Smithsonian American Art Museum

The Smithsonian American Art Museum stands as one of the most important repositories of the nation’s cultural identity, preserving and showcasing the breadth of American creativity across more than three centuries. As the first institution dedicated to American art, it offers an extraordinary record of the evolving character, ideals, and imagination of the people of the United States. Its vast collection spans from the colonial period to the present day, providing visitors with a dynamic lens through which to view the nation’s history and its diverse artistic voices.

What sets the Smithsonian American Art Museum apart is both its scope and inclusiveness. The collection embraces a wide range of artistic traditions and communities, reflecting the multiplicity of American experience. From African American and Latino art to self-taught and folk art, the museum has consistently expanded the definition of what belongs within the canon of American art. This inclusive vision has made it a leader in highlighting underrepresented voices, ensuring that the story it tells resonates across generations and cultures.

Among its many strengths, the museum houses the largest collection of New Deal art, capturing the intersection of art and social policy during a transformative era. Visitors can also explore masterpieces of American impressionism, works of the Gilded Age, and pioneering examples of contemporary craft. In recent years, the museum has placed particular emphasis on contemporary art and media arts, commissioning new works and supporting innovative practices that address the changing landscape of visual culture.

Through its exhibitions, research, and educational programs, the Smithsonian American Art Museum not only preserves the artistic legacy of the nation but also fosters dialogue about the cultural forces shaping the present. It is both a guardian of history and a catalyst for new creative horizons, embodying the ever-evolving spirit of American art.