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Museum

National Visual Arts Gallery

📍 West Building, 6th Street and Constitution Avenue NW; East Building, 4th Street and Constitution Avenue NW; Sculpture Garden, 7th Street and Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20565
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4.3/ 5.0
★★★★☆

Quick Facts

Location
Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur
Category
Museum
Duration
2-3 hours
Address
West Building, 6th Street and Constitution Avenue NW; East Building, 4th Street and Constitution Avenue NW; Sculpture Garden, 7th Street and Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20565
Coordinates
3.1780, 101.7160

Introduction

The National Gallery of Art sits on the north side of the National Mall. Though part of the national collection, it is independent of the Smithsonian and, like it, free to enter. It comprises the West Building and the East Building: the West is a neoclassical structure holding European paintings and sculptures from the Renaissance to the 19th century, including Leonardo da Vinci's only painting in the Americas, "Ginevra de' Benci"; the East Building, designed by I. M. Pei, focuses on modern and contemporary art. The two are linked by an underground concourse, and outside lies a sculpture garden dotted with large works—strong on both art and architecture.

✨ Highlights

01
Da Vinci masterpiece
The West Building holds Leonardo da Vinci's only painting in the Americas, 'Ginevra de' Benci'.
02
European masters
Works by Raphael, Vermeer, Monet and other masters fill the West Building.
03
Pei's East Building
A modern building of sharp geometric angles, itself a masterpiece, housing modern and contemporary art.
04
Sculpture Garden
The outdoor sculpture garden is open year-round and turns into an ice rink in winter.

🛈 Practical Info

→Buildings:West Building at 6th Street, East Building at 4th Street and the Sculpture Garden at 7th Street, all on Constitution Avenue NW
→Tours:Free guided tours plus self-guided itineraries and audio tours
→Events:Some events ask for a free registration

Opening Hours

Opening Hours
Monday10:00-17:00
Tuesday10:00-17:00
Wednesday10:00-17:00
Thursday10:00-17:00
Friday10:00-17:00
Saturday10:00-17:00
Sunday10:00-17:00

Per the official Visit page (checked 4 November 2026) the gallery is open daily 10:00-17:00 and closed only on 25 December and 1 January; the header strip on the same day likewise reads Open 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. West Building, East Building and the Sculpture Garden share these hours, while seasonal features in the garden such as the spiral viewing platform follow the current note on the site.

Ticket Information

Ticket Information
AdultFree

Admission is always free. The site states that no pass or ticket is needed for the galleries, the exhibitions or the guided tours, that all special exhibitions are free, and that only some events require a free registration.

💡 Tips

• The West Building's Leonardo 'Ginevra de' Benci' is the museum's crown jewel—don't miss it.
• The atrium of Pei's East Building is itself an architectural delight worth pausing for.
• The sculpture garden becomes an ice rink in winter and hosts open-air jazz on summer weekends.
• Opening hours and special exhibitions are subject to the museum's official announcement.

FAQ

What are the opening hours of National Visual Arts Gallery?

Monday: 10:00-17:00; Tuesday: 10:00-17:00; Wednesday: 10:00-17:00; Thursday: 10:00-17:00; Friday: 10:00-17:00; Saturday: 10:00-17:00; Sunday: 10:00-17:00; Per the official Visit page (checked 4 November 2026) the gallery is open daily 10:00-17:00 and closed only on 25 December and 1 January; the header strip on the same day likewise reads Open 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. West Building, East Building and the Sculpture Garden share these hours, while seasonal features in the garden such as the spiral viewing platform follow the current note on the site.

How much is the admission for National Visual Arts Gallery?

Adult: Free; Admission is always free. The site states that no pass or ticket is needed for the galleries, the exhibitions or the guided tours, that all special exhibitions are free, and that only some events require a free registration.

Any practical tips for visiting National Visual Arts Gallery?

The West Building's Leonardo 'Ginevra de' Benci' is the museum's crown jewel—don't miss it. The atrium of Pei's East Building is itself an architectural delight worth pausing for.

How long should I spend at National Visual Arts Gallery?

A typical visit takes 2-3 hours.

Hours, prices and access here may change with the venue season and events, so please confirm with the venue official channel before you go.