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National Gallery of Art

6th St & Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC · Washington, DC

Why you should go…

One of the world's great art museums, home to the only Leonardo da Vinci painting in the Americas, rooms of French Impressionists, and I.M. Pei's angular East Building, costs exactly nothing to enter. The sculpture garden's fountain is a summertime hangout and turns into an ice rink come winter.

  • #art
  • #free
  • #sculpture garden
  • #masterpieces

Good to know

General museums guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Check the special exhibition separately

    Touring shows usually carry their own ticket and their own opening hours, listed apart from general admission.

  • Look for the free window

    Many museums run community days, member evenings, or discounted late openings. It is worth a look before you pay full price.

  • Travel light through the door

    Large bags and backpacks often have to go to a coat check, and lines for it move slowly at opening.

  • Weekday mornings beat weekend afternoons

    School groups clear out by early afternoon midweek, while weekends stay busy from late morning on.

What's around here?

The closest stops to National Gallery of Art, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Museums
    Iconic

    National Archives Museum

    Free

    Stand before the originals: the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights in the marble Rotunda.

    Steps awayMore like this

  • Museums
    Iconic

    Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum

    Free

    Touch a moon rock and stand under the Spirit of St. Louis at the world's most-visited aviation museum, always free.

    0.2 mi awayMore like this

  • Museums
    Iconic

    Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

    Free

    The Hope Diamond, the Nation's T. rex, and Henry the elephant, the Mall's busiest free museum packs the whole natural world under one green dome.

    0.3 mi awayMore like this

  • Theatre & Events
    History Buff

    Ford's Theatre

    Under $25

    Stand in the theatre where Lincoln was shot, then cross the street to the Petersen House where the story ended.

    0.5 mi awaySwitch it up: Theatre & Events

  • Attractions
    Family Favorite

    International Spy Museum

    $25–$50

    Crack codes, adopt a cover identity, and squeeze through ductwork at the world's largest espionage museum.

    0.6 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Sightseeing
    History Buff

    U.S. Capitol & Capitol Visitor Center

    Free

    Free guided tours under the Rotunda's frescoed dome, the heart of American democracy, up close.

    0.7 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing