National Gallery of Art

The East and West Buildings of the National Gallery of Art are recognized as great works of architecture and are considered national treasures. They house important collections of art and present them in a safe and welcoming environment to the American public and to visitors from around the world. To maintain the buildings and infrastructure at optimal efficiency, the Gallery has implemented a Master Facilities Plan—an ongoing, phased approach to long-term repair, restoration, and renovation.

Update: November 27, 2019

Having completed major renovations to the East Building in 2016, additional work has been underway since 2018 to improve select building systems and expand accessible entrances and restrooms. In 2020 the Atrium skylight will be modernized, which will include replacing its 23,000 square feet of glass.

The East Building is open during renovation. Most of the galleries and the Atrium, Study Center, Library, and Terrace Café will remain available to the public throughout this work.

Please note: for elevator access throughout the East Building, there are two available elevators outside of Tower 1 and Tower 2. For elevator access from the East Building Ground, Mezzanine, Upper Levels, or Towers to the Concourse Level or West Building, please use the elevator outside of Tower 2.

General closures and phases of work are detailed below. All time frames are approximate and subject to change:

Summer 2018

Tower 3, which showcases temporary exhibitions, is closed to the public. Towers 1 and 2 remain open.

Early 2019

Select galleries on the Upper Level West Bridge are closed.

August 2019

East Building coat check moves from the south side of the front entrance to the north side.

October 2019

The East Building Auditorium closes; programs move to the West Building Lecture Hall, other locations in the Gallery, or other venues in the Washington metro area. Locations and times are available at information desks and nga.gov/calendar.

May 2020

The central mobile in the East Building Atrium—Alexander Calder’s Untitled (1976)—is removed to accommodate skylight work.

June 2020

A platform is installed in the East Building Atrium to facilitate work on the skylight.

Late Summer 2020

Public access to the East Building is moved immediately south to an existing, accessible entrance. The current front entrance is closed.

Fall 2021

Construction is complete.