like carting them around. A definite stop when you are in Washington DC. Give yourself anywhere from 1 to 2 hours for this visit. Directly adjacent to the Gallery Place metro stop, which is the yellow and green line.

Taylor Wilson

The museum itself was absolutely beautiful. However, i was confused because I was trying to go to the museum that had science exhibits in it, but I didnt know what the museum was called (later I found out it was the natural history museum). So I went into this museum and asked the security guards which of museums had science exhibits, and one of them (he looked hispanic) was so rude. I was so confused and when I was trying to explain to him where I was trying to go, he gave a very rude response and had a very rude look on his face. At first, he didnt even offer to hand me a brochure of all of the different museums. Nice museum but poor security guards.

Bossi

Unlike many museums, which show only select items, the American Art Museum (located on the top floors) puts out pretty much all of their collection. Its more like youre walking through a very pretty warehouse than a curated collection, and I love it all the more for that reason. The collection isnt as grand as the National Gallery of Art (on the National Mall), but I love the quiet aesthetic. The restoration laboratories are also clad in glass walls, allowing patrons to see those activities as they happen. The building is open later than museums on the Mall, making for a great destination after the Mall hits its 5pm closing times.

Stephanie Neal

I truly cannot share enough how much I love this museum. Firstly, what a wonderful collection of beautiful classical and contemporary America art. Each floor continued to impress me with the amount of pieces and diversity of artists. Secondly, the indoor cafe is the most enjoyable museum cafe I have ever been to. Not in terms of food (the food is fine) but the open atrium style with water fountains for kids to run thru creates such a pleasant experience. Plus, its air conditioned! Allowing you to feel as if you are outside with the many plants and trees planted without having to feel the oppressive DC summer heat. SAAM is a must see.

Ruth Sievers

There are so many reasons to love this Museum, not the least of which is it stays open until 7 p.m. which no other DC museum does. Theres a great permanent collection which includes fantastic folk art, the wonderful lecture series, the free jazz on the third Thursday of every month, the conservation services open to the public by reservation, the helpful staff, the cool courtyard with free WiFi, family programs, and always a current exhibit of much interest. The open storage makes the entire collection available to the public. I love this place. Its definitely my favorite place to take visitors in DC.

赵群

我和我16岁大的孩子在这玩得很开心。我们直到进入这家博物馆，才知道这里有多大。里面收藏了很多的艺术作品以及雕塑。博物馆里还有免费的衣帽储存服务，在博物馆下面的楼层那里，还有家自助餐厅，不是特别便宜，两个人要25美元。12岁以下的孩子不太适合来这，他们很快就会觉得博物馆很无聊。

Drew Risinger

A good variety of paintings related to the beauty of America and its countryside. One half of it is the portrait gallery and the other half is more typical art pieces. Free entry. Not quite the Louvre, but a good gallery nonetheless. The highlight for me is the open seating area in the center. It has a lot of seats, is covered from the elements, and has some nice water features. Could definitely see it as a nice place to get some work done or read on a Saturday afternoon.

Dan Patterson

Ive been to this museum three times, and still havent seen everything. The most captivating section - for me - has to be Dutch art. Its a little dark, but it has such vivid images, and the craft-ship behind some of the paintings is spectacular, that, upon first look, they some times do not seem like paintings at all. I frequent this museum, and will continue to do so as long as I am in the area.

Alison Curtis

This is one of my favorite Smithsonian museums for so many reasons: theres never a crowd; the exhibits are ever-changing; its open later than the others; the location is prime; and, most importantly, it houses the only collection of Presidential portraits outside of the White House. Furthermore, the courtyard is impressive in its design and serene in its atmosphere.

A Private User

This is one of the worlds great Art Museums. A must for any art lover. This is also the National Portriat Gallery, a collection not to be missed. Not much can compete with the National Gallery of ART, down the street, but this is AMERICAs ART, by Amercian artists. As a poor painter myself, I found vast inspiration for my art, my country and my countrymen.

Jeannie R

The modern portraits are stunning and well worth the visit. Each varying so much and yet capturing such detail of human emotion. Theres also a lot of WPA funded art and other points in history throughout the 1900s, 1800s and 1700s. The courtyard in the center of this museum is also a great, air conditioned spot to take a rest and enjoy the scenery.

Kenya Allmond

I love to check out the exhibits here and at the National Portrait Gallery since theyre in the one building. You get two museums in one space. I especially love the courtyard just for hanging out. It has natural light, beautiful architecture and free wifi. Its a really good place to work if youre a mobile professional. Or you can just people watch.

Mantas Kubilinskas

I really enjoyed every moment in Smithsonian Art Museum. I really like to visit this place not only for taking fantastic and creative engagement or wedding shoots but also I just love to come there alone and with a big pleasure to enjoy beautiful exhibits of this museum. I think everyone once in their life should visit this amazing place.

Gary Book

A wonderful museum filled with President portraits that are images that define our views of our leaders along with portraits of many great men and women. They stay open until 7 pm, so when all the other sites close this one is open. Great places to eat surrounding this museum. I visit every time I visit DC. I love it. Dont miss it.