I’d be delighted to be your guide on a tour of the National Portrait Gallery and Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, D.C. We’ll explore the highlights of the collection. This curated experience will feature iconic portraits of key figures in American history, from presidents and cultural leaders to trailblazers in the arts and sciences.

Step into one of Washington, D.C.’s most fascinating buildings, a former Civil War-era hospital where poet Walt Whitman once tended to wounded soldiers. Now home to the National Portrait Gallery and Smithsonian American Art Museum, this historic space holds the faces and stories that shaped the nation.

On this 2 to 2.5-hour tour, we’ll begin with the National Portrait Gallery, where portraits of presidents, first ladies, and cultural icons offer a powerful visual history of the United States. From the striking likenesses of Civil War generals to the trailblazers of the suffrage movement, each portrait tells a story of ambition, resilience, and transformation. Marvel at early daguerreotypes, see how photography evolved into an art form, and discover the bold individuals who redefined politics, science, and culture. If they are not on loan, we’ll also stop to see the celebrated Obama portraits, which have captivated visitors since their unveiling.

Then, we’ll move into the Smithsonian American Art Museum, where the nation’s artistic legacy unfolds. Here, you’ll encounter Impressionist works by Mary Cassatt, urban realism from Edward Hopper, and the dreamlike hues of Georgia O’Keeffe. From the iconic to the unexpected, this tour will reveal the stories behind the art—bringing history to life through the portraits and paintings that continue to shape our understanding of the past and present.