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Smithsonian American Art Museum

Smithsonian American Art Museum, Washington DC: Hours, Address, Smithsonian American Art Museum Reviews: 4.5/5

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Smithsonian American Art Museum

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See all things to do
Smithsonian American Art Museum
4.5
1,545
#21 of 483 things to do in Washington DC
Art Museums • History Museums
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
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About
The Smithsonian American Art Museum shares its collections, programs, and exhibitions in two locations in Washington, DC. SAAM’s main building is located at the heart of a vibrant downtown cultural district.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Downtown / Chinatown
How to get there
  • Gallery Place • 2 min walk
  • Metro Center • 6 min walk
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Popular mentions
4.5
1,545 reviews
Excellent
1,086
Very good
362
Average
80
Poor
13
Terrible
4
LisandroVoyager
Washington DC, DC756 contributions
A beautifully presented exhibit of naturalist and man of letters Alexander von Humboldt
Jul 2021
The Alexander von Humboldt exhibition was beautiful to the eye, and featured very informative panels relating the exhibit's varied art pieces to his research interests and to the context of the budding American republic. It relates how he cultivated high level figures here in the USA and influenced them much later in his life. He also influenced the nation's arts community specifically in the area of landscape painting and portrayal of Indian/Native American figures and their life scenes. It is due to close 15 July but it's worth checking if the exhibit will travel elsewhere after it closes. There are a few videos to see in the exhibit and also on the Smithsonian website.
Written July 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
jessica p
Westlake, OH104 contributions
lots of great art
Jun 2021
Really enjoyed this museum. Did have to get timed entry pass. Had weird rule you have to wear backpack in front. Most of staff very nice, a few very brusque about backpack rule (heaven forbid your back pack fall to side of you)
Written June 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
JNYCwriter
New York City, NY6,758 contributions
Grand History
Oct 2020 • Friends
I am always amazed with the many museums that constitute the Smithsonian. The American Museum of American history does not disappoint. In my mind, I tend to believe I am familiar with American history and realize how little I know when I arrive at this museum.
Written October 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Rajesh
2 contributions
The best museums ever visited - Smithsonian
Dec 2019
The experience of visiting Smithsonian museums was exciting, interesting and learned and explored art in various forms.
Written June 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Morten P
Copenhagen, Denmark334 contributions
Grand, just grand.
Oct 2019
All I can say about this place is ... it is nothing less than magnificent.
I could imagine that you will never be "finished" with this place, that you find new things and details in paintings and other works of art from time to time.
Is a "must see" place in Washington D.C.
Written April 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
SDTravelMom
San Diego, CA338 contributions
First time, but won't be the last
Oct 2019
This is a very large museum. I decided not to try to see it all. Walked just a few of the galleries, so I could truly enjoy the wonderful art. Wear good walking shoes!
Written March 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jude G
Gibsons, Canada343 contributions
Great exhibits
Mar 2019 • Family
The exhibits here appeal to everyone.they are well displayed and plenty of room to appreciate and view. It is also a wonderful thing to take your children to witness culture and art for free.
Written February 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Wanderlust777
Lutherville, MD1,169 contributions
Open late + a bonanza of American art on the second floor
Feb 2020
First a confession: we were at the museum because it is the only branch of the Smithsonian to stay open late (it doesn't close until 7 pm, while all the other museums shut down at 5:30). It's the perfect place to come in the late afternoon, since you can enjoy a coffee or tea break in the lovely atrium while you regain your strength after a day of sightseeing. Typically, we focus on the special exhibits when we visit here. This time we started off with a very enjoyable collection of George Catlin paintings of buffalo and Indian life, supplemented by modern Indian takes on the buffalo. This was tucked away in a few rooms on the second floor, so we just kept ambling down the hallway into the permanent collection. There we discovered a treasure trove of outstanding 19th and early 20th century painting by both famous and lesser known American artists. There was an entire room devoted to the works of Henry Ossawa Tanner -- a talented African-American painter who was completely unknown to me. My advice: just go and get lost amidst the treasures. There is so much to see here!
Written February 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
coombsfamily5
Rhode Island204 contributions
Love the grandeur of this building
Jan 2020
We took a 4:30 tour to view the history of western art. A fascinating view of parts of the collection with a very informative guide. The guide was very accommodating to our daughter who was in a wheelchair. Lovely way to spend part of a cold January Sunday afternoon.
Written January 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tricia A
Louisville, OH216 contributions
Must-see for art lovers
Dec 2019 • Family
Beautiful classic art - and in a building with amazing architecture ! There is a nice cafe inside and places to sit and relax along the way. Check out any traveling exhibits and don't miss the French Impressionist galleries ! FYI - staff members were not particularly friendly, but that seems to be the case at all the Smithsonians.
Written January 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Smithsonian American Art Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum is open:
  • Sun - Sat 11:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Buy tickets in advance on Tripadvisor. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.
We recommend booking Smithsonian American Art Museum 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 9 Smithsonian American Art Museum tours on Tripadvisor
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