Private Tour
DC Portrait Gallery & American Art Museum - Exclusive Guided Tour
Overview
Available languages
2 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Two of Washington’s most iconic museums take up residence in the historical Old Patent Office Building, where history and art collide. Visit the National Portrait Gallery and the American Art Museum on a 2.5 hour exclusive tour and discover the best of American-made works all under one roof.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
It is imperative that you provide us with guests MOBILE PHONE NUMBER (including country code)
Notes: National Portrait Gallery & American Art Museum may be subjected to occasional closures without previous warning from the museum management. When this occurs, we will provide guests with an appropriate alternative if the museum opening time is delayed more than 1h from the tour starting time. In these cases we are unable to provide refunds or discounts. Appropriate dress is required for entry into some sites on this tour. No large bags or suitcases are allowed inside the museum, only handbags or small thin bag packs are allowed through security. Due to increased security measures at many attractions some lines may form on tours with 'Skip the Line' or 'No Wait' access. Some specific rooms inside the museum are subjected to a very quiet or restricted right to speak inside, in this cases your guide will provide the information about this places before entering the specific rooms where this rule applies. Some collections may vary along the year.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
National Portrait Gallery
Once a Civil War Era hospital, this building has featured art exhibits as early as 1829. Poet Walt Whitman tended to wounded soldiers here, commemorated by a portrait hanging here today in the National Portrait Gallery. Other portraits recall the great women and men who shaped the United States. Presidential portraits, as well as those of the first ladies, trace a long lineage of famous leaders. Civil War figures, like Grant and Sherman, recall a more turbulent time in the nation’s history. An eclectic mix of paintings and photographs, as well as 19th century daguerreotypes, recall the Robber Barons, the Suffragettes, and various other individuals throughout the US’s short but remarkable past. Within the American Art Museum, appreciate scenes by American artists like Mary Cassatt, who took part in the Impressionist movement. Fast-forward to Georgia O'Keeffe and her provocative flowers. Learn about the photographs commissioned by the government during the Great Depression as well as the curious portrait of former president Obama. Discover famous artists like Edward Hopper and David Hockney before moving on to more experimental and contemporary art that will need a bit of explaining to understand how this all fits into America’s very unique story.
What‘s Included
Tour Guide Exclusively For You (Does NOT apply if you choose "SAVE! BOOK SEMI-PRIVATE" option)
Wheelchair Friendly (Does NOT apply if you choose "SAVE! BOOK SEMI-PRIVATE" option)
Guided Museum Tour
Duration 2.5 Hours
Food and drinks
Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Options
1:30 Private Guided Tour
Private Museum Tour;Professional Tour Guide Exclusively For You;Duration 2 - 2.5 Hours;Wheelchair Friendly
SEMI-PRIVATE 8ppl Max. English
Save money by booking a small group tour of 8 guests max. per guide This option NOT FOR WHEELCHAIRS.
Reviews
24 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Our tour of the National...
Chuck L,,Sep 4, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Our tour of the National Portrait Gallery was outstanding. Annemarie had so much history to share about the architecture and the art including details of Lincoln's Inaugural Ball that was held there! We were guided through the portraits of our Presidents, including the unique qualities of each one. Annemarie has so much knowledge to share about the many works of art in the gallery. We had such a great experience that was so much more memorable than if we had just walked through on our own. We would recommend this tour to any of our friends and Annemarie was amazing!
Great information and responsive to our questions and interests Highly recommend Annemarie.
Colleen C,,Mar 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We got great information from our guide. She was responsive to our questions and interests. We received information that we had not heard or read previously. We highly recommend Annmarie.
Great Your Guide
Gay F,,Jun 16, 2024
- Review from Viator
4.00Stephen was just great, knowledgeable and interesting, we were the only ones on the tour and it would have been nice to have an opportunity to go to some areas of greater interest. Well worth the money and just a beautiful museum, free as well.
A whirlwind of knowledge in a few short hours...
denvrital,,May 25, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Aside from having a cold, I had a great time with my guide Annamarie. She was very knowledgeable and kept our small group engaged. And I even learned a thing or two. Thanks again.
Well worth the $
paulinemG3183RT,,May 17, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had Rebecca and she was terrific- illuminating and enjoyable. It’s the only way to do a tour and to know what you are seeing- I really loved it!
Amazing tour experience with Annemarie!! Highly remmend
343mickeyp,,May 5, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Annemarie was the perfect guide! She was super easy to ask questions of, was very knowledgeable, and told great stories and information that we never would’ve never known had we gone on our own. We highly recommend Ann-Marie for any tour! So glad we got to enjoy the afternoon with her.
Informative Portrait Tour
Z4773YNkimt,,May 1, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Annemarie Voss gave us a fabulous, informative, educational tour of the National Potrait Gallery & American Museum. We were thrilled with the facts she gave us during our time together. 10 Stars!!!!
Savvy guide
402ellenq,,Mar 8, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Annemarie was amazing! She knew so much about both history and art and tailored the tour to our interests. Such a great storyteller and conversationalist.
Fabulous guide and fun experience
amandahV8382EI,,Mar 8, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Ann Marie was fabulous! We loved our tour very much. She pointed out things we never would have seen on our own! A five star private tour!
Highly recommend
debra g,,Oct 24, 2023
- Review from Viator
5.00Annemarie gave us a spectacular, informative tour of the portrait gallery and the American art museum . She was personable, full of interesting stories, and we learned so much !
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Operated by Babylon Tours DC