National Portrait Gallery

About National Portrait Gallery

Get the inside scoop on National Portrait Gallery from local experts, travel creators, and tastemakers. Browse genuine trip notes, National Portrait Gallery reviews, photos, travel guides, and itineraries from real travelers and plan your trip with confidence.

What people say

Sarah Jeltema
"The National Portrait Gallery, located in the heart of Washington, D.C., is a must-visit destination for art lovers and history buffs alike. The gallery's collections boast over 23,000 portraits, featuring everyone from presidents and celebrities to ordinary citizens who played a significant role in shaping America's history. Visitors can explore a wide range of art styles and mediums, including paintings, sculptures, photographs, and drawings. The museum also features special exhibitions that change regularly, so there's always something new to see. The gallery can get busy, especially during peak tourist seasons and on weekends, so it's recommended to plan ahead and book tickets in advance online. Admission is free, but some special exhibitions may require a fee. The best time to visit the National Portrait Gallery is on weekdays, when the crowds are generally smaller. The museum is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, except for major holidays. Other popular attractions near the National Portrait Gallery include the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the National Gallery of Art, and the United States Capitol. The location is also surrounded by many restaurants, shops, and cafes, making it the perfect destination for a day of exploring and sightseeing."
"The National Portrait Gallery gives visitors a chance to meet fascinating Americans from more than 225 years of history in its halls."
Katie Howerton
"Open daily 11:30-7. 15min walk from National Gallery of Art."

Mentioned in these guides

Come with us for a whirl-wind trip to the capital city! This trip is planned for a Friday-Sunday weekend but could be adjusted to any 3 day travel window. DC is a great weekend destination because most activities are centrally located, and a majority of the museums and monuments included in this itinerary are completely free! Additionally, this trip is a great example of what you could expect if you book my "Premium Itinerary" travel services. 🧳Trip summary Day 1 - Travel & settle in Day 2 - Memorials & Government Day 3 - Museum highlights Why this guide? 📒 Hyper-detailed itinerary. This isn't your basic list of suggested activities & restaurants. Your days will be covered down to the minute, including time allotted for travel between activities and recommended transportation options. 🎟️ Advance ticket purchase recommendations. Avoid the lines - and disappointment - by booking tickets ahead of time. You'll be guaranteed entrance and will enjoy walking straight in, past any lines for ticket purchases. Special call outs for combo tickets to bundle and save will also be included where available! 🧾 Location-specific packing list. This won't be a comprehensive list (surely you've remembered your socks), but it will cover some key items to toss in your bag for a truly great experience at your destination. 🏆 Honorable mentions. Unless you booked a one way ticket (jealous!), you've only got a limited time to explore. The suggested itinerary includes my opinions of the best choices for first time visitors with general interest. Feel free to swap those out with any of the honorable mentions. ✨ And finally... If you are looking for a more tailored experience with a unique twist based on your interests, travel dates, and more, a custom itinerary may be best. I look forward to helping bring your vacation vision to life!
Backpacker • Car-free • Couples • Family • Groups • Female Solo • Adventure • Architecture • Art • Budget • History • Outdoors • People & Culture
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