# National Gallery of Art vs Smithsonian American Art Museum

> National Gallery of Art and Smithsonian American Art Museum are two of Washington D.C.'s essential museums — both art museums. Here is how they compare on admission, highlights, and time needed.

## Choose National Gallery of Art if…
Choose National Gallery of Art for Ginevra de'Benci and The Alba Madonna — standard admission is free. Allow 2–4 hours.

## Choose Smithsonian American Art Museum if…
Choose Smithsonian American Art Museum for Nam June Paik's Electronic Superhighway and Niagara — standard admission is free. Allow 2 hours.

## Visiting both
Both are in Washington D.C.. Their suggested visits (2–4 hours and 2 hours) fit into one full day if you start early.

- National Gallery of Art: https://worldmuseumguide.org/museums/national-gallery-of-art/
- Smithsonian American Art Museum: https://worldmuseumguide.org/museums/smithsonian-american-art/

Updated 2026-07-18. Source: https://worldmuseumguide.org/compare/national-gallery-of-art-vs-smithsonian-american-art/ — World Museum Guide.