Washington, DC—The National Gallery of Art announces the return of National Gallery Nights to the museum’s East Building this spring. A long-running and beloved program, National Gallery Nights welcomes visitors to the museum after-hours in a series of three celebrations that bring together art, music, and creativity. Taking place on the second Thursday in February, March, and April from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., the free series invites audiences to experience the museum in a new way through dynamic and interactive activations. 

This season's themes, Art Under the Stars, Garden Party, and United We Create, offer fresh opportunities to engage with the museum and the community. In February, The Stars We Do Not See, the National Gallery’s milestone exhibition of Australian Indigenous art, comes to life through music and creative activities.  The series continues in March with an event celebrating seasonal renewal and concludes in April with an immersive exploration of American art in the museum’s collection. Each event features live music, hands-on artmaking, photobooths, and evening access to the galleries. 

As with all National Gallery programs, National Gallery Nights is free. Due to the popularity of the series and to provide everyone with an equal chance to attend, the National Gallery of Art offers entry through a lottery system. The lottery will take place the week before each event, opening on Monday at 10:00 a.m. and closing that Thursday at noon. All entrants will be notified of their status on Friday. A limited number of walk-up passes will also be available at the East Building entrance on the day of each event. They will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 5:30 p.m. 

Light fare, gelato, and beverages—including beer, wine, and specialty cocktails—will be sold throughout the East Building, including at the Cascade Café, Terrace Café, and Espresso & Gelato Bar.

To receive email notifications for National Gallery Nights lotteries, visitors can sign up at nga.gov/nights or on each event page. They can also find updates in the museum's weekly newsletter.

Upcoming Programs

Art Under the Stars 
Thursday, February 12, 6:00–9:00 p.m. 
Lottery for registration opens Monday, February 2, at 10:00 a.m. and closes Thursday, February 5, at noon.  

After the sun goes down, fall in love with art as our East Building comes alive with music, creativity, and dance. This is your chance to see a once-in-a-lifetime exhibition after hours. The Stars We Do Not See: Australian Indigenous Art—one of the largest displays of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art ever shown in North America—inspires our evening. Immerse yourself in the deep sounds and vibrations of the didgeridoo. Create your own fiber art inspired by works in the exhibition. Explore the Roof Terrace to enjoy modern masterpieces under the night sky.  

Garden Party 
Thursday, March 12, 6:00–9:00 p.m. 
Lottery for registration opens Monday, March 2, at 10:00 a.m. and closes Thursday, March 5, at noon.

Shed the winter layers and wear your spring best for an evening in full bloom. Dance to the vibrant sounds of The String Queens. Design a floral accent to complement your best garden party look, then strike a playful pose at our photobooths. Wander through art inspired by nature and let spring’s energy guide you as we celebrate the new season.

United We Create 
Thursday, April 9, 6:00–9:00 p.m. 
Lottery for registration opens Monday, March 30, at 10:00 a.m. and closes Thursday, April 2 at noon.  

Join us for an immersive evening where the visual soul of America meets the rhythms of American music. From the sweeping landscapes of the Hudson River School to the vibrant energy of pop art, wander our galleries to feel inspired. Then share your own stories through artmaking workshops. As a rare treat, we’ll open part of the West Building so you can explore the iconic works and stories told in the special installation Celebrating American Art.  

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.