About Smithsonian American Art Museum and Renwick Gallery
The Smithsonian American Art Museum (SAAM) is America's first federal art collection, dedicated to the enjoyment and understanding of American art. The museum celebrates the extraordinary creativity of our country's artists, whose works are windows on the American experience. The Smithsonian American Art Museum's Renwick Gallery collects, exhibits, studies, and preserves American crafts and decorative arts from the nineteenth to twenty-first centuries. Housed in a historic architectural landmark across the street from the White House, the Renwick features one-of-a-kind pieces created from clay, fiber, glass, metal, and wood. Selections from the Renwick's permanent collection of American crafts and decorative arts are displayed on a rotating basis in the second-floor galleries. Popular works include Larry Fuente's Game Fish, Wendell Castle's Ghost Clock, and Albert Paley's Portal Gates. Temporary exhibitions of American crafts and decorative arts are shown on the Renwick's first floor. There special exhibitions highlighting contemporary artists as well as traditions in American crafts open in the spring and fall. The museum is open from 11:30am to 7pm daily (except December 25). The Renwick is open from 10am. to 5:30pm, daily (except December 25).
How to Get There
The museum is located at 8th and F Streets N.W. in the heart of Washington, D.C.'s vibrant new downtown. The museum's Renwick Gallery is located near the White House on Pennsylvania Avenue at 17th Street N.W.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Smithsonian American Art Museum and Renwick Gallery
Heading to Smithsonian American Art Museum and Renwick Gallery? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Smithsonian American Art Museum and Renwick Gallery?
No central reservation system listed for Smithsonian American Art Museum and Renwick Gallery. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/202368) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Smithsonian American Art Museum and Renwick Gallery?
The museum is located at 8th and F Streets N.W. in the heart of Washington, D.C.'s vibrant new downtown. The museum's Renwick Gallery is located near the White House on Pennsylvania Avenue at 17th Street N.W.
How do I contact Smithsonian American Art Museum and Renwick Gallery?
You can reach the park at phone: (202) 633-7970 or email: AnericanArtInfo@si.edu.
References & Official Resources
