You can step inside the Renwick Gallery, a branch of the Smithsonian American Art Museum located at 1661 Pennsylvania Avenue NW in Washington, D.C. Housed in a National Historic Landmark building designed by James Renwick Jr. and once called "the American Louvre," this gallery celebrates American craft and decorative arts spanning the 19th to 21st centuries.
When you visit, you will experience a historic structure featuring a renovated Grand Salon, restored vaulted ceilings, and high-art craft displays that go far beyond everyday objects. Explore first-floor galleries that host rotating temporary exhibits about twice a year, alongside past groundbreaking installations and fine crafts from boundary-pushing artists.
Though historical paintings were relocated, you can still discover notable collection pieces like Wendell Castle’s Ghost Clock, Kim Schmahmann’s intricate Bureau of Bureaucracy, Larry Fuente’s Game Fish, and works by renowned artists such as Dale Chihuly. From modern LED lighting to historic architectural details saved from 1950s demolition by First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, the Renwick Gallery offers a unique visual journey through American creativity, design, and contemporary craft in the heart of the nation's capital.
What to see at Renwick Gallery
- American craft and decorative arts from the 19th to 21st century
- National Historic Landmark building designed by James Renwick Jr.
- Renovated Grand Salon and restored second-floor vaulted ceilings
- Rotating temporary first-floor exhibitions featuring contemporary fine craft
- Notable collection pieces including Wendell Castle's Ghost Clock
Visiting tips
Admission to the gallery is completely free, and it is open to visitors daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: 10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
How to get there & what’s nearby
Renwick Gallery is easy to reach on Washington, D.C.’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Ford's Theatre and Corcoran Gallery of Art. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Washington, D.C. travel guide.
See the full Washington, D.C. travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.