WASHINGTON, DC – Washington has a plethora of art museums that local residents are known to take for granted. Washingtonians can visit them when family and friends are in DC and want to see the city, but ignore them the rest of the year.
The closure of DC museums during the COVID-19 pandemic has created a greater appreciation for these gems. For over a year, museums were not available. Residents were unable, on a whim, to drive or take the metro to visit their favorite museum.
Many art museums in Washington are coming back to life. With their reopening, however, additional planning is still needed. For example, the west wing of the National Gallery of Art, one of the flagship of America’s art museums, is open again, but visitors must reserve a free pass.
Starting Friday, the DC government will lift capacity limits on all museums and galleries, although some museums will maintain their own capacity limits and restrictions.
Locals should no longer take DC’s incredible art museums for granted. With the COVID-19 pandemic numbers rapidly improving, residents and visitors alike can take advantage of the many museums that are reopening.
Here are the DC art museums that are open now:
- The National Gallery of Art has reopened its west building. For more information on schedules, entrance times, and security protocols, visit the museum’s website. The sculpture garden is open daily from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with limited capacity, while the building remains closed.
- The National Portrait Gallery is now open. For more information on schedules, entrance times, and security protocols, visit the museum’s website.
- The National Museum of Women in the Arts is now open. Visit the museum’s website for more information.
- The Phillips Collection has reopened with its new centennial exhibition, Seeing Differently: The Phillips Collects for a New Century.
- The Smithsonian American Art Museum and its Renwick Gallery have both reopened. For more information on schedules, entrance times, and security protocols, visit the museum’s website.
- The National Archives have reopened. For more information on schedules, entrance times, and security protocols, visit the museum’s website.
- The National Museum of African American History and Culture has reopened. For more information on schedules, entrance times, and security protocols, visit the museum’s website.
- ARTECHOUSE is open every day from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Read its safety protocols before planning a trip.
- The Kreeger Museum on Foxhall Road is open. Visitors must obtain reservation tickets in advance.
- Dumbarton House has reopened. Hours of operation are Friday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the Dumbarton House website.
- The National Building Museum is now open Friday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, visit the museum’s website.
- The Washington National Cathedral is open for paid entry to the Les Colombes exhibit and special events. Visit the cathedral’s website for ticket information.
Folk art museums like Hirshhorn, Freer and Sackler remain closed but are expected to reopen soon.
