National Portrait Gallery, Washington D.C. (must see)

The National Portrait Gallery, situated in Washington, D.C. and under the administration of the Smithsonian Institution, is an art museum dedicated to showcasing portraits of notable individuals from American history. Its extensive collections encompass various forms of visual arts, performing arts, and new media, offering a captivating journey through the lives of influential figures who have left their mark on the nation. These figures include poets, presidents, actors, activists, visionaries, and even those with more controversial legacies. The gallery's collection weaves together a narrative of American history, spanning from precolonial times to the present day.

Housed within the National Historic Landmarked Old Patent Office Building, located just south of Chinatown in the Penn Quarter district of downtown Washington, the National Portrait Gallery occupies the third oldest federal building in the city. This museum, constructed over the span of three decades between 1836 and 1867, boasts an impressive exterior featuring marble and granite architecture, with porticoes inspired by the design of the Parthenon in Athens, Greece.

Notable highlights of the gallery's permanent collection include the renowned "Lansdowne" portrait of George Washington, the Hall of Presidents, and a vast array of portraits representing remarkable Americans from diverse walks of life. Additionally, since its reopening on July 1, 2006, the Portrait Gallery has placed a significant emphasis on contemporary portraiture through its "Portraiture Now" series. This initiative showcases modern portraits that reflect the evolving landscape of American society. The gallery also hosts the Outwin Boochever Portrait Competition, a triennial event that highlights contemporary portrait artists and their work.

Why You Should Visit:
Fabulous variety of historical and cultural portraits in a range of styles!

Tip:
Watch for free performances (often held in the atrium area in the middle of the museum) and tours, which help connect the public with the pieces.
Also, be sure to visit the wonderful Luce Foundation Center in the East Wing. It has three mezzanine floors packed with other art forms (sculpture, paintings, crafts) and the architecture is spectacular.