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Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Here

How do I get to the National Gallery by metrorail, bus, or car?

See Getting Here for details.

Is the National Gallery wheelchair accessible?

Yes. Please see Accessibility for more information.


Hours and Admission

When is the National Gallery open?

The National Gallery of Art East Building, West Building, and Sculpture Garden are open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. As of July 12, 2021, timed passes are no longer required to enter the buildings. Learn more

The National Gallery is closed December 25 and January 1. 

How much is admission to the National Gallery?

The National Gallery of Art is free to all visitors. 

When are the National Gallery Shops open?

The Concourse Shop, the East Building Shop, and the West Building Shop, Ground Floor are open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Shops are closed December 25 and January 1. Learn more about our Shops and Shop online anytime.


In and Around the National Gallery

Is there a checkroom?

Yes. Please see Visitor Policies for details.

Is there a place to eat?

Yes, you can purchase a meal or snack at one of four Gallery Cafés. Outside food may not be brought into the dining areas or galleries.

Where can I learn more about the National Gallery's ongoing renovation project?

For renovation updates please visit Renovation Information.


Group Visits

How do I arrange a visit for a school group?

We are offering both in-person and virtual school tours

How do I arrange a visit for a group of adults?

For groups of 15 or more people, please schedule a group tour using the online form.


About the National Gallery

What is in the National Gallery's permanent collections?

The National Gallery's permanent collections range from Byzantine altarpieces to pop art. All collections can be explored online.

How can I find out whether a particular work of art is currently on view?

Our Collection Search allows you to search the entire National Gallery of Art collection by artist's last name, key words in the title, key words in object information, credit line, provenance name, accession number, exhibition history, and/or catalogue raisonné. You will be able to filter your search results by medium, nationality, time span, styles, images, and whether an object is on view.

What are the current exhibitions at the National Gallery?

Please visit our Current Exhibitions page.

How can I find information on an object in the National Gallery's collection?

Our Collection Search allows you to search the entire National Gallery of Art collection by artist's last name, key words in the title, key words in object information, credit line, provenance name, accession number, exhibition history, and/or catalogue raisonné. You will be able to filter your search results by medium, nationality, time span, styles, images, and whether an object is on view.

How can I find biographical information on an artist in the National Gallery's collection?

Our Collection Search allows you to search the entire National Gallery of Art collection by artist's last name, key words in the title, key words in object information, credit line, provenance name, accession number, exhibition history, and/or catalogue raisonné. You will be able to filter your search results by medium, nationality, time span, styles, images, and whether an object is on view.

Where can I acquire images of artworks in the National Gallery's permanent collection?

Open Access image downloads are now available directly from the object pages located on this website. Over 50,000 images are available for download, and we will continue to add more images for free access as more works are photographed and as works of art enter the public domain. 

May I create a link to your site?

The National Gallery of Art does not authorize or prohibit links to its website provided that any such link does not connote an endorsement by or affiliation with the National Gallery of Art.

Where can I find information about the National Gallery's conservation efforts?

Please visit our Conservation pages. 

Can the National Gallery tell me the monetary value of an artwork that I own?

The National Gallery of Art does not provide monetary information on any work of art. To determine the value of an object or to find an appraiser, contact the Art Dealers Association of America or the American Society of Appraisers.


Membership and Donations

How do I become a member?

To become a member, join online or by calling the Development Office at (202) 842-6450.

How can I make a donation to the National Gallery?

You may make a secure, fully tax-deductible donation online or by calling the Development Office at (202) 842-6372.

How can I donate a work of art to the National Gallery?

The National Gallery of Art houses a collection of masterpieces—American and European paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings, and photographs—dating from the late Middle Ages to the present day. Seeking to complement and enhance the collection in these areas, the Gallery looks to donors to help in its mission to present works of the highest quality.

All gifts of art must be formally accepted by the Board of Trustees for accession into the collection. Gifts of art that become part of the permanent collection continue to reaffirm the National Gallery’s distinction.

Visit Gifts of Art for more information.


Still have a question? 

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Answers to frequently asked questions about the National Gallery of Art.

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