The National Portrait Gallery, part of the Smithsonian Institution, is located in Washington, D.C., USA. It lies between Gallery Place and Chinatown and is situated near the National Mall area. It is famous for its portraits of famous Americans, including presidents, artists, and historical figures.
National Portrait Gallery / Smithsonian Portrait collections Location Map,Washington, District of Columbia

Top Attractions Inside National Portrait Gallery / Smithsonian Portrait Collections
- American Presidents Portraits – Iconic portraits of U.S. presidents throughout history.
- Contemporary American Portraits – Modern artworks showcasing influential figures in politics, arts, and culture.
- Historical Leaders & Icons – Portraits of key figures in U.S. and world history.
- Special Exhibitions – Rotating exhibits highlighting thematic collections and contemporary artists.
- Portraits of Artists & Entertainers – Works featuring musicians, actors, writers, and cultural icons.
- National Portrait Gallery Architecture – Historic building with striking interior spaces and galleries.
- Educational Programs & Tours – Guided tours, lectures, and interactive programs exploring portrait art and history.
National Portrait Gallery / Smithsonian Portrait collections Facts
| Official Name | National Portrait Gallery / Smithsonian Portrait Collection |
| Location | 8th and F Streets NW, Washington, D.C., USA — Penn Quarter / National Mall vicinity |
| Latitude & Longitude | 38.8977° N, 77.0226° W |
| Total Area | Main building area 160,000 sq ft (14,900 m²); includes exhibition galleries, research library, and public spaces |
| Established / Opened | Founded 1962; opened to public 1968 |
| Founder | U.S. Congress (as part of Smithsonian Institution) |
| Managed By | Smithsonian Institution |
| Region | Washington, D.C. / Penn Quarter cultural district |
| Address | National Portrait Gallery, 8th & F Streets NW, Washington, DC 20001, USA |
| Zip Code | 20001 |
| Area Code | 202 |
| Currency | United States Dollar (USD, $) |
| Time Zone | Eastern Time (ET) – UTC−5 Standard / UTC−4 Daylight Saving |
| Theme / Concept | Portrait art, American history, famous figures, contemporary portraiture, photography, sculpture |
| Main Sections / Areas | West Wing (special exhibitions), East Wing (permanent collection), Luce Foundation Center for American Art, Research Library, Public Galleries |
| Famous Attractions | Portraits of U.S. Presidents, American historical figures, contemporary artists, photographic portrait collection, changing special exhibitions |
| Annual Visitors | Approx. 1.2–1.5 million visitors |
| Entry Fee Type | Free public admission |
| Ticket Price Range | Free (special exhibitions may have separate fees) |
| Ticket Options | Free access to galleries; guided tours and audio guides optional; special exhibition tickets if applicable |
| Best Time to Visit | Spring–Fall for comfortable walking in nearby National Mall; year-round indoor access to galleries |
| Nearby Airport | Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) – 5 miles (8 km); Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) – 28 miles (45 km) |
| Transportation | Metrorail (Gallery Place–Chinatown station nearby), buses, taxis, rideshare, walking from National Mall area |
| Official Website | https://npg.si.edu |
Distances from National Portrait Gallery / Smithsonian Portrait collections to Nearby Landmarks
- Smithsonian National Museum of American History – 0.3 km (0.2 mi)
- Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History – 0.4 km (0.2 mi)
- Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum – 0.6 km (0.4 mi)
- United States Capitol – 2 km (1.2 mi)
- Washington Monument – 1 km (0.6 mi)
- Lincoln Memorial – 3 km (1.9 mi)
- Jefferson Memorial – 2.5 km (1.6 mi)
- World War II Memorial – 2 km (1.2 mi)
- Vietnam Veterans Memorial – 2.7 km (1.7 mi)
- Korean War Veterans Memorial – 2.8 km (1.7 mi)
- White House – 1.5 km (0.9 mi)
- Smithsonian Institution Building (The Castle) – 0.5 km (0.3 mi)
- National Gallery of Art – 0.3 km (0.2 mi)
- National Gallery Sculpture Garden – 0.4 km (0.2 mi)
- United States Botanic Garden – 1.8 km (1.1 mi)
- Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts – 5 km (3.1 mi)
- Georgetown Historic District – 6 km (3.7 mi)
- Tidal Basin – 2.2 km (1.4 mi)
- Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture – 0.8 km (0.5 mi)
- National Archives Building – 0.5 km (0.3 mi)
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