At G Street NW in Washington, DC, the Donald W. Reynolds Center brings the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery and American Art Museum together in a three-story building. Its galleries range from presidential portraits to works by Edward Hopper, Georgia O’Keeffe, Andy Warhol and Winslow Homer, alongside folk art depicting American life. The former Patent Office building gives the visit a historic setting, and a second-floor terrace café provides a place to pause between galleries. Admission is free, so you can explore without buying a ticket.
A former Patent Office with a layered past
Designed by Robert Mills, the building first served as the Patent Office. During the Civil War, it was used as a hospital. It was later threatened with demolition before becoming a landmark housing Smithsonian museums.
The galleries now bring together the National Portrait Gallery and the American Art Museum under one roof. The building’s earlier roles give the art collections a setting tied to the history of Washington.
Art across the galleries
The collections include works by Edward Hopper, Georgia O’Keeffe, Andy Warhol and Winslow Homer. Presidential portraits sit alongside folk art that depicts aspects of American life, giving the galleries several ways to explore the country through art.
A terrace café on the building’s second floor is available for a coffee break during your visit. The museum also has a gift shop.
Preguntas frecuentes
Is admission to the Donald W. Reynolds Center free?
Yes. Admission is free.
Which museums are inside the Reynolds Center?
The building houses the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery and American Art Museum.
What is the building’s history?
Designed by Robert Mills, it served as the Patent Office and later as a Civil War hospital. It was once threatened with demolition and is now a landmark.
