Housing the largest collection of art created in the United States from the colonial period to modern day, the Smithsonian American Art Museum is dedicated to collecting, understanding, and sharing American art. One of the internationally acclaimed Smithsonian museums, it shares the iconic Old Patent Office Building with the National Portrait Gallery. Within its halls and exhibition chambers more than 7,000 artists’ creations are on display, covering all regions and art movements in our nation’s history (including contemporary pieces). Free to the public, the museum is open from 11:30am to 7pm every day of the year (except Christmas).
Collections
The main exhibit spaces of SAAM feature collections spanning the history of our nation. The Smithsonian American Art Museum houses an incredible array of art sure to dazzle everyone, regardless of their primary interests. Here you can enjoy the world’s largest collection of New Deal art, contemporary crafts, American impressionist paintings from the Gilded Age, and photographic exhibits that span the lifetime of imaging technology. Modern folk art is juxtaposed with African American and Latino artists, pieces portraying – and evoked by – the Westward Expansion of the 19th century, and realist art from the dawn of the 20th. Notable artists on display include Nam June Paik, Georgia O’Keefe, John Singer Sargent, Winslow Homer, and Edward Hopper (among many, many others).
The Renwick Gallery at the Smithsonian American Art Museum
While the Old Patent Office holds the static collections of American masterpieces, the Renwick Gallery – located in a historic building on Pennsylvania Avenue across from the White House – features special installations as well as a Grand Salon that boasts hundreds of contemporary and iconic American paintings. It is currently exhibiting “No Spectators: The Art of Burning Man”, an examination of the large-scale artwork inspired by the eclectic art and music festival in the deserts of the southwest, now through January of 2019. The Renwick Gallery is also free to the public and is open 10am to 5:30pm.
For art lovers, patriots, or those who simply like to appreciate the historical context that inspired artists throughout our nation’s history, the Smithsonian American Art Museum and Renwick Gallery are must visits. LUXbnb is proud to offer its own selection of classic Americana with an extensive catalog of historic, iconic, and luxurious rental homes throughout the DC Metro area. Each is fully furnished and expertly-decorated – though perhaps not quite to the curated levels of these fine museums – and all are within easy walking distance or convenient Metro ride of these amazing venues.
Contact us today to learn more about Washington DC attractions in the area and to book one of our beautiful vacation rentals! Learn more about the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington DC!