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Smithsonian American Art Museum & National Portrait Gallery

Washington DC

Photo of Smithsonian American Art and Portraiture Museum Interior Courtyard

Museums & Galleries
Smithsonian Institution, Washington DC

The Reynolds Center, in the heart of downtown Washington DC, combines two museums in one: it houses both the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the National Portrait Gallery. It has paintings, sculptures, photos, and drawings ranging from classical oil paintings to folk art to modern art.

The building has undergone major renovations in recent years. In addition to sprucing up the gallery spaces, it included a major overhaul of the distinctive enclosed courtyard in the center of the building that provides a tranquil escape from the bustling streets outside. With its ribbed roof of glass covering what was once the exterior of the buildings, it’s reminiscent of the British Museum in London.

Photos of the Smithsonian American Art Museum & National Portrait Gallery

Photo of Front of Smithsonian American Art and Portraiture Museum at dusk

Photo of Smithsonian American Art and Portraiture Museum Folk Art Exhibit

Photo of Smithsonian American Art and Portraiture Museum Modern Art Exhibit

Photo of Smithsonian American Art and Portraiture Museum Photography Exhibit

FDR bronze bust sculpture

Photo of Smithsonian American Art Museum American Experience Exhibit

Photo of Main entrance of Smithsonian American Art and Portraiture Museum at dusk

Gwendolyn Brooks bronze bust in Smithsonian American Art Museum

Getting Here

The Reynolds Center is set back from the National Mall in the heart of downtown Washington DC. There’s some street parking nearby, but this is a busy part of town and finding a free park can be hard.

The Gallery is an easy walk from the National Mall, but the most convenient way to get there is by metro. The Gallery Place/Chinatown stop (Red, Yellow, and Green lines) is on the next block. Metro Center (Red, Orange, and Blue lines) and Archives/Navy Memorial (Orange, Blue, Yellow, and Green lines) stops are also nearby.

Center map
Traffic
Bicycling
Transit

Official Website

Donald W. Reynolds Center for American Art and Portraiture

For Photographers

Photographer Friendliness Rating

Cameras are allowed, but many of the galleries have “no photos” signs.

Photographers are likely to find the various photo galleries of interest. The Portrait Gallery often has a multi-room photography exhibit on the ground floor near the entrance.

Nearby & Related:

  • Apollo Theater Exhibit
    Smithsonian National Museum of American History
  • 02 copyright havecamerawilltravel com - National Museum of African Art
    National Museum of African Art
  • 08 copyright havecamerawilltravel com 2 - National Gallery of Art
    National Gallery of Art
  • Smithsonian Natural History Museum in Washington DC
    Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
  • Spirit of St Louis
    Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum National Mall Building
  • Seal lions at the National Zoo
    Smithsonian National Zoological Park (National Zoo)

Washington DC Visitor Guides

If you're coming in from out of town, here are some of the most popular guidebooks that can help you make the most of your visit.

Lonely Planet Washington, DC (City Guide)
Lonely Planet Washington, DC (City Guide)
  • Lonely Planet (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
Check Price on Amazon
Fodor's Washington, D.C.: with Mount Vernon, Alexandria & Annapolis...
Fodor's Washington, D.C.: with Mount Vernon, Alexandria & Annapolis...
  • Fodor's Travel Guides (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
Check Price on Amazon
Frommer's EasyGuide to Washington, D.C. 2020
Frommer's EasyGuide to Washington, D.C. 2020
  • Pratt, Meredith (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
Check Price on Amazon
A History Lover's Guide to Washington, D.C.: Designed for Democracy...
A History Lover's Guide to Washington, D.C.: Designed for Democracy...
  • Fortier, Alison (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
Check Price on Amazon

And here are some interesting options for less traditional guidesbooks if you'd like an emphasis on exploring DC on foot or diving into some of the region's rich history.

National Geographic Walking Washington, D.C. (National Geographic Walking...
National Geographic Walking Washington, D.C. (National Geographic Walking...
  • NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC
  • Kennedy, Barbara Noe (Author)
Check Price on Amazon
A History Lover's Guide to Washington, D.C.: Designed for Democracy...
A History Lover's Guide to Washington, D.C.: Designed for Democracy...
  • Fortier, Alison (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
Check Price on Amazon

David Coleman Photography

I’m a professional travel & location photographer based in Washington DC and traveling all over. Seven continents. Dozens of countries. Up mountains. Under water. And a bunch of places in between. You can find my main site at havecamerawilltravel.com. Or check out what’s in my go-to travel photography kit.


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      # Museums & Galleries
      # Smithsonian Institution
      # Washington DC



About David Coleman

I take photos. I travel. I write. I do it for a living.

I’m based in Washington, DC.

You can find more of my work at havecamerawilltravel.com.

And if you’re visiting DC in the spring, be sure to check out my DC Cherry Blossom Watch site.

David Coleman Photography

I’m a professional travel & location photographer based in Washington DC and traveling all over. Seven continents. Dozens of countries. Up mountains. Under water. And a bunch of places in between. You can find my main site at havecamerawilltravel.com. Or check out what’s in my go-to travel photography kit. Or get in touch here.

Licensing Images

Looking for travel stock photos or prints? I might be able to help. You can search my collection here:

If you already have a buyer account with Alamy and would prefer to use that, you can search my images directly here.

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