Reframing American Art
A new web series explores American art by making unexpected connections across the Smithsonian
On Sunday, November 17, the Kogod Courtyard and the Courtyard Café will be closed to prepare for an event. The museum will close early at 5 p.m. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Eye Level
Eye Level is the blog of the Smithsonian American Art Museum and Renwick Gallery. Publishing behind-the-scenes museum stories since 2005.
Barbie Girl: Gabby Douglas and the Historical Eminence of the Iconic Doll
Gymnast Gabby Douglas on the deeper meaning of looking at (and being) a Barbie.
SAAM Arcade 2019: Representation Matters
This year's Arcade explores games that highlight voices from the LGBTQ+, mental health, and people of color communities.
On Paul Thek's Warrior's Leg
On Paul Thek's Warrior's Leg
Taking a closer look at Paul Thek's work that investigates the physical body and the body politic.
Joseph Cornell: Reaching for the Moon
Artist Joseph Cornell created works that were inspired by his interest in the Space Age.
Unforgettable: Jazz Singer Integriti Reeves Sings Nat King Cole
Jazz singer Integriti Reeves on her art, inspiration, and her upcoming Take5! concert performing songs of Nat King Cole.
50 Things about OBJECTS: USA at 50
50 Things about OBJECTS: USA at 50
Public programs coordinator Gloria Kenyon revisits the influential Objects: USA exhibition on its 50th anniversary
Pitch Perfect: On David Levinthal, Roberto Clemente, and Baseball
Anne Showalter, digital interpretation specialist at SAAM, reflects on David Levinthal's photo of Roberto Clemente, from the artist's baseball series.
Fourth of July Journey Through American Art
Whatever your plans for America's birthday, we have an artwork to fit. Pour yourself a lemonade, find a spot in the shade, and enjoy your holiday with a dash of American art.
SAAM Arcade: Breaking Barriers
An interview with Tanya DePass, the founder of We Need Diverse Games, who will deliver the keynote at this year's SAAM Arcade.
Artist Ginny Ruffner Reimagines Nature
Ginny Ruffner's exhibition conjures up notions of beauty and frailty through her use of glass, drawing, and augmented reality (AR) technology.
What Domingo Ulloa's Braceros Means to Me
What Domingo Ulloa's Braceros Means to Me
Local student Amaia Noursi responds to the painting, Braceros, by Domingo Ulloa, as part of SAAM's "Creating American Stories" program.
What Mark Bradford's Amendment #8 means to me
What Mark Bradford's Amendment #8 means to me
DC public school student Myles Bell, responds to Mark Bradford's painting, Amendment #8
Artist Brendan Fernandes On the Dance Floor as a Space for Resistance and Resilience
Dancer/choreographer Brendan Fernandes talks about his work, including Free Fall 49, making its East Coast debut at SAAM on June 9.
David Levinthal: Toying with the Past?
Populated with toy cowboys and cavalry, Barbie dolls and baseball players, David Levinthal’s photographs reference iconic images and events that shaped postwar American society.
SAAM Hears America Singing
SAAM Hears America Singing
Walt Whitman, born in 1819, would be celebrating his two-hundredth birthday today, if such a thing were possible. Let us celebrate the poet with a round of American art from our collection.