The National Portrait Gallery is a must-see destination for visitors interested in the diversity of people who are creating, or have left, an indelible mark on our country and its culture. Here, view one of the most significant portraits in America's history—Gilbert Stuart's "Landsdowne" painting of George Washington, located on the second floor in the "America's Presidents" exhibition.
The light-filled courtyard with its wavy glass canopy is a downtown oasis that features interior landscaping, a café and free Wi-Fi access.
The two museums share the conservation center, located on the third and fourth-floor mezzanines. The center offers a unique, behind-the-scenes view through floor-to-ceiling glass walls of the techniques American Art and Portrait Gallery conservators use to examine, treat and preserve paintings, prints, drawings, photographs and other works of art. Ask at the information desks about weekly behind-the-scenes tours and other special programs.
The Education Center hosts teacher workshops and programs for school and youth groups and families, including Saturday art activities and interactive tours.
"American Origins" (permanent) offers a "conversation about America" through portraiture from the pre-Colonial era to the end of 19th century.
"One Life: Thomas Paine, The Radical Founding Father" (Aug. 7-Nov. 29). Follow the life of Thomas Paine (1737- 1809), whose pamphlet "Common Sense" inspired Americans to declare independence. Paine's exhortation, "these are the times that try men's souls," was read by George Washington to his dispirited troops. The exhibition features the museum's recently acquired 1792 portrait of Paine by French artist Laurant Dabos.
In the hall of "America's Presidents" (permanent), visit the nation's only complete collection of presidential portraits outside the White House.
"Presidents in Waiting" (closes Jan. 3, 2010). John Adams, perhaps the most cantankerous founding father, viewed the office of the vice president as the "most insignificant office" ever invented by man. However, almost one-third of U.S. vice presidents— the subject of this exhibition—became presidents, by either the death or resignation of an incumbent president.
"Faces of the Frontier: Photographic Portraits from the American West, 1845-1924" (Sept. 25, 2009-Jan. 24, 2010). The American West was dramatically transformed during the 80 years between the Mexican War and 1924. One hundred portraits of men and women of this period tell the story.
"Outwin Boochever Portrait Competition 2009" (Oct. 23, 2009-Aug. 22, 2010). An exhibition of 60 finalists' works from this internationally acclaimed portrait competition.
Four galleries, opening onto the museum's magnificent third-floor Great Hall, showcase the major cultural, scientific and political figures of the 20th century in "Twentieth-Century Americans" (permanent). On the third-floor mezzanine, "Bravo!" (permanent) features performing artists from the late 19th century to the present. "Champions" (permanent) salutes American sports figures whose impact made them a part of the larger story of the nation.
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One Life: The Mask of Lincoln
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The Courtyard Cafe in the Kogod Courtyard offers a variety of sandwiches, panini, soups, salad bar, pastries and ice cream. Specialty coffees and bottled beverages are also available. Open daily 11:30 to 6:30, with a limited menu after 3, and after 4 on weekends.
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