National Gallery of Art

The grand columns of this beautiful building remind us of an ancient temple, don’t you think? This is the National Gallery of Art! It was the first structure to welcome art collections. In 1978, the recent East Building was merged to the gallery at the far end of the Mall, providing additional exhibition space. However, the main building before you remains the heart of the museum. Designed by architect John Russell Pope in 1941, it was inaugurated by President Franklin Roosevelt. The museum came to existence thanks to Andrew Mellon, an art collector and enthusiast who believed creating a gallery on the National Mall would be a fitting addition to the nation’s capital. Construction began for this immense building made of pink Tennessee marble in 1937. At the time of its completion, it was the largest marble building in the world—but that is no longer the case today. However, it remains one of the largest museums in the world, as well as one of the most impressive buildings on the Mall thanks to its elegant neoclassical style, inspired by the Pantheon in Rome. Inside, the museum houses one of the most impressive art collections in the world, featuring European and American paintings, sculptures, drawings, photographs, and art. There are also masterpieces by Rembrandt, Botticelli, Rodin, Monet, and Van Gogh. As for the modern East Building, it presents an excellent collection of modern and contemporary art, including works by Picasso, Warhol, and Matisse. Go ahead and explore these artworks from the medieval period to contemporary times, in this magnificent museum that is free to visit!