National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.

The National Gallery of Art is an incredibly large museum and one of the largest art collections in the world, representing a truly priceless assembly of global paintings and sculptures.

When and How the Art Museum Was Established

Art museums may seem similar, but there are unique examples among them. Washington’s gallery is one of them. Why? Simply because most of the works presented there do not exist anywhere else in the world, not even as reproductions.

Though the institution looks majestic, it is relatively young — the gallery was organized by a decision of Congress in the mid-20th century. The foundation was the collection of billionaire Andrew Mellon. Being a fan of painting, he spent his life collecting world masterpieces in his mansion. When the USSR began selling off treasures from the Hermitage collection in the 1930s, Mellon bought nearly all of it. In his will, all the art he had accumulated over his lifetime, along with $10 million, was bequeathed to the state. Such a generous gift was intended for the creation of a national museum in the capital.

Said and done: after Mellon’s death, Congress initiated the establishment of the National Gallery of Art. Other collectors joined the noble cause, enriching an already impressive collection with new masterpieces.

Whose Works Are Exhibited in the Gallery?

Listing all the artists and sculptors whose works are represented in the National Gallery of Art is nearly impossible. However, you will certainly encounter the originals of the greatest masters of both past and present.

Classical Art:

• Leonardo da Vinci;
• Vincent van Gogh;
• Jan Vermeer;
• Rembrandt van Rijn;
• Titian;
• Raphael.

Modern Art:

• Andy Warhol;
• Pablo Picasso;
• Henri Matisse;
• Salvador Dali;
• Jackson Pollock;
• Alexander Calder.

These names represent only a small part of the grand collection you will find within the walls of the National Gallery of Art. The greatest masters from different eras and cultures are united here to provide you with a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of art.

Gallery Building and Sculpture Garden

The building’s architect was one of America’s leading neoclassical specialists, John Pope. In March 1941, President Roosevelt ceremoniously opened the gallery on the National Mall. At that time, it was the largest building in the world made of white marble.

Until the 1970s, the National Gallery consisted of a single building, but later another was added, connected to the first by an underground passage. The old neoclassical building is now called the West Building, where classical masterpieces are housed. In the newer East Building, you will find the collection of modern art.

Adjacent to the West Building is the Sculpture Garden. This is not just a beautiful garden with compositions; it is a true collection of masterpieces covering 25,000 square meters. In the center stands a lovely fountain, adding to the pleasant atmosphere. In winter, an ice rink is set up on the garden grounds. Andrew Mellon would undoubtedly have been proud of such a collection. Indeed, the whole world looks on and rejoices.

Additional Information

• Address

  Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC 20565

• Telephone

  +1-202-737-4215

• Mode of operation

  Mon – Sat: 10:00 am – 05:00 pm.

  Sun: 11:00 am – 06:00 pm.

• Web site

  nga.gov

Address	Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC 20565
Telephone	+1-202-737-4215
Mode of operation	Mon – Sat: 10:00 am – 05:00 pm. Sun: 11:00 am – 06:00 pm.
Web site	nga.gov