Had the most wonderful time viewing the presidential portraits and learning new things about each of them, which were actually different from the typical facts we normally hear. My favorite part was talking to Anthony, a staff member in the presidential portrait area, who was engaging and chatted with us about the most interesting things about his favorite presidents, and then I got to share mine! He also directed us to other areas of interest in the SAAM. And then gave us guidance as to other areas in D.C. we should visit during our trip. The personal attention made my visit all the more enjoyable. I always enjoy when the staff interacts, and educates me with their local knowledge.
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

Crossposted with National Portrait Gallery: Highly recommend! Visited on a Monday morning just after they opened, 11:30–1:30+. Very friendly staff, informative and helpful information desk assistant, and clean, bright, and beautiful inside. Exceptional and thought-provoking exhibits throughout. Definitely needed more time to see everything. They have a beautiful atrium with café between the two halves of the building, which but didn’t have time to visit it. Third floor was beautifully renovated and recently re-opened! Easy to get to by metro using the nearby Gallery Place stop.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

Realistically, if you're going to be in Washington D.C. it is an absolute to visit the Smithsonian Museums, particularly the American Art Museum. With the museum’s educational enrichment, it is an experience for the whole family to engage with history and ignite imaginations of all ages. Though the collections vary from American artists to World Class Masters, the artwork captures the vast cultural influences from around the world. This obviously is the collections of the finest order America has accumulated. From Von Gogh, to Monet to a vast arrange of time periods and stylizations to explore. The Smithsonian American Art Museum is well worth your time.

This is a must visit museum for any art enthusiast. The collection is vast and the galleries absolutely stunning! They house within them some of the favourite art pieces and portraits of our time. My favourites were the Obama portraits. A must see location within the museum is their courtyard in the center with the cafe nearby. A beautiful location to chill and enjoy the beautiful roof and stone walls. Would definitely recommend to anyone in DC. Time to see the museum would be around 3-4 hours.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

I really enjoyed this museum, it had such an awesome variety of art and representation. from traditional American art to modern. It had artists from the black, Latino and LGBTQ communities. It's really worth visiting multiple times or take a few hours to really appreciate each gallery on every floor. I love that it was free! I found the president portrait gallery way more fun and interesting than I thought I would. I would love to come back again.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

Very nice art museum This is a must see if you're in Washington DC. You'll need about 3-4 hours to see everything without rushing through the artwork and masterpieces Very peaceful and quiet atmosphere. The location is close to Capitol Hill and the White House. There's so much to see and I like that everything is very well organized. You have about 4 different floors to cover and admission is free
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
Free

Beautiful. A lot to see, little confusing, did not flow well for route, many areas created a jam up of people. Map was provided, route not suggested, lots of staff, but many did not convey a feeling of being approachable - more like guards. Loved the landscape art and statues. Glad we were able to spend time there, will be back when not as crowded. They encourage photos, which is fantastic. Love that there is NO FEE!

It was an amazing experience visiting the museum. We explored three floors of exhibits, paintings, sculptures, and more. The staff was very friendly and helpful. Some of the elevators were too small for me and my power wheelchair, but the main ones were large enough.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

Great art museum in the former Old Patent Office Building, designed by architect Robert Mills. Wonderful paintings by the likes of Edward Hopper, Ralston Crawford, William H. Johnson, Stuart Davis, Thomas Hart Benton, and many others.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

Good collections of folk art and mid-century social realism. A recent acquisition by Hisako Hibi, which lacks vision and execution, shouldn’t be taking up space in this museum when there are so many excellent American artists of diverse backgrounds not yet represented. Hopefully such poor quality acquisitions won’t continue. Altogether worth a visit.

Excellent museum. Came for the "I dream a world" exhibit. Beautiful photography. Check it out before it leaves. We also came for the lunar New Year celebration in the courtyard. Lots of fun watching the dancers and making crafts.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

Dolly & I had a WONDERFUL time visiting DC with our grad cohort from Maryland Institute College of Art. The staff was wonderful and the art was worth seeing.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

Fantastic museum that wasn’t overly busy for a Saturday. The folk art exhibit on the first floor is incredible. One of my favorite exhibits I’ve seen. 5/5.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

This place was amazing. I really enjoyed myself. FYI I don’t bring backpacks. Or a big purses but they do have a locker room.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

Great place to enjoy some quality time if you're an Art lover. There's a nice Cafe and relaxing area inside as well.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

Stunning. The indoor courtyard with natural light is heavenly. Beautiful place with friendly workers. Only compliant is the printed map is a bit confusing, floors seem to be rotated and not line up from 1st to 2nd floor.

Truly lovely experience for an art lover. Helpful people stationed throughout the museum.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

There was obviously some great art here, but I was fascinated with the building as well. It’s beautiful and there is history with President Lincoln, his second inaugural ball was held here.

Open until 7pm on weekdays. Beautiful courtyard between the two museums with live foliage, impressive architecture, and a coffee shop.
Visited on
Weekday

A great museum, especially enjoyed the presidential section.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No