ARLIS/NA 2014, Washington D.C.

The National Gallery of Art was conceived and given to the people of the United States by financier and art collector Andrew W. Mellon. In 1936 Mellon wrote to President Franklin D. Roosevelt offering to donate his superb art collection for a new museum and to use his own funds to construct a building for its use. With the president’s support, Congress accepted Mellon’s gift, which included a sizable endowment, and established the National Gallery of Art in March 1937. Mellon selected American architect John Russell Pope to design a beaux arts edifice for the new museum now known as the West Building. Spend the morning exploring its elegantly designed galleries, either on a tour of the American or French Galleries. The visit will allow for an hour of time on your own to explore the museum.

American Galleries

This tour will be led by Associate Curator in the Department of American and British Paintings, Charles Brock. You will see examples from Mellon’s original gift, such as Gilbert Stuart’s The Skater, as well as works by Thomas Cole, James McNeill Whistler, George Bellows, and John Singleton Copley. The visit will allow for time to explore the museum or shop in one of NGA’s many gift shops.

French Galleries

This tour will be led by Assistant Curator in the Department of French Paintings, Yuriko Jackall. With rooms devoted to 18th century masters like Fragonard, Watteau, and Greuze, participants will move to the newly rehung galleries dedicated to the 19th century where paintings are arranged by theme, and beautifully display outstanding paintings by Edouard Manet, Pablo Picasso, Paul Gauguin and other major works by leading impressionist, post-impressionist, and modern artists. The visit will allow for time to explore the museum or shop in one of NGA’s many gift shops.

Accessibility: Walking and standing

Transportation: Transportation will be by Metro Bus, P6 route. Fare is $3.20 ($1.60 each way). Please meet the tour shepherd near the shoe shine stand in the hotel lobby 15 minutes prior to departure.

Fee: Free