Frommer's Review
On July 1, 2006, the historic landmark building that houses both the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the National Portrait Gallery reopened after a 6-year renovation, proving to all who visit that it was well worth the wait. The structure itself is magnificent. Begun in 1836 and completed in 1868 to serve as the nation's Patent Office, it is the third oldest federal building in the capital. With immense porticoes and columns on the outside, and colonnades, double staircases, vaulted galleries, and skylights inside, the museum captures your attention, no matter how or where you stand to look at it. The building occupies an entire city block, from 7th to 9th streets and from F to G streets.
As for the art presented throughout these three levels: It's like a shot in the arm for America. You will see here the faces of America's founding fathers and mothers, great American heroes and cultural icons, and scenes from American history and way of life, from the moment this country's story began, 400 years ago. Inscribed on the walls intermittently throughout the galleries are quotes from writers like William Faulkner and Eudora Welty and lyrics from musicians like Bob Dylan, which add poignancy and a certain context for this grand American experience. For that is what is going on here, as you poke along, viewing here an Edward Hopper, there a Gilbert Stuart, now a portrait of Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain), and on to contemporary art by Sean Scully.
Together, the Portrait Gallery and the American Art Museum display nearly 2,000 works from their permanent collections. The galleries flow one into another, so you may not always realize that you have stepped from an American Art wing into the Portrait Gallery wing -- nor is it necessary to notice. Just wander and enjoy: the folk art, introductory "American Experience" landscapes and photographs, special exhibits, American Origins portraits, and other works on the first floor; portraits of America's presidents, an exhibit on "The Presidency and the Cold War," graphic arts, and American art through 1940 on the second floor; and art since 1945 and portraits of 20th-century Americans on the third floor. Expect to be dazzled by the creations of such American masters as Winslow Homer, Georgia O'Keeffe, David Hockney, Robert Rauschenberg, Thomas Cole, Andrew Wyeth, Mary Cassatt, and so many others. In addition, don't miss the two-level Lunder Conservation Center, where you'll be able to watch conservators working to preserve art pieces, and the Luce Foundation Center for American Art, which stores another 3,300 objects in such a way that they remain on view to the public. Finally, the museum offers a fine cafe on the third floor, sensational seating seasonally outdoors within the frame of the second level's portico, and a wonderful year-round enclosed courtyard cafe. Please note: The Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery are located near the National Mall, but not on it; they're across from the Verizon Center in the heart of the Penn Quarter neighborhood.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
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planning your trip.
