Smithsonian

National Gallery of Art

A two-building complex, located on the mall in Washington, the United States’ National Gallery of Art was established in 1937 with the substantial art collection of industrialist Andrew Carnegie as its base. Since then, the Gallery has amassed an important collection. It is particularly noted for its works by Vermeer, Monet, and Van Gogh, and holds the only work by Leonardo Da Vinci in the western hemisphere.

The museum’s modern East Wing, designed by architect I. M. Pei, houses the Gallery’s contemporary art collection, including works by Picasso, Calder, Jackson Pollock, Matisse, and Warhol. An outdoor sculpture was added in 1999 and features works by Hector Guimard, Joan Miro, and Roy Lichtenstein.

National Museum of American History

Arguably, the most unique museum in the Smithsonian group, the National Museum of American History is dedicated to all facets of American history and culture. Opened in 1964, this collection of American icons includes such things as Julia Child’s recreated kitchen, Fonzie’s leather jacket, the inaugural gowns of America’s First Ladies, and the huge American flag that flew over Fort McHenry during the War of 1812 and which inspired Francis Scott Key to write the Star Spangled Banner.

National Air and Space Museum

The Freer Gallery of Art

A recently opened extension to the museum, located near Washington’s Dulles Airport, includes more planes and exhibits, including an Air France Concorde jet, the Enola Gay bomber, and a SR-71 Blackbird stealth reconnaissance aircraft.

Freer Gallery of Art

The Freer Gallery of Art, located on the south side of the Washington Mall, is dedicated to East Asian art. Popular attractions in the gallery include Chinese paintings, Korean ceramics, Japanese folding screens, and Persian manuscripts. The Peacock Room, once part of a late 19th century London townhouse, was designed in a blue and gold motif by American artist, James Whistler, and was installed in toto in the museum after the owner’s death. It’s a striking example of turn of the century Chinoiserie art.

National Museum of the American Indian

The newest edition to the Smithsonian, this striking building crafted of cream-colored, Indiana limestone tells the story of Native American people in North America. The exhibits are divided into different tribes and include artifacts and written and taped testimonials. Changing temporary exhibits, such as a recent Native American sculpture installation, augment the permanent collection.

Other Smithsonian Museums

Other Museums run by the Smithsonian include the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, dedicated to Asian art; the National Museum of African Art; the National Portrait Gallery, the National Zoo; the National Postal Museum, and the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, dedicated to contemporary art.