Washington, D.C. is famous for its large art institutions and vast museums. As a major political hub, the city has historically been home to powerful art enthusiasts. Many of their collections eventually find their way into such places as the Smithsonian Institution and the National Art Gallery. Thanks to such a rich array of contributions, Washington, D.C. houses some of the world's most important art, much of it easily accessible to the public.
Of course, it's important to remember that D.C.'s art world is not confined only to the large museums and galleries. Countless small galleries exhibit contemporary work by local artists. Walking through hip gallery districts such as Dupont Circle is a great way for travelers to deepen their experience of the city's art scene.
Museums of the Smithsonian
If you have a week to spare, the art galleries of the Smithsonian Institution are expansive enough to get lost in. Unlike the National Gallery of Art, the Smithsonian Institution's art galleries consist of a number of smaller buildings, most of which sit on or near the National Mall. The different galleries are devoted to specialized movements, geographical regions, and time periods.
For exotic art from around the world, the Freer Gallery of Art and the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery exhibit art from the Far East. Their collections feature painting, sculpture, calligraphy, glass, and jewelry dating back as far as five millennia. For works from Africa, the National Museum of African Art exhibits a variety of art from Africa's many diverse regions. Pieces include masks, textiles, and ceramics, as well as utilitarian objects.
The Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden specializes in contemporary art in a variety of mediums, plus historically significant works. The Sculpture Garden's quiet, relaxing space displays over 60 sculptures, from realistic figures by Auguste Rodin to the abstractions of Barbara Hepworth. Inside, the museum's collection includes works from such artists as Andy Warhol, Francis Bacon, and Mary Cassatt. Smaller sculptures, paintings, photography, film, video, and other artworks are all on display.
True to its origins and benefactors, the Smithsonian Institution places a large emphasis on works by American artists. The Smithsonian American Art Museum and the National Portrait Gallery are dedicated to American works of art in all mediums, including painting, sculpture, photography, handcrafts, and more. For lovers of American art, these galleries provide perfect places to explore, with works from every decade of American history and from all areas of our diverse culture. Native American art is heavily featured, as well as work by African American, Asian American, and Hispanic artists. Walking through these galleries, it's almost impossible not to learn something new about our country.
As a final stop on the Smithsonian tour, the Anacostia Community Museum specializes in African American history and culture, including artwork. Artists featured in the museum's collection include Elena Bland, Radcliffe Bailey, and Leslie Payne. Visiting the museum also allows travelers to explore the historic Anacostia neighborhood.
Other Museums and Galleries
As for other large institutions, an excellent place to start is the National Gallery of Art, which is easy to find on the National Mall. Containing thousands of works in multiple mediums, including sculpture, painting, and photography, the Gallery's two buildings house both historical and contemporary art. Its collection includes works by prominent American artists, as well as international pieces, including the only Da Vinci painting in the Western Hemisphere. Plus, depending on when you visit, you'll most likely be able to catch one of the exciting traveling exhibitions hosted at the Gallery.
The largest gallery in D.C. not associated with a government institution is the Corcoran Gallery of Art. Located a block from the White House, the gallery focuses on late-19th and 20th century painting and sculpture, exhibiting works by Mary Cassat, Winslow Homer, Edgar Degas, and Claude Monet. The gallery also hosts a variety of traveling exhibitions. An added draw is the building's unusual and inspiring architecture.
For fans of modern art, The Phillips Collection is an essential stop on any D.C. art tour. Founded in 1921, the collection is considered one of the first Modern Art museums in the world. Located in the historic Dupont Circle neighborhood, the collection houses pieces by Matisse, Picasso, Cezanne, Manet, Chardin, and Renoir.
The National Museum of Women in the Arts, as its name suggests, focuses on art created by women. Exhibits span the globe throughout history, from the roles of women in ancient Mexico and Peru to contemporary Scandinavian designers. Paintings, drawings, photography, sculpture, and other pieces are all represented. The museum is the only one of its kind in the world, devoted solely to women's art.
Finally, as for those smaller galleries throughout town, the Dupont Circle neighborhood is D.C.'s most active gallery district. On the first Friday of each month, between 6:00 and 8:00 p.m., the neighborhood hosts "First Fridays." During this event, art patrons can walk from gallery to gallery, sipping complimentary wine and chatting with artists and gallery owners. When 8:00 rolls around, the neighborhood's restaurants and bars come alive with entertainment, music, and food for the crowds of art lovers.
In the realm of art, the nation's capital stands shoulder to shoulder with any city in the world. The city's museums and galleries present such diverse and vast works that whatever genre and period you prefer, you'll find it in D.C.
