The National Gallery of Art: Washington DC Private Walking Tour in Washington, DC

Travel CuriousConstitution Ave. NWWashington, DC 20565
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Starting at
$288.00
Total Price: $293.76 (USD)
INSTANT CONFIRMATION
NO SERVICE FEES

Overview

Experience the vastness of the National Gallery of Art with an expert art historian. This private Washington DC tour guides you through one of the most expansive art collections in the world. Enjoy personalized attention as you explore masterpieces dating from the medieval period to present day and hear about lives and legends of the masters who created them.

up to 2.5 hrs 1 or more people

Good To Know

  • Enjoy a fully guided tour of the National Gallery of Art with an expert art historian.
  • Tour duration is approximately 2.5 hours.
  • Suitable for art lovers and culture vultures of all ages.
  • It will just be you, your group and your guide on this exclusive tour.
  • Food, drinks and gratuities are not included.
  • Wheelchair accessible.
  • Large items that cannot be safely carried into the Gallery must be placed in the checkroom (max size for checked items is 17x26 inches).

Description

Experience the awe-inspiring grandeur and scale of America’s prestigious National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C, a world-class museum from Renaissance masterpieces to 20th-century personalities including Raphael, Rembrandt, Renoir, and Picasso.

On your private tour, you will:
  • Explore the vast National Gallery of Art with its incredible collection of 4,000 European and American paintings, 31,000 drawings, and 3,000 sculptures plus an expansive library of 70,000 prints and 12,000 photographs
  • Learn about the history of the building itself – a neoclassical design (similar to the façade of the National Gallery in London) with very modern additions, consisting of the West Wing, the East Wing, and the beautiful sculpture garden
  • Walk along the mesmerizing subterranean concourse, a tunnel of light that links the West and East Buildings and is called ‘the Multiverse’
  • Admire an extensive array of art dating from the medieval and High Renaissance periods, through the Impressionists and renowned artists of the 20th Century
  • See world-famous works from the Renaissance by Raphael, Titian, and the only Da Vinci in the Americas the portrait of Ginevra de Benci, dubbed Washington’s Mona Lisa
  • Admire the Rembrandts and Rubens and Vermeers while learning all about their lives and their groundbreaking techniques in painting
  • View the extensive collection of Impressionism including works by Mary Cassatt, Vincent van Gogh, Paul Gauguin, and Monet’s iconic Japanese Bridge
  • See works by legendary artists of the twentieth century Kandinsky, Picasso, Pollock, and Warhol
  • Discover the origin story of the collection and the Gallery’s wealthy benefactor, Andrew W Mellon – a great philanthropist and former US Ambassador to the UK
  • Wander around the beautiful sculpture garden and end your tour within the grounds of the gallery to enjoy exploring at your own leisure.

The National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC is one of the most important art museums in the world, with masterpieces dating from the 12th century to the present day, and welcomes over 4 million visitors per year.

It is a hugely impressive complex, founded in 1937 by Andrew W Mellon, a wealthy philanthropist, and patron of the arts. It consists of two buildings, the West and East Buildings. The neoclassical West Building was designed by John Russell Pope and is home to earlier collections, including one of the most prestigious collections of Renaissance works anywhere in the world.

Enjoy hearing about the life and legend of Da Vinci, Raphael, Titian, and many others as you gaze at their beautiful masterpieces.

The East Building houses a vast collection of twentieth-century art, with pieces by Picasso, Rothko, Pollock, and many legendary contributors to modern art. It also hosts contemporary exhibitions and immersive, interactive art experiences, as print, and photographic collections.

It was opened in 1978 and is a much more modern edifice designed by I.M Pei the Chinese-born American architect who also designed the Louvre in Paris. The tranquil sculpture garden was opened in 1999 and is a lovely way to end your guided tour.

Inclusions:
  • A friendly, professional English-speaking tour guide for your own private group
  • Plenty of time to take photos of your favorite places
  • Washington DC's National Gallery of Art guided tour (free entry)

Exclusions:
  • Food and drink

  • Gratuities

  • Hotel pick up/drop off

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Frequently Asked Questions about The National Gallery of Art: Washington DC Private Walking Tour

Where is the meeting point for this tour?

You will meet your guide between the flagpoles by the entrance to the National Gallery Building at 6th St and Constitution Ave NW, Washington DC 20565, or as advised on your e-ticket. Please be at the location 10-15 minutes prior to your tour.

How long is the tour?

The National Gallery of Art private walking tour is approximately 2.5 hours in duration.

What is included in my tour?

Your tour includes an expert private guide. Travel Curious tours are all given in English, but numerous guides may speak other languages. Please contact the number provided on the e-ticket to see if they can accommodate any special requests.

What will we see on this tour?

You will experience the following areas of the The National Gallery of Art: (1) The history of the entire building and its neo-classical design. (2) The East and West wings that house multitudes of historic, contemporary and modern art. (3) The beautiful sprawling sculpture garden where art meets nature.

Is transportation included?

No.

Is parking provided?

There is no public parking facility at the National Gallery, though limited parking is set aside for visitors with disabilities whose vehicles have the appropriate tags or placards. Some of which are the 270 6th St. NW Lot, the 202 7th St. NW Lot, and the 601 Pennsylvania Ave, all of which charge according to length of stay, time of the day, and day of the week. You can also contact the phone number on your e-ticket to ask for advise on how to get to the departure point via car or public transport.

Does this tour have any age or physical restrictions?

This tour is suitable for all ages. All guests must be at moderate physical fitness as the majority of the The National Gallery of Art tour will be spent walking and on your feet.

What should I bring?

Bring your camera and cash on hand for any other purchases or gratuities (optional).

What should I wear?

Wear comfortable shoes.

How many people are on the tour?

This is a private walking tour which means it will just be you, your group and your guide on the tour.

How does Travel Curious ensure the quality of their guides?

All tour guides currently active go through a vetting process in which they carry out interviews, check previous reviews and employers references if applicable. More importantly, they make sure that these guides provide an excellent experience for the guests.

Can I bring my pet?

No. Only service animals are allowed.

Is the The National Gallery of Art wheelchair/stroller accessible?

Yes. Visitors may borrow wheelchairs at all entrances on a first-come, first-served basis for use within the East and West Buildings. Strollers are also available at all National Gallery entrances on a first-come, first-served basis. Visitors are always welcome to bring their own. All public spaces and facilities are accessible by elevator.

What items are prohibited inside the Gallery?

No food, drink, monopods, tripods, nor selfie sticks are allowed inside the premise. Items larger than 17 × 26 inches (43 × 66 centimeters) are not permitted in the checkrooms or galleries. Visitors must either keep water bottles and umbrellas concealed or contained at all times. Visitors must check luggage, oversized bags, and any other items that cannot be carried reasonably and safely in the galleries.