Monday 26 August 2013

DC's Best Art Galleries

By Helen Gerogette


As the capital of the United States of America, it should come as not much of a surprise that Washington DC is home to a big variety of museums and art galleries. To get close with some of the world's most famed paintings, be absolutely sure to stop by one of the top ranked art galleries in the capital. From European classics to ancient tribal African art, the town boasts it all. Extraordinary, many of the art studios are free of charge for visitors, like the many museums in the area. Here are the top rated art galleries in Washington DC.

National Gallery of Art

This is definitely the most famous and well-known of the Washington DC art galleries. Its location on the National Mall marks it as major for both the history and way of life of the United States of America. The studio can basically be separated into 3 section. The 1st is the west wing of the gallery, home to modern art and abstract designs. The east wing is the significantly more popular section of the gallery, where European classics are displayed by the likes of Turner and Vermeer. Outside in the garden in a large pool as well as a powerful collection of sculptures, which is the third section of the gallery.

Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery

Also found in the National Mall is the Freer Gallery of Art, one of the less popular Washington DC art galleries. It homes the Smithsonian's collection of Asian art, spanning from Turkey to Japan. Though art by the European pros is frequently better known by the general public, the Freer Gallery does display some of the world's top Asian art, although in a much less crowded and regularly pleasanter environment for visitors.

National Portrait Gallery

This gallery is amongst the most visited art galleries in Washington DC. The subject matter is, as the name suggests, portraits of individuals and often groups. Although the subject of the paintings may be from all over the world, the emphasis is clearly on people who have shaped the United States in some form through culture, history or politics. Varying exhibits showcase different leaders and icons as well as everyday American citizens. The mediums alter depending on the piece of art in question, with some portraits being photos, oil paintings or even sculptures. It is a smashing way to appreciate art as well as a unique way to put a face to a name when referring to historical figures in America's past.

American Art Museum

The majority of the studios and art museums in the country's capital include works by artists around the world, but the American Art Museum highlights those artists who were either American subjects or who were living in American while painting. The works stretch from the earliest paintings by Native Americans all of the way to stylish minimalist art in the shape of unique lighting fixtures which hang from the ceiling.




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