Escape the fall chill with a visit to one of DC’s top art museums. 
Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Delve into four centuries of American art at the Smithsonian American Art Museum, located in the heart of DC. During your fall visit, check out Composing Color: Paintings by Alma Thomas—an important figure in 20th-century American art who distinguished herself through her particular use of color. Guests can also explore through in-person tours, educational programs, artist video interviews and more. 8th and G St., NW, americanart.si.edu
The Phillips Collection
There is no better place to explore contemporary art than at the Phillips Collection–America’s first museum of modern art. This establishment offers a collection of over 5,000 pieces at founder Duncan Phillips’ home. New this month is the African Modernism in America, 1947-67, which features 50 African and African American artists and examines their relationships with society during this time. 16 21st St., NW, phillipscollection.org
ARTECHOUSE DC
Explore the intersection of art and technology at ARTECHOUSE DC, where digital art is their specialty. Founded in 2015, this unusual museum is technology-driven and takes immersive craft to a new level. Check out the new Beyond the Light exhibit by ARTECHOUSE and NASA that tells the story of our unseen universe. 1238 Maryland Ave., SW, artechouse.com/location/dc
National Museum of Women in the Arts
The first museum in the world dedicated to championing women in the arts is right here in DC—and truly worth a visit. Join them on Oct. 21 for the museum’s grand reopening with performances, talks, tastings and more. Their curated collection of over 5,500 works from female artists shines a light on the major gender imbalance in the industry. 1250 New York Ave., NW, nmwa.org
National Gallery of Art
Walk through halls flooded with famed artists at the National Gallery of Art. Currently on display is The Land Carries Our Ancestors: Contemporary Art by Native Americans, highlighting nearly 50 Native artists. Venture into the West Wing and find 13th to 17th-century artwork, or the East Wing with modern and contemporary pieces—and don’t forget to tour the beautiful gardens. 6th St. and Constitution Ave., NW, nga.gov
Renwick Gallery
At the Smithsonian American Art’s second location—the Renwick Gallery—contemporary and decorative arts are the main act. Currently on view is Musical Thinking: New Video Art and Sonic Strategies, where guests can analyze video art and music. Looking for a unique visual experience? This gallery is the perfect place as observers are encouraged to rethink reality using 3D sculptures and more. Pennsylvania Ave. at 17th St., NW, americanart.si.edu
Rubell Museum DC
Examine rich family history when you visit The Rubell Museum. A collection that began with spouses Mera and Don Rubell visiting New York art studios, their relationship expanded to create one-of-a-kind exhibitions for art lovers everywhere. Delve into two new exhibits on Nov. 2 for the museum’s second installation—Singular Views: 25 Artists and Alexandre Diop: Jooba Jubba, I’Art du Defi, the Art of Challenge. 65 I St., SW, rubellmuseum.org/dc
National Portrait Gallery
It wouldn’t be a DC art experience without visiting the portraits of America’s presidents and other prominent figures from the 20th century. Coming to the gallery on Oct. 28 is Kinship, featuring eight contemporary creators who illustrate close, interpersonal relationships. On days when you’re in need of some tranquility, relax in the atrium, which doubles as a space to read, work or study. 8th & G St., NW, npg.si.edu
National Museum of Asian Art
Intricate foreign culture is the backbone of the National Museum of Asian Art—Turkish Film Festival projects, Ancient Chinese jades and civilization artifacts are just a few examples. The Palace Life Unfolds: Conserving a Chinese Lacquer Screen exhibit is another opportunity to explore this culture and learn about palace life for women during the Han dynasty. 1050 Independence Ave., SW, asia.si.edu
National Museum of African Art
Soak in the beauty and power of African culture and arts at the National Museum of African Art. Visitors can learn more about Africa’s deep-rooted culture through Georges Adéagbo’s Create to Free Yourselves: Abraham Lincoln and the History of Freeing Slaves in America opening Nov. 18. An interactive photo studio exhibit and Viewpoints on Africa’s Arts are a few other experiences at the museum. 950 Independence Ave., SW, africa.si.edu
Kreeger Museum
From local art enthusiasts David Lloyd Kreeger and his wife Carmen Kreeger comes the Kreeger Museum. The couple’s former home serves as a museum to showcase works from prominent European artists like Picasso, Monet, Van Gogh and others. Coming Oct. 21 is Still Something Singing from the Kreeger Museum’s partnership with Washington Sculptors Group. 2401 Foxhall Rd., NW, kreegermuseum.org
Hirshhorn Museum
At Hirshhorn Museum, contemporary and sculptural art is at the forefront, analyzing shifts in cultural, artistic and political landscapes. On Nov. 3, Simone Leigh comes on display with approximately 20 years of ceramic, bronze and other works. Independence Ave., SW & 7th St., SW, hirshhorn.si.edu
Photography by: Tony Powell
