Experts' Choice Award Smithsonian American Art Museum
What the experts agree on
One of the world's largest American art collections spanning three centuries—from colonial to contemporary—housed in a historic Greek Revival building known for innovative immersive installations and exceptionally diverse representation of folk,
“Founded by John Varden in 1829, the collection now includes the work of more than 7,000 artists, including Winslow Homer, John Singer Sargent, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Roy Lichtenstein.”
– Travel + Leisure
Lonely Planet "If you only visit one art museum in Washington, DC, make it this one, technically composed of two institutions." Full review
Fodor's "The world's biggest and most inclusive collection of American art houses a collection that spans three centuries, from the colonial period to today." Full review
Michelin Guide 0 Stars
"Housed in the landmark Old Patent Office Building, this museum contains the country's oldest federal collections of art." Full review
Where "National collections from folk art to LED installations and one gallery dedicated to video and time-based artwork." Full review
U.S. News & World Report18.0
"The Smithsonian American Art Museum could expose visitors to work created in response to the Vietnam War, a gallery for folk and self-taught art or many other displays. " Full review
Fodor's "This was the country's first purpose-built art museum, and it was known then as "the American Louvre"...exhibits highlight exciting contemporary artists who are using materials in innovative ways" Full review
Frommer's "The American Art Museum’s collection of American art is one of the largest in the world—and the most diverse, with folk art, modern, African-American, and Latino art well represented." Full review
Frommer's "The museum in the past few years has morphed into a funhouse showcasing room-size installations of innovative, immersive artworks." Full review
Afar Magazine "The phrase “Dedicated to Art” is engraved in stone over the entrance of the Renwick Gallery, a reminder of its rich history as the nation’s first building created expressly as an art..." Full review
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