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Housed in the historical Old Patent Office Building, art and history mingle together at two of DC’s most important galleries: the National Portrait Gallery & the American Art Museum.

Highlights

• Experience the evolution of American Art
• Enjoy a guided highlights tour with a personal touch
• See the famous Presidential Portrait collection
• Learn the mystery behind some iconic art
• See the Greensboro Lunch Counter – a touch point of the Civil Rights Movement

Description

The building itself is a marvel, once a Civil War Era hospital where famed poet Walt Whitman helped injured soldiers. Today, his portrait joins thousands of others in this building, which has flirted with art exhibits since 1829, before becoming a dedicated museum. The National Portrait Gallery features portraits of the great women and men who helped build the United States. Presidents and first ladies are on display, as well as famous military leaders of the Civil War, like Grant and Sherman. Discover 19th Century daguerreotypes, early photographs, before exploring the Robber Barons and Suffragettes of the early 20th Century. Afterwards, move on to the American Art Museum where artists like Mary Cassatt, a beloved Impressionist, are on display. You’ll explore big names like Edward Hopper and David Hockney in front of some of their iconic paintings. Georgia O’Keeffe’s provocative flowers will spark conversations as much as the slightly odd portrait of former president Obama. Learn about the WPA-era photographs that helped define a nation during the Great Depression, as well as more modern works that will leave you scratching your head, until your expert guide helps bring it all into focus.

Includes

Professional art historian guide Available daily Duration 2 - 2.5 hours

Important Information

• Please bring valid photo ID • Semi-private tours require a minimum of 2 participants to run. In the event this is not reached, you will be offered an alternative date or a full refund.
• Please advise when booking if you require a wheelchair accessible tour
• Only handbags or small thin bag packs are allowed through security
• A moderate amount of walking is involved
• Occasional closures without previous warning from the museum management: when this occurs, guests will be provided with an appropriate alternative if the museum opening time is delayed more than 1 hour from the tour starting time. In these cases the supplier is unable to provide refunds or discounts
• Some specific rooms inside the museum are subject to rules requiring quiet or restricted right to speak inside. In these cases your guide will provide the information about the rooms contents before entering the specific rooms where this rule applies. Some collections may vary along the year.

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund