We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers: Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox. Mac: Safari.
All 337 Washington DC Attractions »

National Gallery of Art

West Building, Constitution Avenue and 6th Avenue, Washington DC, DC 20565
202-737-4215
I. M. Pei's East Wing
Calder mobile
Remember the movie "Glory"?
She was working on a replica of one of Degas' paintings.
92 visitor photos
Ranked #3 of 214 attractions in Washington DC
4.5 of 5 stars 490 Reviews
Type: Art Museums
Activities: Group tours/walking tour, Dining, Ice skating
Owner description: One of the world's greatest art museums is comprised of two buildings: one holds paintings from the 13th through the 18th centuries and the other...... more » Owner description: One of the world's greatest art museums is comprised of two buildings: one holds paintings from the 13th through the 18th centuries and the other exhibits modern art. « less
Update attraction details
Write a Review

490 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    387
    79
    15
    6
    3
Date Rating
Tel-Aviv
Senior Contributor
36 reviews 36 reviews
Reviews in 21 cities Reviews in 21 cities
23 helpful votes 23 helpful votes
“Not to be missed!”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 21, 2012 NEW

The building Is beautiful, even the restaurant is huge and comfortable There is modern art (like Miro) and Not modern (Matisse, Rembrandt) and sculptures The museum is very big so I recommend to decide the paintings or sculptures that interest you to make the visit easier and shorter (if you are short of time as I was) More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by vdany for Washington DC
atlanta
Senior Contributor
39 reviews 39 reviews
Reviews in 21 cities Reviews in 21 cities
22 helpful votes 22 helpful votes
“So many masterpieces so little time”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 21, 2012 NEW

Allow plenty of time for this art museum which is divided into 2 buildings, east is early art through impressionism and west is modern(building is being expanded but is all open). I tried a docent tour in one and a free audio tour in the other and prefer the audio tour which is very informative and you can go at... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by buttondeb for Washington DC
Hercules,CA
Senior Contributor
41 reviews 41 reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
16 helpful votes 16 helpful votes
“A magnificent collection”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 21, 2012 NEW

We attended the Fiesta Asia Street Festival across the street from the museum, its open until 6pm on Saturday, great pace to visit we got to see the collection of Matisse and Joan Miro . the gift shop is expansive and some of the item are on sale i got the Gauguin Maker of Myth calender 2012 for .75 cents... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 21 more reviews by jhenie for Washington DC
Alpine, Utah
Senior Contributor
42 reviews 42 reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
“Not my kind of art”
3 of 5 stars Reviewed May 21, 2012 NEW

Some sculptures and paintings look sloppy or accidental to me, but they claim to be extremely valuable. I guess it's just not my kind of art. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 9 more reviews by Larry L for Washington DC
Cleveland, Ohio
Senior Contributor
22 reviews 22 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
“Wonderful gallery”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 21, 2012 NEW

This is a great gallery, full of original pieces never seen anywhere else. In order to understand some of the art, I suggest taking a docent led tour, so that you can get some fascinating insights into why some of the paintings are done the way they are, and get more of a full appreciation for the meanings of the... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 4 more reviews by marnster321 for Washington DC
Victoria
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
“Not our cup of tea......it's old art, and not much easily accessible information to make it interesting.”
2 of 5 stars Reviewed May 18, 2012 NEW

If we were to do again, we would likely take one of the headsets that give you information. The 'quick' highlights (20 things to see) was good for us, as we got to see Da Vinci and the 'name' artists, but overall, not great. More about us, than the actual museum though. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 6 more reviews by Allan M for Washington DC
Castle Rock, Colorado, United States
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
“National Gallery of Art”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 18, 2012 NEW

great place to see beautiful, original artwork and not hear any screaming and disrespectful children. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by Lisa P for Washington DC
Westerville, Ohio
Senior Contributor
32 reviews 32 reviews
Reviews in 17 cities Reviews in 17 cities
14 helpful votes 14 helpful votes
“No one should miss it!”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 17, 2012 NEW

If yout time is limited, look at their website in advance to determine what is most important to you to see. You can't possibly see it all in even several visits so make sure you make your time worthwhile. It's an amazing museum but it can be overwhelming. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 4 more reviews by TessGeer for Washington DC
Charlotte, North Carolina
Top Contributor
54 reviews 54 reviews
Reviews in 20 cities Reviews in 20 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
“Amazing”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 17, 2012 NEW

It is incredible that so much beautiful art is here for all to see and it doesn't cost a dime like so many other museums. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 4 more reviews by mad4nc for Washington DC
Hampshire, UK
Top Contributor
50 reviews 50 reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
21 helpful votes 21 helpful votes
“We popped in for a few minutes, but stayed hours”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 17, 2012 NEW

The National Gallery of Art was not really on our list of things to visit. We mainly went in as we had been told that the Cascades Cafe was one of the best places near the mall to have lunch. As we were in the building anyway, it seemed silly not to spend a few minutes looking at selected works.... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 12 more reviews by williams_tj for Washington DC

Travelers who viewed National Gallery of Art also viewed

Smithsonian Institution
Smithsonian Institution
4.5 of 5 stars 641 Reviews
Washington DC, DC
Newseum
Newseum
4.5 of 5 stars 908 Reviews
Washington DC, DC
 
Library of Congress
Library of Congress
4.5 of 5 stars 461 Reviews
Washington DC, DC
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
4.5 of 5 stars 555 Reviews
Washington DC, DC
 
All things to do in Washington DC (337)

Been to National Gallery of Art? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage National Gallery of Art, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

Manage your listing

Hotels travelers are raving about...

All hotels in Washington DC (123)

Browse nearby

Things to Do (337) | Hotels (123) | Restaurants (1324)
National Gallery of Art
West Building Constitution Avenue and 6th Avenue
Washington DC, DC 20565
Get Directions
What's Nearby:
Click map pins for more information.
Sponsor:
Which Washington DC hotels are on sale?
See hotels

Free Washington DC Guide

Get the best picks for where to eat, sleep, and play.
 
Download your guide now!
Get it now

Popular Washington DC attractions

Hotels around Washington DC

Explore the world
Sightseeing
Travel Destinations
Hotels
See all sites
Cruise Critic

The ultimate cruise resource: cruise reviews, deals, news and advice.

SeatGuru

The world's most comprehensive source for airline seats, airline info, & in-flight amenities.

Family Vacation Critic

The best family vacations start here.

Get the #1 travel app FREE>>
Take TripAdvisor with you

Find 50 million reviews & opinions of hotels, things to do, restaurants and more

GET IT
Named "#1 Travel App" by Frommer's