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National Portrait Gallery

8.0Locals Score / 10

#8 of 10 Attractions in Washington, DC

free
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Sharing a stunning Greek Revival building with the American Art Museum, the Portrait Gallery holds the only complete collection of presidential portraits outside the White House, plus compelling galleries on American history through portraiture. The Robert Longo and Kehinde Wiley Obama portrait has become a genuine cultural touchstone. The central Kogod Courtyard — a glass-canopied atrium — is one of the most beautiful public spaces in DC and a perfect lunch stop. Far less crowded than the Mall museums and easy to combine with Penn Quarter dining.

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Last verifiedJuly 14, 2026

Locals Score

8.0/10
  • Value10.0
  • Iconic7.5
  • Excellence8.5
  • Crowd level4.5
  • Authenticity7.5
  • Accessibility9.0
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Last reviewed July 14, 2026 by AskTheCity Editorial.