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.
Tour 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.
Itinerary
150 min
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.
Highlights
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
What's included
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
Not included
Food and drinks
Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Traveller Ratings
5.0
24 reviews
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23
4
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1
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Important Information
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.
Frequently asked questions
How long does this tour take?
DC Portrait Gallery & American Art Museum - Exclusive Guided Tour lasts about 2h 30min. The itinerary has 1 stop.
How much does this tour cost?
Prices start at $105 per person for this Washington DC experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There are 2 booking options, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
Can I cancel this tour for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is Meet on the stairs outside of the G street entrance in front of the the sign reading "National Portrait Gallery". Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
What languages is this tour offered in?
The experience is available in EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a private experience: only your party takes part. Up to 8 travellers can book together.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Wheelchair accessible Transportation options are wheelchair accessible All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Reviews(24)
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Chuck_L
September 4, 2025
Our tour of the National...
Our 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!
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Colleen C
March 30, 2025
Great information and responsive to our questions and interests Highly recommend Annemarie.
We 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.
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Gay_F
June 16, 2024
Great Your Guide
Stephen 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.
D
denvrital
May 25, 2024
A whirlwind of knowledge in a few short hours...
Aside 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.
P
paulinemG3183RT
May 17, 2024
Well worth the $
I 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!
3
343mickeyp
May 5, 2024
Amazing tour experience with Annemarie!! Highly remmend
Annemarie 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.
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Z4773YNkimt
May 1, 2024
Informative Portrait Tour
Annemarie 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!!!!
4
402ellenq
March 8, 2024
Savvy guide
Annemarie was amazing! She knew so much about both history and art and tailored the tour to our interests. Such a great storyteller and conversationalist.
A
amandahV8382EI
March 8, 2024
Fabulous guide and fun experience
Ann 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!
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debra_g
October 24, 2023
Highly recommend
Annemarie 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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