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The National Portrait Gallery is an art museum showcasing portraits of significant Americans
The National Portrait Gallery is an art gallery showcasing portraits of individuals who have influenced the history and culture of the United States. Founded in 1962, the gallery collects and displays portraiture in a wide variety of media, including paintings, prints, engravings, drawings, daguerreotypes and more. It is part of the Smithsonian Institute.
Exterior of the National Portrait Gallery and the Smithsonian American Art Museum
The “America’s Presidents” exhibit displays the complete collection of Presidents and a few First Ladies. Included are the famous Lansdowne Portrait of George Washington and the Norman Rockwell portrait of Richard Nixon.
Portrait of First Lady Dolley Madison in later life by artist William S. Elwell
The famous “Lansdowne Portrait” of George Washington by Gilbert Stuart
Portrait of President Richard Nixon by Norman Rockwell
Many of the portraits have been digitized and are available for viewing online. Check here for details.
Check the website for tours, programming, research and educational opportunities. Admission is free. Both the National Portrait Gallery and the Smithsonian American Art Museum share the same historic building.