Private Tour: Smithsonian Portrait Gallery & American Art Museum
5.0
21 Ratings
Washington

Two of Washington’s most renowned museums are housed in the historic Old Patent Office Building, a place where history converges with art. Embark on an exclusive 2.5-hour tour of the National Portrait Gallery and the American Art Museum, and explore the finest American-created masterpieces gathered under one roof.

Duration: 2 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • National Portrait Gallery - Once a Civil War Era hospital, this building has featured art exhibits as early as 1829. Poet Walt Whitman tended to wounded soldiers here, commemorated by a portrait hanging here today in the National Portrait Gallery. Other portraits recall the great women and men who shaped the United States. Presidential portraits, as well as those of the first ladies, trace a long lineage of famous leaders. Civil War figures, like Grant and Sherman, recall a more turbulent time in the nation’s history. An eclectic mix of paintings and photographs, as well as 19th century daguerreotypes, recall the Robber Barons, the Suffragettes, and various other individuals throughout the US’s short but remarkable past.

Within the American Art Museum, appreciate scenes by American artists like Mary Cassatt, who took part in the Impressionist movement. Fast-forward to Georgia O’Keeffe and her provocative flowers. Learn about the photographs commissioned by the government during the Great Depression as well as the curious portrait of former president Obama. Discover famous artists like Edward Hopper and David Hockney before moving on to more experimental and contemporary art that will need a bit of explaining to understand how this all fits into America’s very unique story.

What's Included
  • Exclusive Tour Guide
  • Wheelchair Accessible
  • Guided Museum Experience
  • 2.5-Hour Tour
What's Not Included
  • Food and drinks
  • Gratuities
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
Additional Information
  • It is imperative that you provide us with guests MOBILE PHONE NUMBER (including country code)
  • Notes: National Portrait Gallery & American Art Museum may be subjected to occasional closures without previous warning from the museum management. When this occurs, we will provide guests with an appropriate alternative if the museum opening time is delayed more than 1h from the tour starting time. In these cases we are unable to provide refunds or discounts. Appropriate dress is required for entry into some sites on this tour. No large bags or suitcases are allowed inside the museum, only handbags or small thin bag packs are allowed through security. Due to increased security measures at many attractions some lines may form on tours with ‘Skip the Line’ or ‘No Wait’ access. Some specific rooms inside the museum are subjected to a very quiet or restricted right to speak inside, in this cases your guide will provide the information about this places before entering the specific rooms where this rule applies. Some collections may vary along the year.
Location
National Portrait Gallery
Meet on the stairs outside of the G street entrance in front of the the sign reading "National Portrait Gallery"
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(21 Ratings)
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Denvrital
May 25, 2024
A whirlwind of knowledge in a few short hours... - Aside from having a cold, I had a great time with my guide Annamarie. She was very knowledgeable and kept our small group engaged. And I even learned a thing or two. Thanks again.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Paulinemg3183rt
May 17, 2024
Well worth the $ - I had Rebecca and she was terrific- illuminating and enjoyable. It’s the only way to do a tour and to know what you are seeing- I really loved it!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
343mickeyp
May 5, 2024
Amazing tour experience with Annemarie!! Highly remmend - Annemarie was the perfect guide! She was super easy to ask questions of, was very knowledgeable, and told great stories and information that we never would’ve never known had we gone on our own. We highly recommend Ann-Marie for any tour! So glad we got to enjoy the afternoon with her.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Z4773ynkimt
May 1, 2024
Informative Portrait Tour - Annemarie Voss gave us a fabulous, informative, educational tour of the National Potrait Gallery & American Museum. We were thrilled with the facts she gave us during our time together. 10 Stars!!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
402ellenq
Mar 8, 2024
Savvy guide - Annemarie was amazing! She knew so much about both history and art and tailored the tour to our interests. Such a great storyteller and conversationalist.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Amandahv8382ei
Mar 8, 2024
Fabulous guide and fun experience - Ann Marie was fabulous! We loved our tour very much. She pointed out things we never would have seen on our own! A five star private tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Debra_g
Oct 24, 2023
Highly recommend - Annemarie gave us a spectacular, informative tour of the portrait gallery and the American art museum . She was personable, full of interesting stories, and we learned so much !
Review provided by Viator
438emilya
Oct 10, 2023
Great Experience - Annemarie was amazing with both the adults and the kids in our group! She was highly knowledgeable, not only informing us about aspects/context of the art we were viewing, but also asked compelling questions to make us think about what we were perceiving too. She made sure to show us the highlights we were looking forward to AND the interesting/important pieces we would’ve have missed without her expertise and guidance.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Monicalx7093me
Aug 11, 2023
Private guided tour of Portrait Gallery and America art musy - We had a wonderful private tour of the portrait Gallery and American Art Museum. Our tour guide was Annmarie and she was fantastic. We had a wonderful afternoon and learned a lot.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rodericka428
Jul 15, 2023
Great tour with Annemarie - Annemarie was a great tour guide. She is super friendly and knowledgeable. We highly recommend her!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 8 guests
1 Adult
June 2024
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