It is in the same building as the National Portrait Gallery. Very good selection of contemporary artists.

The exhibits just plain take your breath away and keep your interest for hours. This is a must visit location.

I took a painting class at the museum and it was a wonderful experience. The teacher knew when to chime in on our artwork and when to let us discover things on our own.

I loved the portraits, and learned much about the celebrities and statesmen. I had originally set aside 2 hours, but stayed longer, and still didn't see all that I wanted to. The visitors guide and map provided doesn't describe what items are show in each section, so it would really be best to plan your visit on arrival and decide... More 

Problem with the free Smithsonian Museums and visitors is that there are 14 or 15 of them and sadly most people (myself included) can't do more than 2 a day. So hosting touring friends requires detailed discussion. For Foreign guests I always suggest this museum because it has one of the best collections of American art of any museum in... More 

Though to the highest of standards, both our teenagers and our 6-year old loved it. The 6-year old went around taking pictures of the paintings, their mom went around saying: Oh, this painter, oh that painter, they are all here! Amazing! And what great museum shop :)

After a full day of seminars this is one of the places to run off too. Beautiful structure,exhibits and history. Great area for pictures and if you love art it's a must see, just a few blocks from the National Parks.

spend time in this truely american Icon worth the extra time in DC along with all the smithsonian building can spend more than a week in just the smithsonian building.

This building, a few blocks or so from the Mall, North of the Gallery of Art West Wing houses both the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the Portrait Gallery. It's worth the walk to get lunch at Hill Country BBQ halfway up the hill. I personally think the American Art holds its own against the National Gallery East & West.... More