Freer And Sackler Galleries
The Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery share connected buildings on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. and comprise the Smithsonians museum of Asian art. The museums contains one of the most important collections of Asian art in the world, featuring more than 40,000 objects dating from the Neolithic period to the present day, with especially fine groupings of Islamic art Chinese jades, bronzes, and paintings and the art of the ancient Near East.
Exhibits also include masterworks from Japan, ancient Egypt, South and Southeast Asia, and Korea, as well as a noted collection of American art. The Freer-Sackler presents a full schedule of free public events, including films, lectures, symposia, concerts, and discussions.
Museums Galleries And Zoo Search Results
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10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. TuesdaySunday12 to 5:30 p.m. Monday
- New York, NYSee on Map
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, except Dec. 25
- New York, NYSee on Map
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day except TuesdaysClosed Thanksgiving and Dec. 25
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Summer hours through September 15:10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. SaturdayWednesday11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. ThursdayFriday
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10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily, except Dec. 25Sculpture Garden 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily
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8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily Closed Dec. 25
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Summer hours through September 15:10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. SaturdayWednesday11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. ThursdayFriday
Freer Gallery Of Art And Arthur M Sackler Gallery
A vast collection of Asian art fills the rooms of these galleries on the Mall. Inside the Freers palazzo-style building is a collection that spans 6,000 years and comprises more than 25,000 objects, including Chinese paintings, Japanese ink drawings, Buddhist sculptures, and Korean ceramics. Highlights from the Sackler Gallerys collection include Iranian metalworks and Chinese bronzes.
12th St. and Jefferson Dr., SW 1050 Independence Ave., SW 202-633-1000 Free.
Founded in 1981, this museum has an extensive collection showcasing six centuries of female contributions to the arts, from Flemish painter Clara Peeters to Frida Kahlo and Georgia OKeeffe.
1250 New York Ave., NW 202-783-5000 $8 to $10.
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National Museum Of American History
National Museum of American History
Over four million people make their way to the vast National Museum of American History each year. No surprise, since the museums collection boasts more than three million objects that tell the American story. Among these, a few crowd favorites include the flag that inspired the Star-Spangled Banner, the Greensboro lunch counter, Julia Childs kitchen, Dorothys ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz and Abraham Lincolns stovepipe hat.
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The Hirshhorn Museum is known for its extensive collection of modern and contemporary art from around the world, including significant works by Pablo Picasso, Henry Moore and Yayoi Kusama. The sculpture garden, which is currently open, is a must-see, as it includes the famous Wish Tree by Yoko Ono. Note that the museum reopens on Aug. 20. Visit the Hirshhorn’s website for more information.
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One of the more recent permanent additions to the National Mall, the National Museum of the American Indian expresses the diversity of culture, language, history, tradition and futures of indigenous peoples of North and South America, from the Arctic Circle to the tip of Patagonia. Just outside of the museum, make sure to pay a visit to the new National Native American Veterans Memorial.
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Have Fun Enjoying The Washington Dc Art Scene
Well guys, we tried to cover the full art scene near you to the best of our abilities. We listed the best local galleries, museums, events, shows, supply stores, dealers, appraisers, walking tours, sculptures, classes, studios, and framers in your area.
Anyone that is still reading probably loves art as much as we do. You can let us know about any of your own tips and tricks in the comments at the end of the post, or please also let us know if we got anything wrong or if anything we posted is now out of date.
Have fun going to the galleries, museums, buying supplies or doing anything that has to do with art in Washington DC!
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Best Art Galleries & Museums In Washington Dc
When you visit the best art galleries and museums in Washington DC you are visiting some of the best in the world:
- Del Ray Artisans Gallery at 2704 Mt Vernon Ave, Alexandria
The National Gallery of Art features almost 150,000 works including Ginevra de Benci which is the only picture by Leonardo da Vinci in the Americas and groups of works by Titian and Raphael. The National Gallery is open 363 days a year from 10am to 5pm and offers a wide range of special exhibitions and public programming while admission to the museum is always free.
The Smithsonian American Art Museum houses one of the worlds largest and most diverse collections of American art with over 7,000 creators represented including the worlds largest collection of New Deal works. Nam June Paik, Jenny Holzer, David Hockney, Georgia OKeeffe, and many others are among the notables represented in the collection that is available from 10am to 5:30pm daily.
The Phillips Collection was Americas first museum of contemporary art opening in 1921 and today it houses almost 6,000 works. They offer education and community engagement activities for audiences of all ages and backgrounds in addition to presenting selections from the permanent collection and special exhibitions. The The Phillips Collection also hosts The Sunday Concerts which is one of the capitals longest-running music programs and you can head over from 11am to 6pm any day of the week but Monday when they are closed.
National Museum Of The American Indian
4th Street & Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20560
Hours: Wednesday Sunday 10:00 AM 5:30 PM
What started as a passion project for George Gustav Heye in 1897 has turned into one of the largest collections of Native artifacts in the Western Hemisphere. With catalog records representing over 12,000 years of history and 1,200 indigenous American cultures, youll find works of religious, historical, and aesthetic importance in addition to items which were created for everyday use.
While a good portion of the artifacts at the National Museum of the American Indian are archeological in nature, the museums holdings also include approximately 324,000 photographs dating from 1860 to present day. These collections have the potential to increase awareness of American Indian history and the relationship of native Americans to non-native societies.
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National Portrait Gallery And The Smithsonian American Art Museum
Taylor McIntyre / TripSavvy
The Smithsonian American Art Museum shares space with the National Portrait Gallery in a historic Greek Revival building that is one of the oldest public buildings in Washington, D.C. The American Art Museum is home to one of the largest and most inclusive collections of American art in the world. More than 7,000 artists are represented in the collection, including major masters such as John Singleton Copley, Gilbert Stuart, Winslow Homer, John Singer Sargent, Childe Hassam, Mary Cassatt, Georgia OKeeffe, Edward Hopper, Joseph Cornell, Jacob Lawrence, Helen Frankenthaler, Christo and Jeanne-Claude, David Hockney, Jenny Holzer, Lee Friedlander, Roy Lichtenstein, Nam June Paik, Irving Penn, Martin Puryear, Robert Rauschenberg and Bill Viola. Be sure to visit the National Portrait Gallery and see the only complete collection of presidential portraits outside of the White House.
Washington Dc Art Galleries Museums Supplies & More
Anyone that wants to learn about the local Washington DC art scene is in the right place. Galleries, museums, supplies, schools, shows, events and more will all be covered thoroughly right here.
We will start with the best Washington DC Art Galleries and Museums where you can see some of the citys most impressive exhibitions and collections. Up next you will read about where you can get all of the materials and supplies youll need at some of the best art stores in your area.
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Shows, festivals, and events that happen throughout the year will also get their own section. Art walking tours present a terrific opportunity to explore a range of styles in a short amount of time, and well also point you in the direction of the citys best sculptures and statues.
There are numerous art classes and lessons near you for both children and adults available too. Some of our more seasoned readers may not want any lessons so we will also mention how to find art studios for rent around town.
A list of the best framing shops will round things out. Towards the end there will be a local map with all of these spots pinned on it, and if you want you can look through our other posts on the Northeast region right there.
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United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
One of historys most important events, and one of its greatest tragedies, is the focus of this expansive museum. Learn the narrative of the Holocaust through artifacts, videos and personal stories in the Permanent Exhibition. For information regarding timed passes and health precautions, visit the museum’s website.
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The most visited natural history museum in the world, the National Museum of Natural History boasts an incredible rotating collection of 127 million items including dinosaur bones, the Hope Diamond, ancient Egyptian mummies and so much more. Prepare to be amazed, engaged, dazzled and more when you experience the museum’s 31,000-square-foot Deep Time exhibit, where you can journey back millions of years and see dinosaur fossils, learn about past mass extinctions and their resounding effects and witness the evolution of life from the oceans to ashore. The museum reopens on June 18, so make sure to check its website for info regarding timed passes, health precautions and more.
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Savor Free Community Day At The National Museum Of Women In The Arts
On the first Sunday of the month, one of the Districts most intriguing museums waives its admission charge. During Free Community Day, the National Museum of Women in the Arts opens up its collection and features programs that connect to its current exhibitions, helping you to discover the immense impact that women have on the world of art.
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Find Out Why Dc Is The Capital Of Free Museums And Interactive Exhibits From Groundbreaking Cultural Museums To Art Galleries And So Much More
Washington, DC is filled with free museums, from Smithsonians including the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the National Museum of Natural History and the National Air and Space Museum, to art-filled museums like the National Portrait Gallery and the National Gallery of Art. Free museum experiences should be part of any trip to DC, and we have laid out some of our favorites below.
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Art Dealers & Appraisers
You can buy new works or find out how much a piece is worth at these art dealers and appraisers near you:
- Simone Agoussoye Art at 3409 Wilson Blvd, Arlington
International Visions Gallery & Consulting provides a variety of things including collection management, curatorial services, public art commissions, and can assist with the sale of collections.
Zenith Gallery is a great place to find full-service art consulting for corporate and residential clients to ensure that your acquisition, placement, and management requirements are met successfully. They also assist clients with appraisals, insurance, and documentation.
De Andino Fine Arts provides advice on the formation and distribution of individual pieces of art as well as entire collections. They also offer appraisal services, purchasing and selling services through public auctions and private venues, as well as consulting services for museum donations and loans. Full installation service, assistance with conservation, and restoration of works of art are also available.
The Pakan Penn Fine Art Gallery is another place that sells art near you.
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List Of Museums In Washington Dc
This list of museums in Washington, D.C. encompasses museums defined for this context as institutions that collect and care for objects of cultural, artistic, scientific, or historical interest and make their collections or related exhibits available for public viewing. Also included are university and non-profit art galleries. Museums that exist only in cyberspace are not included.
Into The Living Memorial That Is The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum – Washington, DC
Dedicated to one of the worst tragedies in world history, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum educates its visitors on the dangers of hatred and the atrocities of genocide, as well as how society can confront challenges to freedom and human dignity. Its in-depth exhibits form some of the most essential viewing that DCs museums have to offer.
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Observe As Art Is Conserved
Get a behind-the-scenes look at the preservation of art in the Lunder Conservation Center. Its the first art conservation facility to allow the public permanent access to view essential conservation work of paintings and other art pieces. Inside, youll see staff from the National Portrait Gallery and the Smithsonian American Art Museum hard at work through floor-to-ceiling windows.
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National Museum Of African Art
950 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20560
Hours: Wednesday Sunday, 10:00 AM 5:30 PM
Located in the former townhome of Frederick Douglass and with a mission of teaching visitors how to look at African art in a way that promotes cross-cultural communication, the Museum of African Art began as a private education institution in 1964. In 1981 it transitioned to a public institution, was renamed the National Museum of African Art, and became another free museum in Washington D.C.
Between the collections, research facilities, conservation lab, exhibits, education, and public outreach programs, the Museum has expanded its reach and provides a rich assortment of artistic traditions. Exhibitions range from historic recapturings like Caravans of Gold, Fragments in Time, to modern collections such as I AmContemporary Women Artists of Africa. Each brings a unique perspective to conversations about the beauty, power, and diversity of African culture.
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Explore More Of The Capitol At The Us Capitol Visitor Center
Before or after you tour the U.S. Capitol, make sure to check out its Visitor Center. The exhibition hall is filled with fascinating information on Congress and the history of the Capitol. You can also partake in a guided tour of the Halls of the Senate, Monday – Friday at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
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Reserve Your Stay Near Washington Dc At The Hotel At Umd
Conveniently located near several major airports and interstates, and just four miles from the D.C. border, the Hotel at University of Maryland is the perfect home base for your visit. Easily hit each of these free museums in D.C. by catching the Metro at the College Park Station, located less than a mile from our front door.
When youre ready to wind down, you can enjoy our full-service amenities before kicking back in your luxurious guest room. Check out our Monumental D.C. Package and book your stay today!
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Hirshhorn Museum And Sculpture Garden
Independence Avenue and 7th Street, Washington, D.C. 20560
Museum Hours: Wednesday Sunday, 10:00 AM 5:30 PMSculpture Garden Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM 4:30 PM
The Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden is full of contemporary art and seeks to create meaningful experiences that allow art, artists, audiences, and ideas to converge in a single space. Inside youll find a significant collection of postwar American and European art in the form of paintings, sculpture, works on paper, digital media, and performance.
Outdoor sculpture gardens are more like open air art galleries. Sunken 14 feet below the surface of the National Mall, they offer a peaceful location from which to enjoy a rotating array of modern, outdoor art. Unique among the free museums in Washington, D.C., youll definitely want to make time for the Hirshhorn.
Free Museums To Visit In Washington Dc
December 13, 2021by The HUMD Team
The variety and quality of free Museums in Washington D.C. attracts academics, researchers, tourists, and locals to our Nations Capital every day. But with so many options, planning an itinerary can be daunting! To make your decision a little easier, weve compiled a list of the 12 best free museums you should visit during your trip to Washington D.C.
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National Gallery Of Art
Victoria Chamberlain / TripSavvy
The National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. is a world-class museum with a collection of more than 130,000 paintings, drawings, prints, photographs, sculpture, decorative arts, and furniture traces the development of Western art from the Middle Ages to the present. The museum occupies two buildings and includes an extensive survey of works of American, British, Italian, Flemish, Spanish, Dutch, French and German art.
With its prime location on the National Mall, surrounded by the Smithsonian Institution, visitors often think that the museum is a part of the Smithsonian. It is a separate entity and is supported by a combination of private and public funds. Admission is free. Be sure to visit the Sculpture Garden, a 6-acre beautifully landscaped space with 17 modern sculptures by internationally renowned artists. The museum offers a wide range of educational programs, lectures, guided tours, films, and concerts.
United States Botanic Garden
100 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20001
Conservatory Hours: Conservatory Daily, 10:00 AM 5:00 PMOutdoor Garden Hours: Daily, 7:30 AM 5:00 PM
Among the free museums in D.C., youll find a living plant museum, which was part of George Washingtons original vision for the Capital City of our Nation. The U.S. Botanic Garden demonstrates the importance of plants, not just to the well-being of humans, but to the survival of our planet.
This museum maintains an ordered, documented, labeled collection of more than 65,000 living plants. The collections include economic plants, medicinal plants, orchids, carnivorous plants, succulents, historic specimens, and more, all of which are used for exhibits, study, and exchange.
Inside the Conservatory youll find a plethora of sensory experiences. From tropical rain forests to desert plants, the museum means to highlight the diversity of plants around the world. Outdoors, the National Garden features plants native to the mid-Atlantic region as well as a rose garden, butterfly garden, and water garden.
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