The Smithsonian American Art Museum

The Smithsonian American Art Museum displays its collections and presents special exhibitions in two locations in Washington, D.C. Its main building is located at the heart of a vibrant downtown cultural district, while its branch museum for contemporary craft and decorative arts, the Renwick Gallery, is located nine blocks west, near the White House. Please note that the Renwick currently is closed for a much needed renovation.

Before you visit our main building in the Penn Quarter neighborhood, please take a moment to look over our Gallery Guidelines so you know what to expect. If you are looking for a quiet place to work or to check your e-mail, free public wireless Internet access (Wi-Fi) is available in the Kogod Courtyard and the Luce Foundation Center.

If your time is limited, stop by the Information Desk for a self-guided tour brochure, Ten Highlights, visit the innovative Luce Foundation Center for American Art and the Lunder Conservation Center, or take advantage of one of the daily docent-led tours of the collection. If you are visiting us with your kids and want to explore the museum, pick-up a copy of our Self-Guide for Families or stop in the Luce Foundation Center for the latest art scavenger hunt. Don't forget, American Art's main building is open every evening until 7 p.m. so you can visit your favorite painting before going to dinner or just relax in the Courtyard Café.