N
Annemarie is a superb guide!
Annemarie is incredibly knowledgeable and super professional. We highly recommend this tour.
National Portrait Gallery and American Art Museum Tour: 8ppl Max
+15 photos
At a glance
- Duration
- 2h 30min
- Price from
- $105 / person
- Rating
- 5.0 / 5 · 22 reviews
- Languages
- EN
- Group
- Small group, up to 8
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation
- Meeting point
- Meet on the stairs outside of the G street entrance in front of the the sign reading "National Portrait Gallery"
- Confirmation
- Instant
Prices checked on Sep 11, 2026Things to do in Washington DC
Description
Visit the National Portrait Gallery and the American Art Museum on a 2.5 hour small group (8 Guest Maximum) guided tour. Discover the best of American-made works all under one roof. Two of Washington’s most iconic museums take up residence in the historical Old Patent Office Building, where history and art collide.
Tour Options
Itinerary
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
Small Group: 8 Guests Maximum
Duration 2.5 Hours
Professional Tour Guide
What's included
Included
Small Group: 8 Guests Maximum
Duration 2.5 Hours
Professional Tour Guide
Not included
Food and drinks
Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Traveller Ratings
5.0
22 reviews
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- 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)
- A maximum of 8 people permitted per tour allowed
- 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.
- 100% Satisfaction Guarantee – Important Details We stand by our commitment to providing the best tour experience. If for any reason your experience did not meet expectations, we offer a 100% Guarantee under the following conditions: 1. Contact Us Within 24 Hours – To qualify for any potential refund or resolution, you must reach out to us within 24 hours of your tour. 2. Give Us a Chance to Make It Right – Before posting any negative reviews online, please allow us the opportunity to address your concerns. We take pride in our customer service and are committed to finding a fair solution. To request a resolution, please contact us at after tour. We appreciate your feedback and look forward to ensuring every guest has an amazing experience!
Frequently asked questions
How long does this tour take?
National Portrait Gallery and American Art Museum Tour: 8ppl Max 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 small-group experience with a maximum of 8 participants.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Reviews(22)
3
Fabulous interesting tour
Very knowledgeable and interesting guide yet responsive and open to comments.
N
Super impressive guide!
Annemarie is a superb guide. Her knowledge of art, history, politics and DC is impressive. She’s super professional and a wonderful storyteller.
K
Tour with Annmarie Voss
Annemarie Voss was an excellent tour guide. She did a private tour for us and tailored the tour to our interest. Her stories were very engaging and interactive. She answered all of our questions and continued until we simply could not absorb any more information.
K
Great venue
This is an excellent place to visit that may not be on the radar of many first time visitors. It should be. Beautiful art I mixed with American history. Best seen with a guide unless you have a couple of days to experience it on your own.
F
Modern review of art history
Knowledgeable, entertaining, and engaging. Paul was an excellent tour guide and shared some amazing background on the portraits. His passion for art elevated the experience.
M
Highly recommended!
Annemarie was a very engaging tour guide and we not only were able to appreciate the various artworks, but learnt a heck of a lot of history as well in the process. This is a great tour to do if you want to learn some American history through art. Annemarie provided fascinating stories and history to go along with the art and we learnt so much and got so much out of the tour. In addition, the history of the building was fascinating and the beautiful courtyard a lovely space to visit/rest. Highly recommended!
R
Amazing tour of National Portrait Gallery and American Art Museum
Donna is an amazing tour guide. She is also a talented artist. I highly recommend this tour with Donna as your tour guide.
T
Coloradans - Learning is fun…even when we are old!
Maribeth was AWESOME! Opened to questions and a font of knowledge. Rebecca also was energetic and provided interesting Presidential details along with extensive art history.
B
Tour turns visit to this museum into an awesome experience
Thoroughly enjoyed our tour. Tour guide Rebecca was awesome. She knew her history but it was not presented like the dry facts from history class. Lots of interesting stories about the artwork. Presidential portraits were the highlight. Highly recommend a tour to fully appreciate this wonderful museum.
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