Smithsonian American Art Museum
© Albert Bierstadt · Public domain
Art

Smithsonian American Art Museum

Washington, D.C.

About

The Smithsonian American Art Museum (SAAM) in Washington, D.C. is the nation's oldest federal art collection, with more than 43,000 works spanning the full breadth of American art from the colonial era to today. Housed in a Greek Revival landmark shared with the National Portrait Gallery, SAAM's collection includes exceptional holdings in folk art, photography, digital art, and the work of American artists who engaged with the land.

Highlights & Things Not to Miss

Lunder Conservation Center

Rare chance to watch art conservators at work behind glass

Lincoln Gallery

Monumental hall used for Lincoln's 1865 inauguration reception

Folk and Self-Taught Art

Major holdings of American outsider and folk artists