From American classics to Renaissance masters to thought-provoking sculptures in a beautiful, natural setting, the National Gallery of Art is the heart and soul of creativity and culture in the nation’s capital. Comprising a sculpture garden and two iconic buildings just north of the National Mall between 9th and 3rd Streets along Constitution Ave, NW. The galleries are free to the public and open 7 days a week. Learn about the National Gallery of Art below:
A Tale of Two Museums
The National Gallery of Art consists of two unique museum halls, each with remarkably different architectural styles, connected by an underground pedestrian passageway. The West Building is of neoclassical design and built of pink Tennessee marble in the footprint of a giant ‘H.’ The museum is crowned by a massive rotunda, with adjacent skylights providing plenty of natural light for the sculpture galleries below. Elsewhere, the West Building’s galleries are dedicated to European masters from the medieval period through the 19th century. Notable highlights include works by Vermeer, Rembrandt, Monet, van Gogh, and the only Leonardo da Vinci painting on display in North America.
The East Building is of a more contemporary geometrical design. Conceived as a trapezoid consisting of two different sized triangles by legendary architect I. M. Pei, with the triangular motif echoed throughout the building’s exhibit halls and public spaces. The East building is centered on a large glass atrium and features modern and contemporary art, with notable pieces from Picasso, Matisse, Pollock, Warhol, and many others.
Current Events
Established in 1937 by a joint resolution of Congress and generous donations from American financiers of the early 20th century including Andrew Mellon, the NGA is continuously adding to its incredible collection while never charging admission. Currently home to a traveling exhibit of Cezanne portraits (through July 1, 2018), the museum also seeks out rare and unique pieces to add to its collection, including van Honthorst’s The Concert, which had not been on public display since 1795.
The National Gallery Of Art
West of the West Building is the Sculpture Garden, a 6-acre preserve of North American trees, bushes, and flowering perennials. A reflecting pool centers the exhibit space, with granite pathways spiraling through the green landscape adorned with sculptures of famed artists. In the winter, the reflecting pool is transformed into an ice rink, making for a truly magical winter wonderland experience.
Easily accessible by the DC Metro, the National Gallery of Art is a must for any art lover or architecture enthusiast visiting the nation’s capital. Check out our amazing houses for rent near Washington DC today!