About National Gallery of Art
A gift from Andrew Mellon to the nation, the NGA holds the only Leonardo da Vinci painting in the Americas and one of the finest collections of European and American art in the world.
Founded in 1937, National Gallery of Art has been welcoming visitors for over 89 years. Today it draws approximately 3,300,000 visitors annually, making it one of the most-visited art & encyclopedic museums in the world. Located in Washington, United States, the museum holds a rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on 19,000 traveller reviews, reflecting its enduring appeal to both first-time visitors and returning enthusiasts.
Why National Gallery of Art ranks #61
Our editorial ranking blends data from TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice awards, AECOM/TEA annual attendance figures, and coverage in leading travel publications including Condé Nast Traveler, Time Out, National Geographic and The Times. At #61 in our composite ranking, National Gallery of Art represents the kind of institution that rewards a deliberate visit — less visited than the mega-museums, but no less rewarding in what it offers. Key recognitions include: Free entry, AECOM Top 10.
Must-see highlights
With a recommended visit time of 2–4 hours, planning your route through National Gallery of Art is essential. Here are the standout works and spaces that should be at the top of your list:
- ◆Ginevra de' Benci (Leonardo)
- ◆Self-Portrait (Van Gogh)
- ◆Calder's Mobile in East Building
- ◆Sculpture Garden ice rink
- ◆I.M. Pei East Building
Recognition & awards
National Gallery of Art has received recognition from multiple authoritative sources in the museum and travel industry:
Planning your visit
Opening hours: Mon–Sat 10:00–17:00, Sun 11:00–18:00. Free.
How long to spend: Most visitors recommend setting aside 2–4 hours for a thorough visit. If you are short on time, focus on the highlights listed above and consider purchasing a skip-the-line ticket to maximise your time inside.
Getting there: National Gallery of Art is located in Washington, United States at coordinates 38.8913°N, -77.0200°E. View on Google Maps →
Visitor tips: Given the size of this museum, comfortable shoes are essential. Consider splitting your visit across two days if your schedule allows. Check the official website for any temporary closures, special exhibitions and advance booking requirements.
History of National Gallery of Art
National Gallery of Art was established in 1937, making it a relatively modern institution. Over the centuries, it has grown from its original collection to become a major cultural landmark in Washington. With 3,300,000 annual visitors, it plays a vital role in United States's cultural tourism economy and stands as one of the most important art & encyclopedic museums in the Americas region.
Other top art & encyclopedic museums
If you enjoy art & encyclopedic museums like National Gallery of Art, you may also want to explore these highly-ranked institutions in the same category:
- #1Musée du LouvreParis, France
- #2The Metropolitan Museum of ArtNew York, United States
- #3Vatican MuseumsVatican City, Vatican City
- #4British MuseumLondon, United Kingdom
- #5State Hermitage MuseumSaint Petersburg, Russia
More museums in Washington
Washington is home to 7 museums on our editorial ranking. If you are visiting the city, consider combining your trip to National Gallery of Art with these nearby institutions:
- #15Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History🦖 Natural History
- #27Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum🔬 Science & Industry
- #35United States Holocaust Memorial Museum🕯️ Memorial & Remembrance
- #37Smithsonian National Museum of American History🏛️ History & Civilization
- #38Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture🏛️ History & Civilization
- #58Smithsonian National Zoo (& Conservation)🦖 Natural History
Frequently asked questions
What are the opening hours of National Gallery of Art?
Mon–Sat 10:00–17:00, Sun 11:00–18:00. Free. We recommend checking the official website before your visit as hours may change on public holidays or during special events.
How long should I spend at National Gallery of Art?
Most visitors recommend spending 2–4 hours for a comprehensive visit. If you are short on time, prioritise the must-see highlights listed above.
Where is National Gallery of Art located?
National Gallery of Art is located in Washington, United States. The exact coordinates are 38.8913°, -77.0200°. You can find directions via Google Maps.
What is National Gallery of Art known for?
America's national art museum on the Mall. Key highlights include Ginevra de' Benci (Leonardo), Self-Portrait (Van Gogh), Calder's Mobile in East Building. The museum holds a 4.8/5 rating from 19,000 reviews.
How many people visit National Gallery of Art each year?
National Gallery of Art receives approximately 3,300,000 visitors per year, making it one of the most-visited museums in United States.
When was National Gallery of Art founded?
National Gallery of Art was founded in 1937, making it 89 years old. It is categorised as a art & encyclopedic museum in our directory.
