CityBuddy
Posjetite Smithsonian American Art Museum
Best time to visit
Weekday mornings right after opening are quietest, especially Tuesdays through Thursdays. The light is best in the Luce Center around midday for viewing the open storage collection.
Budget tips
Entry is free every day, no ticket needed. The museum is part of the Smithsonian group, so all galleries and the Luce Foundation Center are completely free of charge.
Recommended for
Art lovers who want to see beyond the typical gallery experience, History enthusiasts interested in American cultural heritage, Budget travelers looking for world-class art without entry fees, Families with curious kids who will love the open storage drawers
Plan your visit
2-3 hours
About
Quick facts: Home to over 7,000 artists and more than 40,000 works spanning three centuries of American creativity. The collection includes the original "Nighthawks" study by Edward Hopper and the world's largest collection of New Deal-era murals.
Highlights: The third-floor Luce Foundation Center displays 3,300 artworks in visible glass storage, letting you see pieces that most museums keep hidden away. You can actually open drawers of prints and pull out works by artists like Georgia O'Keeffe and Winslow Homer yourself.
Insider tips
- Skip the main floor if it's crowded and head straight to the third-floor Luce Center to see the open storage collections.
- Bring a camera for the atrium where the giant kinetic sculpture 'Bentprop' by George Rickey slowly moves in the air currents.
- Take the elevator to the top floor and work your way down to avoid crowds and save energy.
- Check the schedule for free docent-led tours that highlight specific themes like American impressionism or folk art.
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