The National Portrait Gallery (NPG) is a must-see destination for visitors interested in the people—past and present—who have left an indelible mark on our country and its culture. Highlights from the gallery's collections include 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 elegant 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 employ to examine, treat and preserve paintings, prints, drawings, photographs and other works of art. Ask about weekly behind-the-scene tours and other special programs at the information desks.
The Courtyard Café (open daily), located in the Kogod courtyard, offers specialty sandwiches, panini, soups, salads, desserts and coffee. The Portico Café (open daily, weather permitting, from May to November), located on the second floor, serves espresso, wine, sandwiches, salads and pastries.
(walk-in; meet at F St. info desk)
(All walk-in tours subject to docent availability)
• Mon.-Fri., 11:45 AM and generally at 2:15 PM
Except
• Mon., Aug. 11, no 11:45 PM tour
-- 2:15 PM tour offered on the following dates:
- Fri., Aug. 1
- Wed., Aug. 6
- Fri., Aug. 15
- Fri., Aug. 22
• Sat. and Sun., 11:45 AM and generally at 3:15 PM
-- No 3:15 PM tours offered in August
Note: See also Chron. calendar for "Portraits Alive!" tours.
(walk-in; meet at F St. info desk)
Docents may choose to offer a Highlights, America's Presidents, or a Special Exhibition tour.
(All walk-in tours subject to docent availability)
• Most Mon.-Fri., 1 PM
• Most Sat. and Sun., 1:30 PM
Except
- Mon., Aug. 11, no tour
- Fri., Aug. 22, no tour
Note: Generally, on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month, the 1:30 PM tour is offered in Spanish (if no Spanish speakers attend, tour is offered in English).
(by appointment; 1-month notice required)
June-September:
• On hiatus
October-May:
• Call Mon.-Fri., 8 AM-4 PM, except federal holidays: 202-633-8503 (voice/answering machine)
OR
• E-Mail: NPGEducation@si.edu
(by appointment; 2-month notice required)
• Call Mon.-Thurs., 9:30 AM-5 PM, except federal holidays: 202-633-8519 (voice/answering machine)
• E-mail: NPGAdultTours@si.edu
(by appointment, 1-month notice required)
• Call Mon.-Thurs., 9:30 AM-5 PM, except federal holidays: 202-633-8500 (voice/answering machine)
• E-mail:
- School Groups: NPGEducation@si.edu
- Non-School Groups and Individuals: NPGAdultTours@si.edu
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The Courtyard Cafe´ (open daily, 11:30 to 6:30), located in the Kogod Courtyard, offers specialty sandwiches, panini, soups, salads, desserts and coffee.
The Portico Cafe´ (open weather permitting, 11:30 to 5), located on the second floor, is a charmed spot to enjoy an espresso, wine or pastry.
