Visit the Smithsonian American Art Museum

Hours and Location
Hours: 11:30 a.m.–7 p.m.
Now Open 7 Days a Week
8th and G Streets, NW
Washington, DC 20004
SAAM is located at 8th and G streets NW, above the Gallery Place/Chinatown Metrorail station and is accessible from Green, Yellow, and Red metro lines. At SAAM, ramps are located on both sides of the 8th and G Streets NW entrance.
There is limited on-street parking at meters; several paid parking garages are available in the neighborhood.
Planning Your Visit
We are delighted to welcome visitors back into our galleries. Masks are not required while visiting the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Visitors may choose to wear a mask during their visit or while participating in a program or event.
Social distancing continues to be encouraged and we ask people who do not feel well to stay home.
Updated information about Smithsonian COVID-19 guidelines and safety measures are online. Visitors who do not adhere to safety policies and guidelines may be asked to leave.The Smithsonian reserves the right to modify its hours of operation, capacity, and visitor guidelines as circumstances require.
All children (under the age of 18) must be accompanied by an adult chaperone. At least one (1) adult chaperone is required to accompany up to five (5) children.
Suitcases, large umbrellas, and backpacks are not allowed in the galleries. Security officers may ask you to hand-carry smaller backpacks, or wear them on your front, to protect the artworks. Please note that we do not offer coat check or bag storage at this time. Strollers are permitted in the galleries.
Currently, we are not offering printed floor plans. To find your way around you may use the museum’s free Wi-Fi to access a digital Smithsonian American Art Museum Map [PDF].
The SAAM Museum Store is open for in-person shopping, and our stores are always open online!
The Courtyard Café is open from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors are permitted to bring in food and beverages to be consumed in designated spaces in the Kogod Courtyard only; alcoholic beverages and food for groups is not permitted.
At a Glance: Guidelines for Visiting
Personal Belongings

Please limit the number of personal belongings and bags you bring to SAAM and the Renwick Gallery. Coat check and bag storage are not available.
If Sick, Stay Home

We’re asking all visitors who are sick or feel unwell to please stay home. If you are at increased risk of severe illness, you may also want to consider staying home.
Face Coverings

Masks are not required while visiting the Smithsonian American Art Museum.
Exhibitions at SAAM
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Artist to Artist
October 1, 2021 — September 3, 2023Smithsonian American Art Museum (8th and G Streets, NW)Artist to Artist features paired artworks, each representing two figures whose trajectories intersected at a creatively crucial moment, whether as student and teacher, professional allies, or friends. -
The Automobile and American Art
OngoingSmithsonian American Art Museum (8th and G Streets, NW)Take a road trip through SAAM’s collection to find links between automobiles and American art, inspired by Albert H. Small’s gift of model cars.
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Galleries for Folk and Self-Taught Art
OngoingSmithsonian American Art Museum (8th and G 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.
Visiting with Young Children
For activities for all ages, see Family Activities. There are elevators and ramps throughout the museum to accommodate strollers. Changing stations are available in all of the museum’s restrooms.
Accessibility
Access ramps are located on both sides of the museum’s 8th and G Streets NW entrance. All visitors may enter SAAM's main building using either the entrance located at 8th and G Streets NW or the entrance located at 8th and F Streets NW. If you are using MetroAccess Paratransit, please use 800 G Street NW as the address for our building. Barrier-free access and restrooms are available. View more information on accessibility at the museums.
Service Animals
Service animals are welcome at Smithsonian museums. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a service animal is defined as a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability. Pets are not permitted.
Aira
SAAM is an Aira access site. Visitors who are blind or low-vision can download the Aira app free of charge onto a smart phone. The Aira app uses the phone’s camera to take in the user’s surroundings, and a live Aira agent will describe the environment, including reading of exhibition labels and instructions. This service is free of charge on the museum premises. Visit Aira Access.
Telephone Numbers
Museum Information (recorded): (202) 633-7970
General Smithsonian Visitor Information: (202) 633-1000