National Portrait Gallery

Overview

The National Portrait Gallery in Washington DC houses a comprehensive collection of American portraiture, featuring influential figures from history, arts, and politics. It offers a unique glimpse into the lives and legacies of notable Americans.

It is the only national portrait gallery outside of London and houses the only complete collection of presidential portraits outside the White House.

Art History

Location

Address

8th St. NW & G St. NW, Washington DC

Neighborhood: Downtown

Coordinates

38.898500, -77.019200

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

tuesday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

wednesday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

thursday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

friday 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM

saturday 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM

sunday 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Admission

Adults

$25

Children

$12

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

March-May

Best Time of Day

Early morning

fewer crowds

Duration Recommendations

Minimum

1 hour

Recommended

3 hours

Full Experience

full day

Seasonal Highlights

spring

mild

• flowers
• gardens

summer

hot

• extended hours

autumn

cool

• fall colors

winter

cold

• holiday lights

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

Book ahead
Bring ID
Check weather

What to Bring

essential

ID water tickets

seasonal

jacket umbrella

not allowed

large bags drones

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: moderate

• stairs

Medical facilities: first aid available

Payment Information

Accepted

cash, cards

Currency

USD

Typical Costs

entry $20

parking $10

food $15

souvenirs $20

Dress Code

casual, comfortable shoes, walking shoes, inappropriate clothing

Booking Tips

• 2 weeks
• official website
• 48 hours
• available

Amenities

Restrooms

Gift shop

Atm

Wifi

Lockers

Wheelchair rental

Stroller rental

On site restaurant

Cafe

Picnic areas

Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

Official App

Size: 50 MB

Features: Map, Audio guide, Tickets

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Visitor center, Cafe

Charging Stations: Rest areas

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Dulles International Airport

Distance: 25 km

Travel Time: 30 minutes

taxi

$40 30 min

public_transport

$5 45 min

From City Center

Distance: 5 km

metro

$2 15 min

bus

$1.50 20 min

taxi

$10 10 min

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: Historic importance

Historical Significance: Important events happened here

Insider Tips

Free entry early morning
Best food at back entrance

Local Recommendations

• Try local cafe
• Ask for guide John

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Hello

thank_you Thank you

where_is Where is

how_much How much

beautiful Beautiful

ticket Ticket

Guide Languages: English, Spanish, French

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Main entrance

Best Time: Golden hour

Tips: Low angle

Result: Great shot

#travel

Photography Rules

allowed areas outdoor areas

prohibited areas exhibitions

flash photography not allowed

commercial photography permit needed

drone policy prohibited

tripod policy restricted

selfie sticks allowed

Nearby Attractions

National Gallery of Art

Distance: 500m

Walking: 7 min

Type: Museum

National Mall

Distance: 1km

Walking: 15 min

Type: Park

Reviews

4.5

Based on 1,000 reviews

Recent Visitor Tips

"Book online"
"Visit early"
"Great views"

Contact Information

+12026331000

info@npg.si.edu

www.npg.si.edu

Social Media

Related Tours & Activities (24)

Athens Half Day Tour, Acropolis, Parthenon, Temple of Olympian Zeus & Hephaistus

Private Car Tour to Mt. Fuji and Kawaguchiko or Hakone