Hours and Location
Open Daily 11:30 a.m.–7:00 p.m.
Closed December 25
Free Admission
8th and F Streets, NW
Washington, DC 20004
Planning Your Visit
If time is limited, stop by the Information Desk for a self-guided tour brochure, Ten Highlights. You may wish to visit the innovative Luce Foundation Center for American Art, or take advantage of one of the daily tours.
Exhibitions at SAAM
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Watch This! New Directions in the Art of the Moving Image
March 11, 2017 — March 18, 2018
Smithsonian American Art Museum (8th and F Streets, NW)Watch This! New Directions in the Art of the Moving Imageis a series of rotating exhibitions drawn from SAAM’s permanent collection. The works of art featured in this installation identify a complex relationship between still photography and moving images.
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Galleries for Folk and Self-Taught Art
On View Indefinitely
Smithsonian American Art Museum (8th and F Streets, NW)SAAM’s collection of folk and self-taught art represents the powerful vision of America’s untrained and vernacular artists. Represented in the museum’s collection are pieces that draw on tradition—such as quilts—as well as artworks that reveal a more personal vision.
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Direct Carving
On View Indefinitely
Smithsonian American Art Museum (8th and F Streets, NW)Spontaneous! Truthful! Liberating! Direct carvers often used such words to describe their unconventional method of sculpting, in which an artist works directly on a piece of stone or wood as opposed to with a model, cast, or preconceived design.
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Experience America
On View Indefinitely
Smithsonian American Art Museum (8th and F Streets, NW)The 1930s was a heady time for artists in America. Through President Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal programs, the federal government paid them to paint and sculpt and urged them to look to the nation’s land and people for subjects.
Visiting with Young Children
For activities for all ages, see Family Activities. There are elevators and ramps throughout the museum to accomodate strollers. Changing stations are available in all of the museum’s restrooms.
The museum café has a limited children’s menu. The museum store has a variety of educational toys, children’s books, and supplies for young artists.
Accessibility
Barrier-free access and restrooms are available at both buildings. Service animals are welcome. The Nan Tucker McEvoy Auditorium contains wheelchair spaces available during performances and lectures, and the auditorium is equipped with an induction hearing loop and T-coil infrared assistive listening system. More information on accessibility at the museums
Telephone Numbers
Museum Information (recorded): (202) 633-7970
General Smithsonian Visitor Information: (202) 633-1000