National Portrait Gallery Tours and Tickets

Q: How much does it cost to visit the National Portrait Gallery in 2026?

Admission to the National Portrait Gallery is free, but donations are accepted. Many tours visit the gallery, often in conjunction with the American Art Museum or the National Archives. Most of these range in cost from US$95 to US$200 per person for small-group experiences.

Q: Are there guided tours at the National Portrait Gallery?

Yes, there are free guided tours at the National Portrait Gallery that are led by volunteer docents and cover the highlights of the museum. All tours are on a walk-in basis, and take place at 12pm, 2:30pm, and 5pm. Independent tour operators also offer more in-depth tours for private parties and small groups.

Q: Is the National Portrait Gallery wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the National Portrait Gallery is wheelchair accessible, but the only entrance with ramps is on Eighth and G streets. There are elevators to all floors of the building, and all restrooms and drinking fountains are wheelchair accessible. Loaner wheelchairs are also available at the G Street entrance.

Q: Can you take photos in the National Portrait Gallery?

Yes, you can take photos in the National Portrait Gallery, whether using a camera or your phone. However, selfie sticks, tripods, and similar long devices that could potentially damage artwork are strictly forbidden, and there are no storage units or cloakrooms at the museum where you can store prohibited items.

Q: How do I get to the National Portrait Gallery?

The National Portrait Gallery is located between F and G streets Northwest and Seventh and Ninth streets Northwest in downtown Washington DC's Penn Quarter neighborhood. To get there, take the Yellow, Red, or Green lines of the Metro to the Gallery Place/Chinatown station or take the Georgetown-Union Station DC Circulator Bus.

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National Portrait Gallery and American Art Museum Tour: 8ppl Max

2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

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National Gallery of Art, American Art & Portrait Gallery Tour

With over 85,000 it would take over a week to look at every piece of art for just 10 seconds across the top three art museums in DC. Very few people have that time. So we found the pieces that you cannot leave without seeing and put them all on one tour! At the National Gallery of Art we show statues by Degas and Rodin, explore the works of renown Renaissance artists such as Raphael, see the only Da Vinci in the Western Hemisphere. With your guide you will find hidden among the maze of galleries the works of Monet, Vermeer, Georgia O'Keeffe, Picasso, Whistler, Dali, and Andy Warhol. Then at the National Portrait Gallery and American Art museums we explore the iconic "America's Presidents" exhibit, featuring portraits of leaders who shaped the nation. As we walk through the halls where President Lincoln celebrated his second inauguration we see world renown art using creative materials and styles as well as portraits found on American currency.

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National Gallery of Art, American Art & Portrait Gallery Tour

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DC National Archives + National Portrait Gallery - Exclusive Tour

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Washington DC Hop-On Hop-off Trolley Tour with 15 Stops

Take a hop-on hop-off Washington DC trolley tour to explore the nation’s capital at your own pace. The route encompasses the city’s top attractions, including the White House, Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and more. Just hop off at any stop when you want to explore, and then hop back on the trolley to continue around the city. You can also upgrade to include Arlington National Cemetery entry.

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Washington DC Hop-On Hop-off Trolley Tour with 15 Stops

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

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Washington DC Monuments Self Guided Driving Audio Tour

Discover the rich history and drama of the nation’s capital. This self-guided driving tour covers all the iconic sights, like the Washington Monument, the White House, the Supreme Court of the United States, and the National Archives. You’ll cross the Potomac to pay your respects at Arlington, then loop through East Potomac Park to see the Jefferson and MLK Memorials. Stop by the National Art Museum and Portrait Gallery, then hear all the details of Lincoln’s tragic tale at Ford’s Theater. Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together! After booking, check your email for instructions. Download the separate Tour Guide App by Action, enter your unique password, and access your tour. These steps REQUIRE good internet/Wi-Fi access. Do NOT attempt while on the road. New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want. This is not an entrance ticket to attractions along the route. Check opening hours before your visit.

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Washington DC Monuments Self Guided Driving Audio Tour

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DC Portrait Gallery & American Art Museum - Exclusive Guided Tour

Visit two of Washington DC’s most popular museums—and enjoy a personalized, stress-free way to explore—with this two-in-one tour of the National Portrait Gallery and American Art Museum. Pick between private and small-group tour options, and meet your guide right outside. Start with the National Portrait Gallery, where you’ll see presidential portraits, early photographs, and more, before heading next door to discover American masterpieces from the past to the present day.

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DC Portrait Gallery & American Art Museum - Exclusive Guided Tour

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New York and Washington Self Guided Narrated Tours with AI

With this AI app you're no longer restricted to crowded group tours or rigid scripts. Explore iconic sites like Times Square and the National Mall—or dive deep into lesser-known landmarks and hidden urban parks. Ask about literally anything that catches your eye—from a historic district to a secret street corner or a towering skyscraper. The city's secrets are yours to uncover. Point & Discover: Snap a photo of any monument or museum masterpiece to instantly receive a captivating and accurate story. It’s like having a historian in your pocket! Ultimate Freedom: Navigate seamlessly with interactive map-based audio tours. Your schedule, your pace, your rules. Choose Your Vibe: Select a narrator persona that matches your style—from a deep-diving scholar to a fun companion for the kids. Get Started: 7 Days of Premium Access available instantly for iPhone and Android.

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New York and Washington Self Guided Narrated Tours with AI

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Boutique Gallery Tour: National Portrait Gallery & American Art

Step into history at the National Portrait Gallery, a pinnacle of DC's cultural landscape. Explore its classic Greek Revival architecture with an expert guide in a semi-private tour (6 or fewer guests). Discover riveting Special Exhibitions, including the iconic "America's Presidents" showcase. Marvel at portraits of iconic Americans, all housed where Lincoln celebrated his second inauguration. Dive into the gallery's role as a cradle of American innovation and a guardian of our nation's cherished stories. Experience a journey through time and achievement unlike any other.

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Boutique Gallery Tour: National Portrait Gallery & American Art

2 hoursFree Cancellation

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DC Civil War and President Lincoln History and Art Walking Tour

Join a DC expert on a one-a-kind experience to learn about the Civil War history of Washington. We begin with the lead up to the Civil War and how the US Capitol was the staging ground for its beginning. Next we see the home and office of Clara Barton. From there we walk up to the Portrait Gallery and discuss key players in the Civil War and its inception all in a building that acted as a Civil War Hospital. We finish by discussing the plot to assassinate Abraham Lincoln. We will see the exterior of Ford's Theatre and visit the room across the street where President Lincoln took his final breath. Highlights include: See Civil War Monuments and Memorials Learn about prominent Civil War figures and see President Lincoln's life masks in the National Portrait Gallery Hear the events of the Lincoln assassination and see the room where the president passed away

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DC Civil War and President Lincoln History and Art Walking Tour

2 hoursFree Cancellation

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National Archives + National Portrait Gallery Tour 6ppl Max

Immerse yourself in United States history and art with a visit to the National Archives and the National Portrait Gallery, on this small-group tour. See the Bill of Rights and the Federalist Papers, and personal letters written by George Washington and John F Kennedy. Then, head to Chinatown to discover several levels of portraits that range from the Founding Fathers to prominent modern Americans. This tour goes beyond the tourist sights and offers visitors in-depth context and history.

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National Archives + National Portrait Gallery Tour 6ppl Max

5 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

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from $175

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Donuts, Lights & History: DC’s Holiday Walking Food Tour

Join us for a holiday themed Donut adventure through our nations capital, Washington DC. Join us for a historic Donut adventure through our nation’s capital, Washington DC. Our tour begins in Western Market, which has a legacy dating back to 1802! There we will sample donuts made from a business that’s been in the same family for five generations. From there we’ll head downtown, where we’ll see a restaurant favored by a former President before passing by the White House itself for a perfect photo op. After soaking in some history at Lafayette Square, we’ll head deeper into DC to try some local fan favorite donuts from local celebrities. From there, we’ll head down Palmers Alley, the most instagrammable spot in DC, where we’ll end our adventure with delectable donuts with an international flavor. By the end, you’ll have made some great friends and enjoyed some incredible donuts and history. We hope you can join us today!

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Donuts, Lights & History: DC’s Holiday Walking Food Tour

1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hoursFree Cancellation

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from $70

250 Small-Group Tour: VIP Archives & American History - 6ppl Max

As the home to Declaration of Independence, the National Archives can get pretty busy. Avoid the crowds with skip-the-line entry on this half-day small-group guided tour. View the declaration, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights at the archives, view paintings of the founding fathers at the National Portrait Gallery, and learn about the birth of a nation in the National Museum of American History.

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250 Small-Group Tour: VIP Archives & American History - 6ppl Max

3 hoursFree Cancellation

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from $200

Explore the rich historical era of Civil War Washington and its transformation in a military command center. Discover significant places of interest such as hospitals, famous residences, and military barracks. Gain insider knowledge and unique perspectives on the events that shaped not only this city, but also the nation. Step back in time with your expert guide, Historian & Criminologist Madeline Feierstein, who has conducted extensive research on the sites you will visit. - Follow in the footsteps of soldiers and citizens from the 1860s - Learn about the unique experiences of African Americans, women, and injured soldiers - Visit original and untouched buildings in historic Washington - Listen to real stories from famous residents like Walt Whitman and Clara Barton!

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Civil War Walking Tour of Washington DC

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

from $20

An Epic Scavenger Hunt: Washington D.C.'s Cultural Gems

Let’s Roam is the #1 app-led scavenger hunt company. Walk to all the best landmarks and hidden gems, answering trivia questions and solving challenges. Work with your team or compete against them, as you learn new facts and create memorable experiences. Let’s Roam Scavenger Hunts are great as an everyday activity, or for bachelorette parties, birthday parties, corporate team building events and more! Each player chooses an interactive role, with challenges varying by person.

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An Epic Scavenger Hunt: Washington D.C.'s Cultural Gems

2 hours

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A Journey Through Washington DC In Lincoln’s Footsteps - Private

Explore the pivotal moments of Abraham Lincoln's life on this 6-hour tour through Washington, DC. An expert guide will lead you to significant sites connected to Lincoln’s presidency and the Civil War. You'll visit Lincoln’s Cottage, Howard University, and memorials honoring Civil War African American soldiers, Ford's Theater, culminating at the National Portrait Gallery, where the last photograph of Lincoln is displayed. This private tour combines luxury transportation with insightful storytelling, providing a deeper understanding of Lincoln’s legacy and its impact on the nation. - 6-hour guided tour focused on Lincoln’s life and legacy - Visit key historical sites including Ford’s Theatre and Petersen House - Luxury transportation provided throughout the journey - Ideal for history enthusiasts and those interested in American culture

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A Journey Through Washington DC In Lincoln’s Footsteps - Private

6 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

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What are people saying about National Portrait Gallery

National Archives + National Portrait Gallery Tour 6ppl Max

Darcy_G, Apr 2024

Hung on her every word!

Brenda was knowledgeable and fun. My teenage daughter and I hung on her every word. The 5+ hour tour flew by. This tour is not to be missed.

National Archives + National Portrait Gallery Tour 6ppl Max

Alisha_N, Mar 2024

Wealth of information

Awesome experience! Three generations and we all found the tour interesting and informative. Our tour guide Annemarie was top notch. Her knowledge and love of history was infectious. Well worth the money!

DC Portrait Gallery & American Art Museum - Exclusive Guided Tour

debra_g, Oct 2023

Highly recommend

Annemarie gave us a spectacular, informative tour of the portrait gallery and the American art museum . She was personable, full of interesting stories, and we learned so much !

DC National Archives + National Portrait Gallery - Exclusive Tour

Nathan_T, Jun 2023

Great tour

Brenda was a great tour guide that was able to answer all the questions and tell interesting stories.

DC Portrait Gallery & American Art Museum - Exclusive Guided Tour

Chuck_L, Sept 2025

Our tour of the National...

Our tour of the National Portrait Gallery was outstanding. Annemarie had so much history to share about the architecture and the art including details of Lincoln's Inaugural Ball that was held there! We were guided through the portraits of our Presidents, including the unique qualities of each one. Annemarie has so much knowledge to share about the many works of art in the gallery. We had such a great experience that was so much more memorable than if we had just walked through on our own. We would recommend this tour to any of our friends and Annemarie was amazing!