National Gallery of Art Tours

Washington DC’s National Gallery of Art was established in 1937 after then secretary of the treasury, Andrew Mellon, gave his sizable art collection—and funds for a museum to house them—to the American people. Today, two buildings house more than 110,000 objects in permanent and loan collections, temporary exhibits, and a sculpture garden.
The Basics
The National Gallery of Art’s permanent collection is comprised of mostly American and European art from the Renaissance period to today. Loan collections and temporary exhibitions bring a variety of styles and cultural representation to the museum. Extensive educational programs, lecture series, and guided tours offer visitors in-depth context to accompany the works of art on display.
Guided tours—including private and small-group options—can make seeing the vast collection more manageable. Many DC sightseeing tours pass by the gallery, and some hop-on hop-off bus tours stop here.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The National Gallery of Art is a must-see for art aficionados.
- Entrance to the museum is free.
- Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the gallery.
- There are a number of dining options within the museum, including outdoor and indoor cafés.
- The gallery’s sculpture garden is a beautifully landscaped space with fountains and an impressive collection of contemporary sculptures.
- The entire complex is accessible to wheelchair users; courtesy wheelchairs are available at the east and west entrances. Services and resources for visitors with vision and hearing impairments are available as well.
How to Get There
The National Gallery of Art and its sculpture garden are located on the north side of the National Mall, between 3rd and 9th streets along Constitution Avenue. It is easily reached by metro—the nearest stop is Archives-Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter—and the Washington DC Circulator Bus on the National Mall route. Driving is not recommended, as parking in the area is extremely limited.
When to Go
The gallery is open from 10am to 5pm Monday through Saturday and 11am to 6pm Sunday, with some holiday closures. It offers a variety of concert and lecture series throughout the year; check the website for a schedule. Washington DC can have extreme weather conditions, so aim to visit in spring or autumn for pleasant temperatures and colorful foliage.
National Gallery of Art Family and Children’s Programs
The National Gallery of Art offers seasonal interactive, educational programs for families, kids, and teens. From Art Investigations, which help kids to use observations to analyze specific works of art, to hands-on studio workshops led by museum educators, there are programs suited to all ages. Check the website for registration details and timing.
Address: 4th Street and Constitution Avenue NW, National Mall, Washington D.C., District of Columbia 20565, USA
Admission: Free
18 Tours and Activities to Experience National Gallery of Art
Sort by:Featured

Washington DC Night-Time City Tour with Stops at Top Attractions
259
Washington DC’s monuments and landmarks light up after dark, perfect for dramatic views and memorable photos of the capital city. Explore the sights from the National Mall to the White House and key memorials as your guide provides informative narration about each site. Hop off at select sights to get an up-close look with your small-group and guide. This tour includes transport between locations.
…More
From
$61.65
From
$61.65
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More

Moonlit Tour of the National Mall with Pick-Up
39
See Washington, DC’s best sites light up after dark on a 3-hour, nighttime tour of the National Mall and monuments. Listen to an entertaining narrated history of the capital city, then stop to explore the most important destinations, from moving tributes to America's 20th-century wars to inspiring presidential landmarks. Take in the White House and the U.S. Capitol building at their most picturesque and get the perfect orientation and overview of Washington, DC.
…More
From
$56.00
From
$56.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Learn More

The National Gallery of Art DC Guided Museum Tour - Private Tour
6
Get more from your visit to the National Gallery of Art on this private tour of the museum. Follow your guide through one of America’s only national collections of artwork produced by Renaissance artists, French Impressionists, and great American painters. See works from Claude Monet, Raphael, Gilbert Stuart, Vincent Van Gogh, and Edgar Degas, as you learn what’s really behind the creation of some of these pieces.
…More
From
$79.50
Price varies by group size
From
$79.50
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Learn More

The National Gallery of Art DC Guided Museum Tour - 8ppl Max
7
With art that stretches from Renaissance masters to American icons, the National Gallery of Art is a Washington, DC museum that belongs on every art lovers’ itinerary, but the enormous collection can be overwhelming for first time visitors. See the best of the gallery with an expert guide on a 2.5-hour museum tour that explores the stories, techniques, and scandals behind the paintings.
…More
From
$79.50
Price varies by group size
From
$79.50
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Learn More

Smithsonian Natural History & National Gallery of Art Tour - 8ppl Max
3
Visit two top DC museums on a small-group, guided tour that explores some of America's national treasures. With so much to see in the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History and the National Gallery of Art, it's easy to get overwhelmed, but visiting with a guide means you'll go straight to the most spectacular exhibits and artwork. Limited to 8 travelers to ensure personal service, this tour is a great way to learn the stories behind the museums as you see sparkling gems, masterpiece paintings, and more.
…More
From
$143.10
Price varies by group size
From
$143.10
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Learn More

Sites by Segway In Washington DC
81
Experience Washington DC like never before on this guided small-group Segway tour. Learn about the history of the nation’s capital, and one of the most popular destinations in the US, while gliding around the city. See iconic landmarks like the United States Capitol, National Mall, Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument and many more—a perfect overview of the city for first-time visitors or anyone wanting to see the sites. Guided Segway training plus bottled water and snacks are included. Dress in weather-appropriate clothes with flat, closed-toed shoes.
…More
From
$66.00
From
$66.00

Washington DC Capital Sites Bike Tour
121
Washington DC is full of historical sites and while it’s easy to explore on foot or by bus, this 2-wheel tour option gives travelers access to some of the city’s most popular landmarks. Check out the Lincoln Memorial, White House, Supreme Court and the Capitol on this Capital Sites Bike Tour. Your friendly guide shares plenty of history, facts, and city knowledge on this easy bike ride through the nation’s capital.
…More
From
$46.00
From
$46.00

Private Walking Tour of the National Gallery of Art
Since the National Gallery of Art first opened in 1937 its collection tracing Western art from the Middle Ages to the present day has won great international acclaim.
Composed of works by the greatest artists of all time, all the gallery’s artifacts have been gifted, many by American financier and former Ambassador to the UK, Andrew W Mellon. Today this glorious art trove is brimming with Raphael, Rubens, El Greco, Rembrandt, Monet, Van Gogh, Picasso, Jackson Pollock, and Andy Warhol. Leonard da Vinci’s Ginevra de’ Benci - dubbed Washington’s “Mona Lisa” - is also notable as the only da Vinci in all the Americas on public display.
Your absorbing Private National Gallery of Art Tour is led by a respected historian to provide a rich and immersive 2.5-hour experience. As you move through the galleries, consider why certain styles proliferated at certain times, and explore the impact of the socio-political climate on artistic expression.
…More
From
$130.00
Price varies by group size
From
$130.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More

DC Mall & National Gallery of Art Guided Walking Guided Tour - Private Tour
2
Pack in tons of sights all in one day with this private, 5-hour tour of the National Mall and the National Gallery of Art. Make stops at the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, National WWII Memorial, White House, Korean War Veteran Memorial, and Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Afterward, head to the museum to see great works of art from artists, such as Claude Monet, Vincent van Gogh, Edgar Degas, and Picasso.
…More
From
$143.10
Price varies by group size
From
$143.10
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Learn More

DC Mall & National Gallery of Art Guided Walking Tour - 8ppl Max
2
Get an overview of the attractions around the National Mall and the National Gallery of Art on this small-group walking tour with a group of eight people or fewer. Enter the National Gallery of Art to see some of the world's most famous paintings and take a break halfway through the tour for lunch (own expense).
…More
From
$143.10
Price varies by group size
From
$143.10
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Learn More

Smithsonian Natural History & National Gallery of Art Guided Tour - Private Tour
The massive size of Washington DC’s Museum of Natural History and National Gallery of Art can be easily overwhelming. Going with a guide ensures you see both key highlights and hidden gems at each museum, as well as learn about the artists’ techniques, intentions, and even scandals. During your private tour, enjoy the full attention of your guide and ample time to ask questions.
…More
From
$143.10
Price varies by group size
From
$143.10
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Learn More

Extended Monuments & Memorials Tour
12
You can see all Washington DC Monuments and Memorials, the White House and the Capitol at your own pace, with no bus-filled crowding or walking — and no waiting. You'll be protected from the weather, including rain, snow and sun. Kid friendly and your dogs are most welcome! This is the best option for anyone with a mobility impairment.
Our most popular tour is the Monuments and Memorials tour. We have done this tour 100+ different ways, depending on our guest's wishes. This is a tour of the entire National Mall on tricycle and includes the Washington Monument, Jefferson Memorial, FDR Memorial, MLK Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Korean, Vietnam and WWII War Memorials, and the White House, as well as other memorials.
We also conduct night tours, which usually include all the amazing lit-up sights (our favorites at night are The White House, World War II, Lincoln, Jefferson, Roosevelt and the Capitol).
…More
From
$780.28
per group
From
$780.28
per group

Washington DC Museums - National Mall East Tourist Scavenger Hunt
This Tourist Scavenger Hunt takes you through the Eastern part of the National Mall where Washington's Museums are located. There are a few side trips to see various interesting things you're expecting to see, and other things you didn't know where there.
It takes 2-3 hours to complete, do it whenever you wish - you select your own date and start time, no scheduling or reservation needed. 20+ challenges, games and enigmas to solve as you walk through this historic neighborhood.
…More
From
$36.29
per group
From
$36.29
per group
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Learn More

Madams of DC Walking Tour
16
The Madams in DC tour gives you a perspective of DC's history that you won't hear anywhere else. The Civil War completely transformed the Capital, and turned Pennsylvania Avenue into a red light district main street lined with bawdy houses, taverns, theaters, and commercial ventures. Hard to imagine, now that it's lined with monolithic government buildings! You'll learn about how the women who worked in these brothels made their way in life, and even had an impact on affairs of government.
…More
From
$25.58
From
$25.58
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Learn More

Private Washington DC Day or Night Tour up to 11 Guests
1
This Private Washington DC Tour can accommodate up to 11 and includes transportation from site to site, professional guide, and hotel pick up and drop off. During your tour, your guide share the history of the city and details for each of the sites that you choose to visit.
This tour starts off heading to the East Side of the National Mall for your first stop at the United States Capitol Building (15 - 20 min stop). Then you will take the Presidential Inauguration route down Pennsylvania Avenue to your next stop White House (5 - 10 min stop). Travel to the center of the National Mall and visit the World War II Memorial (15 - 25 min stop) and the Washington Monument (10 - 20 min stop). Head over to the Tidal Basin and see the Jefferson Memorial (20 min stop) and Martin Luther King, Jr Memorial (15 min stop). Travel to the West Side of the National Mall and visit Lincoln Memorial (20 min stop), Korean War Veterans Memorial (15 min stop), and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial (15 min stop).
…More
From
$420.00
per group
From
$420.00
per group
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More

Capitol Hill Walking Tour With National Archives Entry
Take a walking tour of the historic grounds of Capitol Hill and explore the foundation of the American government with an expert local tour guide.
Your experience begins at the illustrious Neptune Fountain where you will meet your tour guide before taking a very short walk to the Supreme Court of the United States.
Enter the Library of Congress to observe its stunning interior-architecture and learn about its historic collection of books, exhibits, and documents.
Next, you will proceed to the United States Capitol Visitor Center to enjoy a guided walk through the US Capitol Building. See the Crypt, Statuary Hall, and the remarkable Rotunda located within its famous dome. Enjoy a nice walk to the National Gallery of Art where your guide will provide details of the building and its history. Your tour will conclude at the National Archives where you will have reserved access to see the Constitution, Declaration of Independence, and much more at your leisure.
…More
From
$69.00
From
$69.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More

Washington DC Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour and Attractions Pass
70
This hop-on hop-off Washington DC bus tour includes three different loops with live commentary plus a night bus tour and admission to up to five total attractions. Use your 48-hour pass to explore memorials and monuments such as the US Capitol, Vietnam Veterans Memorial and Lincoln Memorial. Choose entry to attractions including the International Spy Museum and Madame Tussauds, or select a full-day bike rental.
…More
From
$69.00
From
$69.00

Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour of Washington DC: Monuments, Landmarks and Memorials
66
Explore the most popular sites in Washington, DC on this hop-on hop-off bus tour. Visit many of the top attractions in the nation’s capital — like the White House, Washington Monument, the National Mall, historic Georgetown, Arlington National Cemetery and more. Select a 1- or 2-day pass, for access to three separate routes and get to know the city in custom fashion, with live and recorded narration.
…More
From
$49.00
From
$49.00
Things to do near Washington DC
- Things to do in Amboseli National Park
- Things to do in Philadelphia
- Things to do in Pittsburgh
- Things to do in Newark
- Things to do in New York City
- Things to do in Brooklyn
- Things to do in Long Island
- Things to do in Buffalo
- Things to do in Niagara Falls & Around
- Things to do in Toronto
- Things to do in Boston
- Things to do in Charleston
- Things to do in Pennsylvania
- Things to do in New Jersey
- Things to do in New York