The District’s museums offer a great lineup of exhibits and cultural experiences throughout the fall.
Arts and culture reign each fall in Washington, DC, as both theaters and museums debut new attractions. Below, we’ve gathered some of the most intriguing exhibits and displays to be found at DC’s museums throughout the season. And don't forget: many of these museums can be visited for free.
National Portrait Gallery
8th & F Streets NW, Washington, DC 20001
Hours: 11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Free admission
‘Eye to I: Self-Portraits from 1900 to Today’ – Nov. 4 – Aug. 18, 2019
The self-portrait has taken on entirely new life in recent years, with the rise of “selfies” and the constantly evolving notion of identity. The National Portrait Gallery will draw mostly from its large collection to showcase how artists have portrayed themselves since the beginning of the 20th century, showing the importance of self-portraiture in American history and culture. More than 75 works will be displayed, including portraits by Diego Rivera, Edward Hopper, Elaine de Kooning, Josef Albers and many more.
Smithsonian American Art Museum
8th & F Streets NW, Washington, DC 20001
Hours: 11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Free admission
‘Between Worlds: The Art of Bill Traylor’ – Sept. 28 – March 17, 2019
The Smithsonian American Art Museum will present the first major retrospective on an artist born into slavery with this fascinating look into the work of Bill Traylor. Born in Alabama in 1853, Traylor lived through enslavement, the Civil War, Emancipation, Reconstruction, Jim Crow laws and the Great Migration. He painted and drew striking pieces that covered a gamut of subjects, from the political to the racial to the powerful, delivering a stunning interpretation of African American life. You’ll be able to view 155 of Traylor’s most important paintings and drawings in this exhibit.
