National Portrait Gallery Smithsonian Institution

The Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C., is dedicated to telling the story of America through the individuals who have shaped its history and culture. Established by Congress in 1962, the museum was created to acquire and display portraits of those whose achievements have left a lasting impact on the nation. From artists and inventors to activists, performers, and presidents, the Portrait Gallery offers a rich and diverse narrative of American identity, capturing the complexity and spirit of its people.

The museum’s collection has grown to include more than 23,000 works in a wide variety of media, ranging from early daguerreotypes to contemporary digital portraits. This breadth ensures that the story of America is represented not only by well-known figures but also by those whose contributions may have been overlooked, expanding the nation’s understanding of leadership, creativity, and influence. Through paintings, sculptures, photographs, video, and performance-based works, the Portrait Gallery provides visitors with encounters that go beyond static images, bringing history and personality vividly to life.

One of the museum’s central exhibitions, “America’s Presidents,” is the only complete collection of presidential portraits outside the White House. Anchored by Gilbert Stuart’s iconic “Lansdowne” portrait of George Washington, this gallery presents the evolving image of the presidency across centuries. The collection continues to grow, with portraits of each succeeding president acquired through commissions and donations, reflecting both tradition and innovation in artistic representation.

The National Portrait Gallery is more than a repository of likenesses. It is a cultural forum that invites reflection on what it means to be American and what it takes to shape the course of history. By connecting faces to stories, it inspires visitors to consider the values, struggles, and aspirations that have defined the nation, and continue to guide its future.