Review: National Gallery of Art

Zoom out. What’s this place all about?
Perched near the U.S. Capitol Building, the National Gallery of Art is one of the most impressive museums in the city. Founded by Andrew W. Mellon, the museum comprises two buildings: the West Building, modeled after the Roman Pantheon, and the East Building, designed by modernist architect I.M. Pei. On a nice day, you could hardly do better than a stroll through the museum’s Sculpture Garden, which hosts jazz concerts in summer and an ice rink in winter.

What will we find in the permanent collection?
The National Gallery of Art has the most classic collection in D.C., with a focus mainly on European and American paintings, sculpture, prints, photographs, and more. You’ll find a number of works from famed artists like Leonardo da Vinci, Johannes Vermeer, and Rembrandt, as well as later works from the likes of Vincent van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Jackson Pollock, and Roy Lichtenstein. The Sculpture Garden contains works by Marc Chagall and Joan Miró, as well as Robert Indiana's famous "AMOR."

And what about the temporary exhibits?
The National Gallery is a quintessential art museum—nothing here is going to throw you for a loop and everything is well paced. Special exhibitions highlighting works of artists like Jackson Pollock or Paul Cezanne complement the permanent collection.

What did you make of the crowd?
This museum is a favorite among lovers of traditional art. You'll also see a number of school groups, so plan to navigate around them.

Any guided tours worth trying?
Free daily tours, designed to enhance visitors' understanding of the permanent collection, might focus on the Italian Renaissance, life in the 17th century, modern art, or American stories.

What do they have in the gift shop?
This gift shop sells prints and gifts, including jewelry, ties, or reproductions of sculptures and busts.

Is the café worth a stop, or should we just plan on going elsewhere?
There are three cafes spread across the main two buildings, as well as an espresso and gelato bar in the East Building and another cafe in the Sculpture Garden. It’s nothing too exciting, but it will hit the spot.

Any advice for the time- or attention-challenged?
Despite its impressively sizable collection, the National Gallery is digestible in small bites. If Italian Renaissance art is your jam, head to the West Building. For modern art, go East. You can move through these collections at your own pace, making them friendly for those with short attention spans.