The Luther W. Brady Art Gallery, which houses George Washington University's permanent art collection, boasts a whopping 3,800 works of art. The university began collecting art in 1821, and has been expanding its collection ever since. Today, the Luther W. Brady Art Gallery includes some of the most iconic American paintings from the 18th Century, including Gilbert Stuart's Monro-Lenox Full-Length Portrait of George Washington. The gallery also runs the Campus Loan Project, which allows pieces from the permanent collection to be hung in public spaces around the university campus.
Using portraits, photographs, and other visual media, the National Portrait Gallery honors America’s famous and distinguished personalities. Right from politicians and artists to scientists and social activists, all shine brightly in the spotlight here. For tourists and locals alike, this gallery represents a remarkable testimony to the diverse figures that the United States has produced. While photographs, prints, drawings, and sculptures supplement the paintings, the Hall of Presidents is a noteworthy feature of the gallery. Interestingly, apart from the White House, this gallery is the only other home to the complete collection of presidential portraits.
Step inside this art haven with a collection spanning over 150,000 works. You'll encounter works of art from renowned European masters like Matthias Grünewald, Albrecht Dürer, Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres, Eugène Delacroix, and many others. In addition to that, the gallery also has a beautiful collection of drawings, photographs, paintings, sculptures, medals and art which take you on a journey to the Middle Ages and back to the present. Once you’ve toured the gallery, explore the serene oasis of the Sculpture Garden. Adorned with beautiful sculptures by renowned artists, the garden offers a peaceful space for contemplation and reflection.
Located a short walk from the National Gallery of Art, the Sculpture Garden beckons with an exquisite display of artistry. Housing sculptures from the National Gallery's curated collection and other captivating additions from exhibitions, the garden invites visitors to witness the beauty of human creativity and natural splendor. Thus, take a seat on one of the benches and bask in the enchantment of art. Also adding to the allure is a sizable water fountain, which, in the winter, transforms into a charming ice rink. Additionally, a welcoming café within the garden is ideal for visitors to savor delectable pastries amidst the scenic backdrop of sculptures and blooming flowers.
The National Museum of African Art brings the art and history of Africa to life through its comprehensive collection spanning millennia. From ancient times to the modern age, this museum takes you on a voyage of discovery of the diverse cultural and social fabric of this vast continent as you explore over 9,000 objects from virtually every African country. Beyond simply being a display room, the museum seeks to create a dialog between visitors and itself via educational talks, thematic exhibitions, films, storytelling workshops, music, and more. Highlights include the "Africa ReViewed: The Photographic Legacy of Eliot Elisofon," "African Cosmos: Stellar Arts," classical treasures, African textiles, and artful animals. A part of the Smithsonian Institution, the National Museum of African Art is the only national level museum dedicated to preserving African art.
Located just down the street from the National Air and Space Museum, the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden is one of Washington’s most renowned art museum. Here visitors stroll up a rising, circular incline and view works by Calder, Rodin, and contemporary sculptors. The special exhibits here have included the works of globally celebrated artists such as Mircea Cantor, Rivane Neuenschwander and Morris Louis. The museum's collection boasts of thousands of paintings sculptures and murals. The sunken sculpture garden across Jefferson Drive is a must-visit, wherein the Auguste Rodin's Burghers of Calais is a must-see.
Set among the fashionable Foxhall Road estates in upper northwest Washington, the former residence of Carmen and David Kreeger holds a marvelous collection of 19th and 20th-century art. Artists such as Picasso, Van Gogh, Kandinsky and Rodin are represented, among many other artists. A fine collection of African art is also housed here. The Kreeger Museum's grounds also feature a sculpture garden. However, the museum requires some advance planning to visit since reservations are required to join the docent-led tours, but the effort is well worth it.
The American University Museum, which is located in American University's Katzen Arts Center, selects the art that is displayed based on the values of the university. International and political art makes up much of the museum's collection because the university is committed to political engagement and social justice. There is also a good deal of local art on display thanks to the university's involvement in the shaping of the regional contemporary art scene. The museum has several permanent collections, including an extensive sculpture garden, as well as rotating art exhibits that display regional, national, and international contemporary art.