National Portrait Gallery
National Portrait Gallery, Washington DC: Hours, Address, National Portrait Gallery Reviews: 4.5/5
National Portrait Gallery
National Portrait Gallery
4.5
11:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday
11:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
11:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
11:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
11:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
11:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
11:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
11:30 AM - 7:00 PM
About
Visitors can view the portraits of all the U.S. presidents.
Suggested duration
< 1 hour
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Downtown / Chinatown
How to get there
- Gallery Place • 2 min walk
- Archives • 6 min walk
Best nearby
Restaurants
2,949 within 3 miles
Barmini
274
0.1 mi$$$$ • Bar
Rasika
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0.2 mi$$$$ • Indian • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
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0.1 mi$ • Quick Bites • American • Fast Food
Pi Pizzeria
1,272
463 ft$$ - $$$ • Italian • American • Pizza
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435 ft$$ - $$$ • Lebanese • Mediterranean • European
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2,512
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • Latin • Mediterranean • Spanish
Ristorante TOSCA
641
0.2 mi$$$$ • Italian • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Fiola
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0.3 mi$$$$ • Italian • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Karma Modern Indian
113
0.3 mi$$$$ • Indian • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Luke's Lobster Penn Quarter
716
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • Quick Bites • American • Seafood
Attractions
575 within 6 miles
Freshfarm Penn Quarter Market
1
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Smithsonian American Art Museum
1,550
165 ftArt Museums • History Museums
Donald W. Reynolds Center for American Art and Portraiture
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721
0.1 miArenas & Stadiums
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8
248 ftPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Ford's Theatre
4,293
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1
0.1 miTheaters
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15
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45
0.1 miReligious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals
Contribute
Popular mentions
4.5
3,515 reviews
Excellent
2,619
Very good
767
Average
118
Poor
10
Terrible
1
LarryGentry
San Francisco, California176 contributions
Dec 2021
When I planned my December 2021 trip to DC, I didn't factor in that the museums have staggered days they aren't open (I was used to them being open daily). The Portrait Gallery is one of my favorite places. Of course, they have all the President's portraits even through the Barack and Michelle Obama portraits are currently on tour across the country. I was also looking for the George Washington "unfinished" portrait which doesn't seem to be on display anymore. It's free, it's interesting, so give yourself a few hours. I particularly love the WPA art on display.
Written December 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
BenLar137
Calgary, Canada13,668 contributions
Oct 2021
We didn't know how much we would enjoy this amazing gallery. So many familiar faces, beautifully rendered. It's like a walk through the history of American television, theatre, history, sports, achievement, and culture. Don't miss it if you're in DC!
Written November 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Tina D
charlotte nc141 contributions
Oct 2021
Me & my husband stopped in here while waiting for our room to be ready. It was really neat to see all the portraits I would recommend it if you have a few hours to kill.
Written October 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Bill
8 contributions
Aug 2021
I stopped in here when I had a couple of spare hours between seeing other sites. I wish that I had more time to spend here; it was quite interesting.
Written August 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
sloomis31
Bristol, WI896 contributions
Aug 2021
Our visit to the National Portrait Gallery was largely a surprise result of how little there was to see at the Air & Space Museum. The air circulation, temperature, and friendly staff were a marked change from that other museum. We crossed the gorgeous courtyard and went to the Presidential Portrait Gallery. Elegant portraits from Washington to Trump lined the walls and served as a neat history lesson for all of us. There was plenty of space to walk and you didn't feel rushed if you wanted to read one of the signs. I especially liked the Kennedy and Lincoln portraits. We only had about an hour to take it all in, but I am so glad we stopped by. This is one museum I highly recommend and will return to because there is so much more to see.
Written August 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
jmgrier
Marlborough, MA102 contributions
Aug 2021
We stopped here for an hour or so before our dinner reservation. Many interesting things to see and read, especially the presidents exhibit. Wonderful that it's free and open a little later than other museums.
Written August 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Tori
Stanford, CA48 contributions
Aug 2021
I loved this place. been to quite a few art museums but this one is at the top. the president portrait section is incredible and a great way to reflect on history
Written August 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Hank and Bonnie H
Toledo, WA66 contributions
Aug 2021
You can spend al day or just a few hours. We loved the presidential portraits, but there is so much more to see. Look for the Rosa Parks statue -- it's small, in a case in the presidential portrait area.
Written August 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Fantastic4Tees
46 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
I have been a few times on business trips and loved it so I brought my family this week and it was no good. There’s were 3 keys pieces we came to see; The Barack Obama painting, The Michelle Obama painting and the Duane Hanson sculpture (woman eating) didn’t get to see any of them. The worker had no idea where anything was located. Finally someone told us the portraits where traveling. The DH sculpture was in a part of the museum that had been closed off. One of the workers was kind enough to let my husband peek through the door to somewhat see the sculpture(see pic, zoom in).
It’s a great museum but call before you visit to make sure you don’t waste your time especially if there are specific things you want to see.
It’s a great museum but call before you visit to make sure you don’t waste your time especially if there are specific things you want to see.
Written August 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Arlington7175
Arlington, VA247 contributions
Jul 2021
Every few years I visit the National Portrait Gallery. The most visited (and my favorite collection) is the US presidents. Of course, you do need to have an interest in history to enjoy the collection. However, it is a nice way to spend an afternoon refreshing yourself on those big blanks we often draw between the more famous presidents. The captions are interesting and help focus you mind on not just the president, but the time that they governed.
Note, some of the reviewers thought the captions had a partisan tone against Republicans. I disagree but you can decide for yourself. For example, Clinton’s scandals, Wilson’s segregationist sentiments, Carter’s economic challenges, and Johnson’s foreign policy failings – all 20th century Democrats were identified. It was just facts (of course there are alternative facts too ; - ) if the real facts challenge your preferred reality), and unfortunately, we are all prone to gloss over the truth to fit our preferences…but a real democracy requires a well-informed citizenry to think about all sides even when it doesn’t fit their preferred realities. This includes scrutinizing our leaders- past and present, so that hopefully the future will be better. I believe this collection is a nice, neutral forum to facilitate (at least in part) that goal.
For me, it is interesting to think about our evolution as a country and in spite of the imperfections of our how we were blessed to have certain presidents while at the same time sighing relief that we survived in spite of other presidents. :- /
However, the museum includes lots of other portraits and interesting sculptures illustrating the American experience. There are also some really nice landscapes and portraits of non-famous Americans. On this last visit, we were there for 2+ hours and only visited one floor, so I think you could spend 3-4 hours if you are into this genre.
The courtyard is beautiful with its glass ceiling and running water and a nice spot to relax or even wait for a loved one if you aren’t into this museum.
The price is right--Free!! Plus, I don’t think the National Portrait Gallery always gets the love and attention it deserves, but I look at this as a plus..since it usually means fewer people and more breathing room for you to enjoy the high-quality exhibits.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
Note, some of the reviewers thought the captions had a partisan tone against Republicans. I disagree but you can decide for yourself. For example, Clinton’s scandals, Wilson’s segregationist sentiments, Carter’s economic challenges, and Johnson’s foreign policy failings – all 20th century Democrats were identified. It was just facts (of course there are alternative facts too ; - ) if the real facts challenge your preferred reality), and unfortunately, we are all prone to gloss over the truth to fit our preferences…but a real democracy requires a well-informed citizenry to think about all sides even when it doesn’t fit their preferred realities. This includes scrutinizing our leaders- past and present, so that hopefully the future will be better. I believe this collection is a nice, neutral forum to facilitate (at least in part) that goal.
For me, it is interesting to think about our evolution as a country and in spite of the imperfections of our how we were blessed to have certain presidents while at the same time sighing relief that we survived in spite of other presidents. :- /
However, the museum includes lots of other portraits and interesting sculptures illustrating the American experience. There are also some really nice landscapes and portraits of non-famous Americans. On this last visit, we were there for 2+ hours and only visited one floor, so I think you could spend 3-4 hours if you are into this genre.
The courtyard is beautiful with its glass ceiling and running water and a nice spot to relax or even wait for a loved one if you aren’t into this museum.
The price is right--Free!! Plus, I don’t think the National Portrait Gallery always gets the love and attention it deserves, but I look at this as a plus..since it usually means fewer people and more breathing room for you to enjoy the high-quality exhibits.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
Written July 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Approximately how long does it take to walk through?
IntrepidGin
Saint Charles, IL77 contributions
Take a look at the website and determine what you absolutely don’t want to miss. If you arrive a little before the museum opens, yo should not have an isssue with crowds. The presidential portrait exhibit is excellent. Be sure to visit the room where Michelle Obama’s portrait is located!
Marisie007
Washington DC, DC18 contributions
Are there still long wait lines to enter?
RustonTraveller
Bossier City, LA295 contributions
No wait to enter. I’ve seen a 10-15 minute wait to stand in front of President Obama’s portrait (Weekend), Mrs Obama’s portrait was just crowded.
vanemburghsusie
Ridgewood, NJ
Are wheelchairs available at this site?
Robert P
Kentucky152 contributions
I do not believe so
vanemburghsusie
Ridgewood, NJ
Are there wheelchairs available to rent?
Gooner10-8
Dublin, Ireland1,932 contributions
Hi there :
You should take a look at the National Portrait Gallery's own website.
You'll find quite a lot of helpful information under the VISIT - ACCESSIBILITY section, including the following : "For your comfort, wheelchairs can be borrowed by asking the security officer stationed at each museum entrance".
[It might also be a good idea to "double-check" wheelchair availability with the museum in advance of your intended visit, using the Phone and/or Email details on their website]
Enjoy your visit to this wonderful museum!
How long did it take you?
Greg M
Chicago, IL42 contributions
I went on a Monday, not a Saturday or Sunday. I walked right in, upstairs to see Michelle Obama on the 3rd floor, then down to the 2nd floor to see her husband. Easy breezy.
MJ1222
Chestnut Hill, MA83 contributions
How far is the National Portrait Gallery from the Convention Center? Is it walkable from hotel/center to the gallery? (Coming to DC in a few weeks for a conference and would love to slip away to visit the Gallery.) Thank you!
yowsah1
Lansing, MI538 contributions
As mentioned above the fastest way to get there would be to take the Metro, otherwise it's a fairly short (10 minutes or so) walk.
Do you need tickets in advance?
Frederic S
16 contributions
No, you can simply walk in. If you visit during the week it is fairly quiet and even on weekends, it doesn't feel that busy (it is so vast that you don't notice the crowds!). There is no charge, unless there is a specific exhibition. I recommend half a day at least to see it all or simply go back the following day for a couple of hours. Do not miss the presidential portrait gallery and the contemporary American artists on the top floor. Enjoy!
darkfalcon500
Fresno, CA30 contributions
Is the famous George Washington portrait on display right now? The website claims it has been off display since February of last year and will be till fall this year
Josie1952
Lexington, KY USA30 contributions
It’s available now but earlier the Gallery was under construction.
darkfalcon500
Fresno, CA30 contributions
Is the famous George Washington portrait on display right now? The website claims it has been off display since February of last year and will be till fall this year
atlantaru17
Atlanta, GA15 contributions
No I did not see it at all.
Frequently Asked Questions about National Portrait Gallery
- National Portrait Gallery is open:
- Sun - Sat 11:30 AM - 7:00 PM
- We recommend booking National Portrait Gallery tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 6 National Portrait Gallery tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience National Portrait Gallery:
- Smithsonian Portrait Gallery & American Art Museum Guided Tour - Private Tour (From $79.50)
- Washington DC Sightseeing Trolley Tour with 1 Stop (From $49.00)
- Smithsonian Portrait Gallery & American Art Museum Tour - 8ppl Max (From $79.50)
- Private Day or Night SUV Tour of DC Stopping at your Wishlist of DC Sites (From $549.00)
- Washington DC Super Saver: Hop-on Hop-off Trolley + Monuments by Moonlight Tour (From $94.00)
- Hotels near National Portrait Gallery:
- (0.06 mi) Riggs Washington DC
- (0.06 mi) Kimpton Hotel Monaco Washington DC
- (0.19 mi) Motto by Hilton Washington DC City Center
- (0.12 mi) Stay Alfred on 8th Street
- (0.22 mi) Grand Hyatt Washington
- Restaurants near National Portrait Gallery:
- (0.03 mi) Olivia
- (0.11 mi) Barmini
- (0.09 mi) Pi Pizzeria
- (0.08 mi) Zaytinya
- (0.09 mi) Succotash
- Attractions near National Portrait Gallery:
- (0.02 mi) Freshfarm Penn Quarter Market
- (0.02 mi) DC Brew Tours
- (0.03 mi) Attucks Adams
- (0.03 mi) Smithsonian American Art Museum
- (0.08 mi) Donald W. Reynolds Center for American Art and Portraiture