National Portrait Gallery

Doesn't Recommend

Two Men

Joined 2 years ago

Great Art - Horrible City. The National Gallery of Art is fantastic. The artwork at the National Gallery of Art is incredible. The collection of art is immense with many artists' best works. While I am not a trained artists, I was able to appreciate the beauty, and detail of the masterpieces. The artwork transported me to another time, and generated terrific emotional responses. Some paintings seem more detailed than today's electronically generated HD images. The staff there was also very helpful, directing my family to areas we wanted to visit and pointing out some of their favorite works.

The city is a downer though, and it pretty much ruined the visit. Washington DC is an awful place to go. They sap tourists with lots of extra taxes on dining and hotels. It is also very difficult to find parking near the museums. The parking meters are ridiculously expensive, one quarter for 7 minutes. The DC government will even ticket you, if you park at a broken meter, and don't bother using their adjudication by mail, since they'll find you guilty no matter what. Also, if you think you can get around DC by staying or parking in Arlington, don't bother, the Arlington government is just as nasty but more efficient.

I wish the Smithsonian Museums could be moved somewhere else!

Recommends

smkennedy

Joined 6 years ago

Perfect for when you feel quiet and contemplative. One of the lesser talked about Smithsonians. Not a great choice for small children, but perfect for a rainy day, or to spend a few quiet hours. Take a look at all the faces who have influenced our nation. Art enthusiast? Don't pass this one up. Plus...it's also FREE!