National Portrait Gallery Highlights & Visitor Guide (2026)
The National Portrait Gallery introduces you to the people who have shaped the United States – poets, presidents, actors, activists, visionaries, villains…and everyone in between. Using visual arts, performing arts, and new media, the collection tells the American story by weaving together story and biography from precolonial times to the present.
Check out the Current and Permanent Exhibits!
National Portrait Gallery
Opening Hours: Open Daily 11:30am-7:00pm, Closed December 25
Admission: Free
Location: 8th and G Streets NW Washington D.C.
➡️DC: Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour
Out of Many: Portraits from 1600 to 1900
Since its opening in 1968, the National Portrait Gallery has focused on exhibiting portraits of individuals who have significantly influenced U.S. history and culture.
The Out of Many: Portraits from 1600 to 1900 exhibit includes portraits of Indigenous Americans, European colonists, clergymen, soldiers, writers, performers, scientists, and others who helped shape the country.
America’s Presidents
The highlight of the National Portrait Gallery is the America’s Presidents exhibit. Displaying a portrait of all 47 U.S. presidents! It is the only complete collection of presidential portraits outside of the White House.
Since the office was established in 1789, 45 men have served in 47 presidencies. However, our slideshow includes only 44 presidents, since Grover Cleveland and Donald Trump each served nonconsecutive terms and are therefore counted twice in the official numbering.
In total, there have been 47 presidencies. Most presidents served two consecutive terms, but only two returned to office after a gap: Grover Cleveland (22nd and 24th president) and Donald Trump (45th and 47th president).
18th Century Presidents (1789-1800)
The young republic was finding its footing, setting precedents for leadership and governance.
- George Washington (1789-1797)
- John Adams (1797-1801)
19th Century Presidents (1800-1901)
This century saw territorial expansion, the Civil War, and the challenges of Reconstruction, as America grew into an industrial power.
- Thomas Jefferson (1801-1809)
- James Madison (1809-1817)
- James Monroe (1817-1825)
- John Quincy Adams (1825-1829)
- Andrew Jackson (1829-1837)
- Martin Van Buren (1837-1841)
- William Henry Harrison (1841)
- John Tyler (1841-1845)
- James K. Polk (1845-1849)
- Zachary Taylor (1849-1850)
- Millard Fillmore (1850-1853)
- Franklin Pierce (1853-1857)
- James Buchanan (1857-1861)
- Abraham Lincoln (1861-1865)
- Andrew Johnson (1865-1869)
- Ulysses S. Grant (1869-1877)
- Rutherford B. Hayes (1877-1881)
- James A. Garfield (1881)
- Chester A. Arthur (1881-1885)
- Grover Cleveland (1885-1889)
- Benjamin Harrison (1889-1893)
- Grover Cleveland (1893-1897) – 2nd nonconsecutive term
- William McKinley (1897-1901)
3a Thomas Jefferson 3b Thomas Jefferson 4a James Madison 4b James Madison 5a James Monroe 5b James Monroe 6a John Quincy Adams 6b John Quincy Adams 7a Andrew Jackson 7b Andrew Jackson 8a Martin Van Buren 8b Martin Van Buren 9a William Henry Harrison 9b William Henry Harrison 10a John Tyler 10b John Tyler 11a James Polk 11b James Polk 12a Zachary Taylor 12b Zachary Taylor 13a Millard Filmore 13b Millard Filmore 14a Franklin Pierce 14b Franklin Pierce 15a James Buchanan 15b James Buchanan 16a Abraham Lincoln 16b Abraham Lincoln 17a Andrew Johnson 17b Andrew Johnson 18a Ulysses S. Grant 18b Ulysses S. Grant 19a Rutherford B Hayes 19b Rutherford B Hayes 20a James Garfield 20b James Garfield 21a Chester Arthur 21b Chester Arthur 22a and 24a Grover Cleveland 22b and 24b Grover Cleveland 23a Benjamin Harrison 23b Benjamin Harrison 25a William McKinley 25b William McKinley
Early 20th Century Presidents (1901-1945)
This era brought America into the world stage with the Progressive Movement, two World Wars, and the Great Depression.
- Theodore Roosevelt (1901-1909)
- William Howard Taft (1909-1913)
- Woodrow Wilson (1913-1921)
- Warren G. Harding (1921-1923)
- Calvin Coolidge (1923-1929)
- Herbert Hoover (1929-1933)
- Franklin D. Roosevelt (1933-1945)
Late 20th Century Presidents (1945-2001)
From postwar recovery to the Cold War and into the digital age, these leaders oversaw rapid social and technological change.
- Harry S. Truman (1945-1953)
- Dwight D. Eisenhower (1953-1961)
- John F. Kennedy (1961-1963)
- Lyndon B. Johnson (1963-1969)
- Richard Nixon (1969-1974)
- Gerald Ford (1974-1977)
- Jimmy Carter (1977-1981)
- Ronald Reagan (1981-1989)
- George H. W. Bush (1989-1993)
- Bill Clinton (1993-2001)
33a Harry Truman 33b Harry Truman 34a Dwight D Eisenhower 34b Dwight D Eisenhower 35a John F Kennedy 35b John F Kennedy 36a Lyndon B Johnson 36b Lyndon B Johnson 37a Richard Nixon 37b Richard Nixon 38a Gerald Ford 38b Gerald Ford 39a Jimmy Carter 39b Jimmy Carter 40a Ronald Reagan 40b Ronald Reagan 41a George H. W. Bush 41b George H. W. Bush 42a Bill Clinton 42b Bill Clinton
21st Century Presidents (2001-Present)
The modern era has been defined by terrorism, globalization, partisan divides, and fast-moving technological and social change.
- George W. Bush (2001-2009)
- Barack Obama (2009-2017)
- Donald Trump (2017-2021)
- Joe Biden (2021–2025)
- Donald Trump (2025-present, 2nd nonconsecutive term)
Current Exhibitions at the National Portrait Gallery
- From Shadow to Substance: Grand-Scale Portraits During Photography’s Formative Years – June 20, 2025 – June 7, 2026
- Meserve Collection Highlights: Modern Prints from Mathew Brady’s Portrait Negatives – May 23, 2025 – May 14, 2028
- Star Power: Photographs from Hollywood’s Golden Age by George Hurrell – March 1, 2024 – January 4, 2026
- Isaac Julien: Lessons of the Hour—Frederick Douglass – December 8, 2023 – December 6, 2026
- Recent Acquisitions, 2023 – November 3, 2023 – October 19, 2025
- Abraham Lincoln by W.F.K. Travers – February 10, 2023 – December 31, 2027
- Former President Barack Obama by Artist Kehinde Wiley – February 13, 2018 – February 20, 2028
- America’s Presidents – September 22, 2017 – Permanent
- Explore! with the National Portrait Gallery – January 28, 2017 – Indefinitely
- The Four Justices – October 28, 2013 – Indefinitely
- The Struggle for Justice – February 12, 2010 – Permanent
- Bravo! – July 1, 2006 – Indefinitely
- Champions – July 1, 2006 – Indefinitely
- Twentieth-Century Americans – July 1, 2006 – Permanent
- Out of Many: Portraits from 1600 to 1900 – July 1, 2006 – Permanent
National Portrait Gallery Museum Store
The National Portrait Gallery Museum Store sells books, art, magnets, postcards, and more. Check out the online store!
Where to Eat: The Courtyard Café
The Courtyard Café offers Specialty sandwiches, soups, pastries, organic salads, wraps, antipasti, and organic options. As well as coffee drinks, wine, beer, and desserts.
The Courtyard Cafe is Open Daily from 11:30am-4:00pm.
How to Visit the National Portrait Gallery
Like most of the Smithsonian Museums, the National Portrait Gallery is free and no reservation is necessary. There is a cafe onsite. Read on for everything you need to know!
Security Screening and Entry Info
All visitors have to pass through security screening at the G Street or F Street entrances. Here’s what to expect:
- Metal detectors or handheld wands will be used.
- To speed up your entry, limit bags and bulky items.
- There’s no bag or coat check, so pack light!
- Strollers are allowed, but large backpacks, suitcases, or umbrellas are not.
Visitor Packing Guide: Permitted & Prohibited Items
Before heading out, make sure you’re packed appropriately as some everyday items aren’t allowed inside. Use this quick guide to know what you can and can’t bring into the museum:
| 🚫 Not Permitted | ✅ Permitted |
|---|---|
| Firearms or ammunition | Strollers |
| Knives (including pen, pocket or “Swiss Army” style knives) | Cameras |
| Aerosol cans (pepper spray, Mace, etc.) | Mobility aids (canes, walkers, wheelchairs) |
| Scissors | Service animals (not emotional support) |
| Tools (screwdrivers, awls, etc.) | Bottled water |
| Placards, signs, or banners | Food and drink to be enjoyed in the Courtyard only |
| Pets (except service animals) | |
| Wagons (collapsible and fixed wheel) |
Taking the Metro (Metrorail)
The Gallery Place–Chinatown Station is your best bet.
✅ Connect via the Red, Green, or Yellow Lines
✅ Take the 9th Street Exit for the most direct walk to the museum
Need an elevator? Use the accessible entrance on the NE side of 7th St NW, between F and G Streets.
Parking in the Area
There’s no dedicated museum parking, so here are your go-to options:
- Metered street parking (if you’re lucky!)
- Nearby commercial garages. Prices vary by time of day
- Want to skip the stress? Reserve a space ahead through ParkWhiz, a trusted third-party platform.
Accessibility
The museum is barrier-free and wheelchair accessible.
- Use the 8th & G Streets NW entrance. Ramps are available on both sides.
- If arriving by MetroAccess, use 800 G Street NW as your drop-off point.
- Wheelchairs are available and sanitized regularly.
Use the SMARTIFY App – Personal Digital Guide
Download the SMARTIFY App, your free companion for exploring the museum.
- Access audio guides, highlight tours, and behind-the-scenes stories
- Available on iOS, Android, and mobile browsers
- Use it onsite or from home to learn about the art at your own pace
Check out my How to Visit the 16 Smithsonian Museums in Washington D.C. blog!
Where to Stay Near the Museum
If you’re visiting the National Portrait Gallery, you’ll want to stay somewhere central, close to the National Mall and other Smithsonian museums. These hotel options place you right in the heart of D.C., with something for every budget.
Budget Accommodation – Motto by Hilton Washington D.C. City Center
For an affordable yet stylish stay just blocks from the National Mall, Motto by Hilton is a top pick. Rooms are compact but modern, and there’s a trendy rooftop bar with city views. Guests love the walkable location and easy Metro access.
➡️Click here to book your stay at Motto by Hilton!
Mid-Range Accommodation – Hotel Hive
Hotel Hive blends artistic design with budget-friendly comfort. Located near the Lincoln Memorial and Foggy Bottom, this micro-hotel is perfect for explorers who want a hip and cozy base without overspending. Great pizza downstairs and a buzzing rooftop bar add to the charm.
➡️Click here to book your stay at Hotel Hive!
Luxury Accommodation – Willard InterContinental Washington D.C.
For timeless luxury and historic charm, the Willard InterContinental is unmatched. Just a short stroll from the museum and a block from the White House, this legendary hotel offers elegant rooms and a rich history, including hosting Martin Luther King Jr. and countless presidents.
➡️Click here to book your stay at Willard InterContinental!
FAQs: National Portrait Gallery
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding “National Portrait Gallery” along with my answers.
Do I need to reserve a ticket in advance?
No! Entry is completely free and no timed tickets are needed for general admission. Just walk in and explore.
Can I just visit the café or gift shop without entering the exhibits?
Yes, you can access both without going through the galleries. The Courtyard Café and Museum Store are great stops, even if you’re short on time.
Is the National Portrait Gallery part of the National Mall museums?
It is a Smithsonian museum, but is not on the National Mall. It’s about a 15-minute walk north and shares a building with the Smithsonian American Art Museum.
Final Thoughts
If you are in Washington D.C., the National Portrait Gallery is a must-visit. It’s free, quiet, and full of powerful stories. You’ll see faces that shaped America, from presidents to poets to activists. Every hallway invites you into a new era, a new struggle, a new triumph.
The National Portrait Gallery is easy to pair with nearby sites like the Smithsonian American Art Museum or a coffee in the covered Kogod Courtyard.
So pack light, download the SMARTIFY app, and give yourself a couple of unhurried hours to wander.
