Washington, DC—On September 10, the National Gallery kicks off the fall season of National Gallery Nights, marking the 10th anniversary of this popular afterhours series. Every second Thursday of September, October, and November from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. in the East Building, the museum will offer the public free, themed events that bring together art, live performances, gallery experiences, and artmaking in unexpected ways. The lottery for passes will be open Monday through Thursday the week before the event. Members enjoy a separate lottery system that opens simultaneously.

Each of this season's programs offers a different way to experience the museum after regular closing hours. In September, American Icons celebrates the people, places, and symbols that shape our shared and personal stories. Monster Mash in October embraces the playful side of art with a Halloween-inspired evening of costumes, music, and creative surprises. Gratitude closes the season in November with opportunities to reflect, create, and celebrate community through art. Throughout the season, visitors can experience the museum alongside friends and fellow art lovers to explore exhibitions, enjoy live performances and gallery talks, and make their own artwork. More information can be found at nga.gov/nights.

National Gallery Nights Fall Programs

American Icons

Thursday, September 10, 6:00–9:00 p.m. 

Lottery for registration opens Monday, August 31, at 10:00 a.m. and closes Thursday, September 3, at noon. 

We’re kicking off the first National Gallery Nights of the season with a celebration of American creativity. See how artists have reimagined one of the nation’s most recognizable symbols in the exhibition American Icon: The US Flag in Art. Wander through Homelands, where artists draw on personal stories and history to reflect on belonging, memory, and place. Come dressed as your favorite American icon or sporting your finest red, white, and blue. Don’t miss DJ RBI’s hip hop beats on the dance floor. Then create an artwork inspired by the people, places, and symbols that tell your story.

Monster Mash

Thursday, October 8, 6:00–9:00 p.m. 

Lottery for registration opens Monday, September 28, at 10:00 a.m. and closes Thursday, October 1, at noon 

Calling all monsters, ghouls, and thrill-seekers: let’s see how spooky art can feel after dark. Hear the soulful sounds of DC funk-pop band Oh He Dead, hunt for our eeriest artwork, and make your own creepy creation to take home. Come in costume or as the masterpiece you already are. Just beware: accessories larger than 17" × 26" and full-cover face masks aren’t allowed inside our buildings.

Gratitude 

Thursday, November 12, 6:00–9:00 p.m. 

Lottery for registration opens Monday, November 2, at 10:00 a.m. and closes Thursday, November 5, at noon. 

Gratitude makes our lives and the world better. Let’s practice it together. We’ll create tokens of appreciation for others and build a communal mosaic of what we’re thankful for. We’ll write poetry in our galleries and find gratitude through art. And we’ll dance the night away, thanks to DJ Chan Don. Help us close out the National Gallery Nights fall season by spreading some light after dark!

This program series is made possible by a generous grant from The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation. 

About the National Gallery of Art

The National Gallery of Art welcomes all people to explore art, creativity, and our shared humanity. Millions of people come through its doors each year—with millions more online—making it one of the most visited art museums in the world. The National Gallery's renowned collection includes nearly 160,000 works of art, from the ancient world to today. Admission to the West and East Buildings, Sculpture Garden, special exhibitions, and public programs is always free.