Smithsonian American Art Museum

About this museum

The Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, DC, is one of the most extraordinary free museums in the United States, housing an expansive collection that chronicles the full sweep of American artistic expression from the colonial era to the present day. With free admission every day of the week, this world - class institution makes encountering masterworks of American creativity accessible to everyone.Located in the historic Patent Office Building, one of the oldest federal buildings in the nation's capital, the museum's galleries are as architecturally stunning as the art they contain. The collection spans painting, sculpture, photography, folk art, contemporary installations, and new media, with works by artists ranging from early American portraitists to modern visionaries. Visitors frequently describe the experience as mind - blowing, noting that each gallery offers something uniquely impressive. The museum also shares its building with the National Portrait Gallery, so a single visit can encompass two of Washington's finest cultural institutions.The museum's location in the heart of DC's Chinatown neighborhood makes it easy to combine with dining, shopping, and other sightseeing. Despite its proximity to major attractions, visitors often call it a hidden gem, suggesting that it deserves far more attention than it receives. The quality and variety of the collection rivals any art museum in the country, and the fact that it is entirely free makes it all the more remarkable.The Smithsonian American Art Museum is located at 8th Street NW and G Street NW, Washington, DC 20004, and is open daily from 11:30 AM to 7:00 PM. The building provides an accessible entrance, accessible restrooms, and seating throughout the galleries.Whether you are a lifelong art lover, a first - time visitor to Washington, or simply looking for the best free things to do in DC, the Smithsonian American Art Museum belongs at the top of your list. It is a place where centuries of American creativity unfold before your eyes, and the only price of admission is your time and attention.