Smithsonian American Art Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
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
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
How to get there
- Gallery Place • 2 min walk
- Metro Center • 6 min walk
Best nearby
Restaurants
2,210 within 3 miles
Attractions
586 within 6 miles
See what other travelers are saying
- coombsfamily5204 contributionsLove the grandeur of this buildingWe 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.Visited January 2020Written January 21, 2020
- Morten PCopenhagen, Denmark446 contributionsGrand, just grand.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.Visited October 2019Written April 13, 2020
- LisandroVoyagerWashington DC, District of Columbia782 contributionsA beautifully presented exhibit of naturalist and man of letters Alexander von HumboldtThe 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.Visited July 2021Written July 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,576 reviews
Excellent
1,101
Very good
373
Average
84
Poor
13
Terrible
5
MidwestKathM
Detroit, MI869 contributions
May 2022
Despite many visits to our nation's capital, this was our first time visiting this Smithsonian Museum, given that it is several blocks off the National Mall. Both the American Art Museum and the National Portrait Gallery are housed here. Having a limited amount of time here, about 90 minutes, I had checked the SAAM website to ascertain whether works by favorite artists are held by SAAM and in what galleries they are hung so, with list in hand, we headed to see the Gilded Age and Impressionism galleries designed to bring out the best of some awesome works of art!! Beyond that, we found it difficult to get around, with some galleries closed and the courtyard and mezzanine being prepared for post-closing events whose guests were already wandering about the museum. The map we picked up at the front desk was less than helpful in locating several smaller galleries on the upper floors. The security guards tried to assist us, and while we saw some terrific galleries and works along the way, there were still things we could not locate.
Written May 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JNYCwriter
New York City, NY6,856 contributions
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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sasitorn
Bangkok, Thailand12 contributions
Apr 2019
Smithsonian American Art Museum is one of the top ten landmarks you must visit if you go to Washington D.C. It is interesting for people of all ages. You can enjoy yourself watching models and historical artifacts. It is really educational for visitors no matter they are children or adults. You can have great pictures there if you love taking pictures and post them on your social-networking sites! Nice souvenirs are available there!
Written January 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SeeYosemite
San Francisco, CA95 contributions
Feb 2023 • Family
This place has 3 floors that contain many artifacts of American art. I was not expecting to see so many artistic works of various disciplines. Would recommend to take a good 4-5 hrs to inspect all the aspects of the exhibits. There is also a small cafe inside when you will need a break. Did I mention that the entrance is free like most museums in DC.
Written February 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eriko
Santa Monica, CA198 contributions
Apr 2022
Depending on your interests, you can stay as long as you want, and breeze through the galleries you are not interested in. Our feet were tired from all the walking, but we really wanted to see the Art Museum, so we breezed through the areas we didn't have the energy for and paused and absorbed through the galleries wer liked! There is something for everyone. There are benches to sit on to rest in most galleries too.
Written May 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nycmom22
New York City, NY3,151 contributions
Dec 2022 • Solo
I want to clear up confusion. This museum is physically connected to The National Portrait Gallery. This museum is administratively connected to the Renwick Gallery.
Right now it has a large exhibit by self-taught artists that made my visit!
Right now it has a large exhibit by self-taught artists that made my visit!
Written December 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
goingoutside2015
Wayland, MA17 contributions
Mar 2023
We visited the National Protrait Gallery within this impressive musuem, but will return to see the rest of its treasures.
We took our time with the only full collection outside the White House of portraits of all U.S. Presidents, reading the notes next to each painting. Worth a visit for the art of portraiture alone (artists include Norman Rockwell, Robert Anderson, Margaret Lindsay Williams, Kehinde Wiley), it was a broad learning experience for three generations visiting together.
We took our time with the only full collection outside the White House of portraits of all U.S. Presidents, reading the notes next to each painting. Worth a visit for the art of portraiture alone (artists include Norman Rockwell, Robert Anderson, Margaret Lindsay Williams, Kehinde Wiley), it was a broad learning experience for three generations visiting together.
Written March 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
flo220
New York City, NY289 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
The Smithsonian American Art Museum shares its building with the National Portrait Gallery. I enjoyed the Portrait Gallery more -- probably because I am more interested in history than art and was able to learn more from the portraits. The American Art museum is well laid out and is small enough to be very doable in a few hours. Free to enter. Cafeteria in the middle of the building is very pleasant.
Written July 27, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jydeoo
Lagos, Nigeria2,311 contributions
Sep 2022 • Solo
Smithsonian American Art Museum is a good art lover destination in Washington D.C. It is just a few blocks away from the National Mall, and its content stands as a testament to the rich artistic heritage of America. As you step inside, you'll be captivated by the diverse collection of American art, showcasing historical and modern art pieces.
What makes this experience even more enticing is that the museum is conveniently connected to the National Portrait Gallery, offering a two-in-one artistic experience. Some of the portraits on display are both intriguing and abstract, providing a unique perspective on the subjects they depict.
Whether you're an art lover or simply looking to explore the cultural gems of D.C., the Smithsonian American Art Museum should be on your list. You can easily spend an entire day here, immersing yourself in the beauty and creativity that surrounds you. And if you need a moment of rest, the museum boasts a charming courtyard where you can unwind and recharge.
It was enchanting experience which I warmly recommend.
What makes this experience even more enticing is that the museum is conveniently connected to the National Portrait Gallery, offering a two-in-one artistic experience. Some of the portraits on display are both intriguing and abstract, providing a unique perspective on the subjects they depict.
Whether you're an art lover or simply looking to explore the cultural gems of D.C., the Smithsonian American Art Museum should be on your list. You can easily spend an entire day here, immersing yourself in the beauty and creativity that surrounds you. And if you need a moment of rest, the museum boasts a charming courtyard where you can unwind and recharge.
It was enchanting experience which I warmly recommend.
Written August 31, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Oliver A
Leeds, UK181 contributions
Sep 2023 • Friends
This museum was pretty average. Lots of artwork to see and some cool pieces. But I thought a lot of the art was poor.
It's free and you can just walk in. I'd skip unless there's nothing else you can do. It's open a bit later compared to other Smithsonian museums which is good.
It's free and you can just walk in. I'd skip unless there's nothing else you can do. It's open a bit later compared to other Smithsonian museums which is good.
Written September 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
darkfalcon500
Fresno, CA30 contributions
How long would it take to visit here and the portrait gallery
johnny_simpatico
Jacksonville, FL37 contributions
One could spend hours there. My limit for any museum is about 90 minutes. This museum is centrally located downtown and it's free to enter. I would recommend one visit to the American Art side and second visit to the Portrait Gallery.
Wilson K
Franklin, TN
What is a good amount of time to budget for a family with mature children?
SKL2010
Falls Church, VA28 contributions
2 hours on one side (the Am Art Museum), break for lunch in the courtyard or at one of the places nearby, and then 2 hours on the other side (Nat'l. Portrait Gallery). Highly recommend going up to the top floor gallery of the side that used to the US Patent and Trademark Office. It's so quiet up there and the photographs and art are fantastic. You almost have the place to yourself, which is rare in a DC museum.
Alan B
Auckland, New Zealand6 contributions
I am in Washington in late September and want to see historical quilts, is his the museum I see them? How many are on view, seems wen I look at websites they always say "not on view"
PlatinumHoney
Los Angeles, CA2,109 contributions
If it is the National Quilt Collection you are interested in seeing, it is part of the division of Home and Community Life's Textile Collection, and it is on display at the National Museum of American History (Constitution Ave. bet. 12-14th streets). There are a lot of Smithsonians, so sometimes hard to figure out what's where! Have a good visit!
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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
- 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
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Smithsonian American Art Museum:
- Day or Night Grand Tour of Washington DC with Stops at 8+ Sites (From $59.00)
- Big Bus Washington DC Open Top Hop-On Hop-Off Tour (From $54.00)
- Washington DC After Dark Night Tour with Stops at 8+ Sites (From $59.00)
- New York to Washington DC Day Trip by Rail (From $350.94)
- Washington DC Private Multilingual VIP Tour (From $493.16)
- Hotels near Smithsonian American Art Museum:
- (0.09 mi) Riggs Washington DC
- (0.07 mi) Kimpton Hotel Monaco Washington DC
- (0.16 mi) Motto By Hilton Washington DC City Center
- (0.22 mi) Grand Hyatt Washington
- (0.26 mi) Conrad Washington DC
- Restaurants near Smithsonian American Art Museum:
- (0.07 mi) Zaytinya by José Andrés
- (0.10 mi) HipCityVeg
- (0.06 mi) Ella's Wood-Fired Pizza
- (0.07 mi) Nando's PERi-PERi
- (0.09 mi) Clyde's of Gallery Place
Smithsonian American Art Museum Information
Excellent Reviews | 1,101 |
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Very Good Reviews | 373 |
Smithsonian American Art Museum Photos | 1,134 |