The National Portrait Gallery and the Smithsonian American Art Museum are housed in a 19th-century National Historic Landmark building located in the vibrant Penn Quarter neighborhood. The building also houses two innovative public spaces—the Luce Foundation Center for American Art, where visitors can browse works of art in a visible storage facility, and the Lunder Conservation Center.

The National Portrait Gallery is a must-see destination for visitors interested in the diverse people who have influenced this country and its culture. Here, view one of the most significant portraits in America’s history—Gilbert Stuart’s “Lansdowne” painting of Washington, located on the second floor in the “America’s Presidents” exhibition.

First Floor

The Education Center hosts workshops and programs for school and youth groups and families, including Saturday art activities and tours. Portrait Discovery Kits are available at the visitors desks for children.

“One Life: Echoes of Elvis” (Jan. 8-Aug. 29). Images of Presley.

“One Life: Katherine Graham” (Oct. 1-May 30, 2011). The career of newspaper publisher Katharine Graham (1917-2001) is remembered in portraits, drawings and artifacts, including the Pulitzer Prize she won for her 1998 memoir, Personal History.

“Americans Now” (Aug. 20-July 10, 2011). Drawn from the collections, these works feature individuals prominent in sports, entertainment and other fields of endeavor.

Second Floor

In the permanent exhibition “America’s Presidents,” visit the only complete collection of presidential portraits outside the White House.

“The Struggle for Justice” (permanent) showcases major cultural and political figures—from key 19th-century historical figures to contemporary leaders—who struggled to achieve civil rights for disenfranchised or marginalized groups.

“Outwin Boochever Portrait Competition 2009” (Oct. 23, 2009-Sept. 6). An exhibition of 60 finalists’ works from this internationally acclaimed portrait competition.

“Elvis at 21: Photographs by Alfred Wertheimer” (Oct. 23-Jan. 23, 2011). In 1956, 26-year-old Alfred Wertheimer was hired by RCA Victor to shoot promotional images of the young Elvis Presley. The images in this exhibition offer viewers an intimate look at the entertainer’s private and public life.

Hide/Seek: Difference and Desire in American Portraiture (Oct. 30-Feb. 13, 2011). This is the first major museum exhibition to focus on sexual difference and ambiguity in the making of modern American portraits. It includes works by such American masters as Marsden Hartley, Romaine Brooks, Georgia O’Keeffe, Agnes Martin, David Hockney, Jasper Johns, Robert Rauschenberg and Andy Warhol.

Third Floor

“Twentieth-Century Americans” (permanent) comprises four galleries opening onto the magnificent third-floor Great Hall. It showcases the major cultural, scientific and political figures of the 20th century.

“Bravo!” (permanent) on the third-floor mezzanine features performing artists from the late 19th century to the present, including Bob Hope and Leonard Bernstein.

“Champions” (permanent) salutes American sports figures whose impact made them a part of the larger story of the nation. Artifacts, memorabilia and videos are part of the exhibition.

Robert and Arlene Kogod Courtyard

The light-filled courtyard with its wavy glass canopy is a downtown oasis that features interior landscaping, a cafe and free Wi-Fi access.

Lunder Conservation Center

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 that 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.