The National Gallery of Art’s film program provides many opportunities throughout the year to view classic and contemporary cinema from around the world in a traditional theatrical setting. Through screenings, scholarly notes, filmmaker discussions, and unique introductions by critics and academics, the program encourages viewers to learn more about the history of the cinema, its relationship to other art forms, and the role of media in society. Innovative retrospectives, restored works of historical value, silent films with live musical accompaniment, new documentaries, and experimental media by noted video artists are offered on weekends during the entire year. For information about past film programs, please visit the Film Programs Archive.
The Gallery’s film study collection includes hundreds of international documentaries related to the arts such as Jean DuBuffet Un Auto-Portrait, Joseph Cornell: Worlds in a Box, Beaubourg, David Hockney the Colors of Music, Gertrude Stein: When This You See, Remember Me, Art City: Making It in Manhattan, The Camera Je, and various international television series on the arts. The National Gallery is an associate member of the International Federation of Film Archives (FIAF).
All screening events take place in the East Building Auditorium unless otherwise noted. Programs are free of charge, but seating is on a first-come, first-seated basis. Films are screened in original formats, when possible. Doors open approximately 30 minutes before each show. Programs are subject to change. Please see our accessibility page for information on services for visitors who are deaf or have partial hearing loss.
For more information, e-mail [email protected], or call (202) 842-6799.
Each Wednesday this summer, the Gallery is sharing an unusual film on its website, free of charge, for one week. Saving the Filmmaking Arts—a series that includes ciné-concerts, new restorations, classic art cinema, exceptional documentaries, and some surprises.
Help support film programs like these and join your National Gallery of Art for as little as $50 to enjoy an array of benefits that bring you closer to the art than ever before.
