Established in 1937, the National Gallery is an art museum that came into existence when wealthy banker Andrew Mellon donated his art collection to the government. It houses a remarkable collection of masterpieces from around the world.
A Wide Range of Artworks
The spacious gallery consists of the West Building and the East Building. The West Building showcases works from the early 20th century, including a diverse range of paintings and sculptures. On the other hand, the East Building focuses on contemporary art.
What Kind of American Art Is There?
Among the artworks displayed at the National Gallery are portraits such as “Portrait of Samuel Chandler” from 1780 and “The Peaceable Kingdom” from 1834. There are also many untitled works, making it an exciting place to explore.
One of the highlights is the Corcoran Collection, which includes numerous paintings depicting Niagara Falls, ranging from simplistic to dynamic styles, thanks to its merger with the National Gallery.
The Introduction of a New Corner in 2014
American Art was not part of the original collection when the National Gallery was established. However, a new section was introduced in 2014, incorporating contemporary art into its historical collection, which generated significant attention at the time.
Explore Both the West and East Buildings at the National Gallery
Artworks by American artists can be found in both the West and East Buildings. There are also outdoor sculptures on display. Some of the pieces vividly reflect history, evoking a deep emotional response.
