Washington D.C is a vibrant and fascinating town that has everything anyone could ever want; landmark sites, wonderful food, a great nightlife, but it also has a thriving arts scene. What’s unique about art in Washington D.C is that it’s a reflection of the city itself; it is truly multicultural and diverse and is sure to find a way to capture your imagination and inspire you.
Great art in D.C. is not only found at the Smithsonian’s spectacular collection of art museums, many art galleries in Washington D.C feature artists from all across the country and all over the world. Whether you like contemporary or renaissance art, if you’re into Asian sculptures or photography; you’ll find great venues featuring exceptional art pieces. Here are the top ten art destinations if you’re visiting Washington D.C.
The National Gallery of Art
The National Gallery of Art is the next stop for great art if you’re visiting Washington D.C. It has an extensive collection of paintings, sculptures, photography, decorative arts, and architecture that spans American and European art from the 13th Century to modern and contemporary.
Smithsonian American Art Museum
If you’re looking to get a taste of great American art, then look no further than the Smithsonian American Art Museum, which has the nation’s first collection of American art, with over 7,000 artists. Get a taste of premium African art in the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art, where you will find a great collection of ongoing and temporary exhibitions and visual arts that will put you inside the Cradle of Humanity.
The National Museum of the American Indian
The National Museum of the American Indian should be your next stop if you want to experience local culture and browse through great art in D.C. This museum introduces the Native peoples of Washington D.C. and other areas across the U.S. and offers great exhibitions, drawings, and paintings that capture their heritage. The ‘Our Peoples: Giving Voice to Our Histories’ ongoing exhibit is particularly compelling.
Corcoran Art Gallery
If you’re still hungry for great art, head to the Corcoran Art Gallery in the heart of Washington D.C. This gallery has a great collection of contemporary art, American art, photography, and decorative arts, and remarkable exhibitions.
Textile Museum
Another great museum that offers a unique art experience is the Textile Museum, with its collections of Ottoman Embroidery, Persian carpets, and the history of textiles and colors. There’s also a great exhibition scheduled for 2012, which will take a look at the age-old art of recycling precious fabrics, and how certain cultures reused them to create beautiful new textile forms.
The National Museum for Women in Art
The National Museum for Women in Arts is the only museum in the world solely dedicated to artwork by women. There are over 3,000 works from paintings to photography, which provide a comprehensive look at art by women from the 16th Century until today.