Videos featuring curator Alison Luchs describing works of art in Gen Z slang have resonated globally, with over 25M views to date

Washington, DC—The National Gallery of Art has been awarded seven 2026 Webby Awards in recognition of its innovative approach to engaging new audiences through compelling digital content across its social media and website. The National Gallery has won a total of 12 Webby Awards since 2022.

Nominated among a range of prominent creators and brands, the museum won awards across these categories:

“The Museum Rizzler” Series
Webby Award for Best Use of Vertical Video
Webby Award for Best Social Content Series, Arts, Culture, and Lifestyle

National Gallery of Art Instagram Account
Webby Award for Best Social Media Account, Arts and Culture
People’s Voice Award for Best Social Media Account, Arts and Culture

National Gallery of Art Stories
Webby Award for Best Cultural Blog/Website
People’s Voice Award for Best Cultural Blog/Website

National Gallery of Art Website
People’s Voice Award for Best Website or Mobile Site, Cultural Institutions

The National Gallery’s digital platforms reach tens of millions of people each year with original content that allows viewers to access the nation’s art collection in dynamic ways from afar. A strategy informed by bringing educational content to all Americans led to the viral success of the “Museum Rizzler” social media series in recent months. It features Alison Luchs, a 77-year-old curator of early European sculpture and deputy head of sculpture and decorative arts, describing lesser-known works from the museum’s collection in Gen Z internet slang. Audiences across the globe have watched the six videos over 25 million times. This effort complements the National Gallery’s first “open call,” part of the museum’s commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary. The initiative invites creators from around the country to reimagine works of art from the museum’s collection in short-form social media videos. The 50 selected creator videos will be shared within the museum and on the National Gallery’s social media platforms.

Beyond social media, the National Gallery’s website provides additional opportunities to interact with the nation’s art collection by way of games, informational stories, and educational resources. The “Stories” section, winner of two Webby Awards, follows artists, communities, and works of art via engaging written and video content. In honor of America’s 250th anniversary, the museum has introduced West to East, a web series spanning all digital platforms that introduces compelling stories, photography, and short documentaries exploring how artists across America have been inspired by their communities and the places they call home.

“At the National Gallery, digital outreach is central to our mission to welcome all people to explore art, creativity, and our shared humanity,” said Nick Sharp, the National Gallery’s chief digital officer. “We are the nation’s art museum, but we know many Americans may never visit Washington. Whether you're researching Mary Cassatt on our award-winning website or catching the latest drop from the Museum Rizzler on Instagram, we’re bringing the world’s greatest works of art directly to audiences across the country. These awards are a testament to our team’s great work.”

About The Webby Awards

Hailed as the “Internet’s highest honor” by The New York Times, The Webby Awards is the leading international awards organization honoring excellence on the Internet, including Websites and Mobile Sites; Video; Advertising, Media & PR; Apps & Software; Social; Games; Podcasts; Creators and AI. Established in 1996, The Webby Awards received over 13,000 entries from all 50 states and over 70 countries worldwide this year.

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 even more online—making it one of the most visited art museums in the world. The National Gallery’s renowned collection includes over 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.