author
National Gallery of Art (U.S.)
One of the United States’ great art museums, this Washington, D.C., institution grew from Andrew W. Mellon’s gift into a collection known for both European and American masterpieces. Its story also includes two landmark buildings on the National Mall, with the original West Building joined decades later by the modern East Building.
1 Audiobook
Brief guide : National Gallery of Art
by National Gallery of Art (U.S.)
About the author
Established by Congress in 1937, the National Gallery of Art was created after financier and collector Andrew W. Mellon offered his art collection and funds for a new museum for the American public. The museum opened in 1941 on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., and has since become one of the country’s best-known centers for looking at art.
Its collection spans centuries and includes paintings, sculpture, decorative arts, prints, drawings, photographs, and new media. The original West Building, designed by John Russell Pope, is known for its classical style, while the East Building, designed by I. M. Pei and opened in 1978, brought a bold modern counterpart to the campus.
Today, the National Gallery of Art is not just a place to see famous works. It also supports research, conservation, exhibitions, and public programs, helping make art history accessible to a wide audience.