National Portrait Gallery Washington DC
Not just a pretty face
The name of this Washington art museum is technically correct, but it doesn’t even begin to describe the hidden treasures in the collections here. Take, for instance, one of the most visited exhibits: American Presidents. Organized from the first president on, the early part of the collection is, as one might imagine, paintings of the heads of old white men dressed in black. Then John F. Kennedy comes along, and the colorful, full-length portrait by Elaine de Koonig turns the exhibit on its head. The portraits become more personal – even Richard Nixon smiles.
But the crowning glory of the exhibit isn’t a President, but the Amy Sherard portrait of Michelle Obama, which is so stunning it replaced the photo of my dog on my home screen, though I do not know Michelle personally. That’s the surprise of this museum – predictable, but mind the twists. Look for Katherine Hepburn’s Oscars, Kurt Cobain’s attitude, and The Four Justices by Nelson Shanks. The building itself is art – a grand inner courtyard houses a café and a water feature no child can resist running through.
Explore cities like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Washington DC guide.
Cool place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Washington DC
Smoke and Barrel – Delicious barbecue
"Smoke and Barrel" Washington DC is one of my favorite spots in the city for barbecue. The cozy rustic decor creates a warm summer feeling, even in winter!
By
Kelley
Smith
GoodWood – For a vintage-chic home
"GoodWood" in Washington DC looks like a general store, but it holds many vintage treasures. It's like an antique store that doesn't take itself too seriously.
By
Lydia
Strohl
Cafe Citron – Spanish conversation and dancing
Everyone's been to "Cafe Citron" in Washington DC - for the lovely South American food, the free salsa lessons & Spanish conversation practice happy hour!
By
JR
Denson
Bombay Street Food 3 – Spice it your way
"Bombay Street Food 3" in Washington DC features Indian and Indo-Chinese foods. Its street food versions have less heavy cream and more spice & herbs...
By
Lydia
Strohl
DC Writer's Homes – Follow In their footsteps
What do Langston Hughes, Tallulah Bankhead, Ezra Pound, Roald Dahl and John F. Kennedy have in common? Find out at "DC Writer's Homes"...
By
Lydia
Strohl
The Salsa Room – Dance all night
There are a lot of places to dance salsa in DC, but "The Salsa Room" is one of my favorites. I like how patrons who show up are really here to dance....
By
JR
Denson
East Potomac Golf Links – In the shadow of the Mall
"East Potomac Golf Links" in DC is probably my favorite place to play golf in the whole world. The view is amazing - and it's surprisingly affordable!
By
JR
Denson
Hill Center DC – Events on Capitol Hill(ish)
"Hill Center DC" is an events facility with all kinds of activities, from wine tastings to ASL & cooking classes. It's a real under-the-radar location!
By
JR
Denson
The Bullpen – Chill outdoor hangout
"The Bullpen" in DC is a great outdoor venue to go and hang out. I like going when they have special happy hour during Nationals home baseball games...
By
JR
Denson
DC Brau – The DC beer
Dublin has Guinness. New York City has Brooklyn Brewing. And DC has "DC Brau." It isn't just a local beer. It's the local beer...
By
JR
Denson
NoVA Ultimate Frisbee – Play near the Pentagon
There's an ultimate frisbee pick-up game that's been going on for years in a park across from the Pentagon City Mall in DC. It's so friendly and laid back there!
By
JR
Denson
Port City Brewing Company – Local brew
"Port City" isn't just one of my favorite beer companies locally in Washington DC, it's one of my favorite beer companies ANYWHERE. Try their porter...
By