How to Tour the National Gallery of Art

The National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. houses one of the most impressive art collections in the world. More than 100 galleries feature thousands of pieces dating from as early as the 13th century and extending well into the twentieth century. It's possible to spend a few days at the National Gallery, but a well-organized, focused visitor can tour the museum in just a few hours. Read on to learn how to tour the National Gallery of Art.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Plan ahead. Visit the National Gallery's website before your visit or request a map from the information desk upon arrival. Decide which collections interest you most and determine which pieces you don't want to miss. If you're a fan of modern art, for example, you'll probably spend most of your time in the East Building. If, on the other hand, you prefer classical pieces, you should concentrate on the West Building.

2. Rent an audio tour or sign up for a guided tour. If you prefer to customize your tour, visit the Micro Gallery and create one on an interactive computer. Gallery tours cost as little as five dollars and are available in several languages.

3. See Ginevra de' Benci, one of only three paintings by Leonardo da Vinci displayed in the Western Hemisphere. Regardless of your taste in art, this piece will impress you if only for its rarity. The portrait, hung in the West Building, is one of the National Gallery's most significant and prized works.

4. View American and European paintings from the thirteenth to the early twentieth centuries in the West Building. You'll find paintings by American artists like Whistler and Cassatt, French Impressionists including Monet and Renoir and Spanish painters such as el Greco and Goya. The West Building also features impressive collections of sculpture, photography and decorative arts. One of the gallery's most famous paintings, The Sacrament of the Last Supper by Salvador Dali is one of the West Building's must-see works.

5. Find contemporary art in the East Building. Suspended from the sky-lit atrium is a stunning mobile by Alexander Calder. The contemporary collection features works by Matisse, Mirό, Picasso, Warhol and O'Keeffe, to name a few.

6. Stroll through the Sculpture Garden. Here you'll find 17 permanent works including House I by Lichtenstein and Personnage Gothique by Mirό. The Sculpture Garden is also home to several visiting exhibits and special events each year. Popular events include the Sunday Concert Series and ice skating on the frozen fountain during winter.

7. Eat at one of the Gallery's five restaurants and shop at the museum stores. The gift shops sell reproductions of famous works of art in various media, ranging from wall posters to Christmas cards and neckties. The Gallery also has a nice collection of toys, games and jewelry for sale.

Tips & Warnings

• The National Gallery is open Monday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The museum is not open on Christmas or New Year's Day. The Sculpture Garden maintains separate hours, which vary seasonally. Call [phone] for more scheduling information.
• Cameras are allowed in the National Gallery and visitors can take photographs for personal use. Photography is not permitted in special exhibits or in posted areas.
• The National Gallery of Art is least crowded on Monday mornings and the most crowded on Sunday afternoons.
• Admission to the National Gallery is always free.

Resources

• National Gallery of Art Website