National Gallery of Art

Description:

• The National Gallery of Art guides Washingtonians and visitors through the world of art all day, every day (except Christmas and New Year's Day). The National Gallery consists of the West Building (opened in 1941), the East Building (1978) and the 6.1-acre Sculpture Garden adjacent to the West Building (1999). Don't be daunted by the size, the National Gallery has prepared "Highlights" guides for half-hour and one-hour visits. Scores of guided tours are scheduled throughout each day (too many to list here), gallery talks and lectures are held throughout the month. Free Sunday concerts take place in the West Building, usually starting at 6:30 but check ahead. The East Building Auditorium hosts original format film screenings every Saturday and Sunday (plus a few weekdays) free of charge (first come first served) with doors opening thirty minutes before each show. To the delight of locals and visitors, the Sculpture Garden ice rink is open mid-November through mid-March! It's about the only activity that is not free, but at $7 for adults and $6 for seniors, students and kids (skate rental $3), it's a lot of fun for a little money. Aside from all this, visitors can still walk in off the street and look at art the old fashioned way, by wandering through the galleries at leisure. Located on the National Mall, forget about parking. The Archives-Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter (Green/Yellow lines) Metrorail station is only a block away.
• © NileGuide2013

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Very Highly Recommended 2009