Art Museum of the Americas 🇺🇸

When you visit Washington, D.C., step into the Art Museum of the Americas (AMA), the oldest museum in the United States dedicated to modern and contemporary art from Latin America and the Caribbean. Established in 1976 by the Organization of American States, the museum resides in a historic Spanish Colonial-style building designed in 1912 by architect Paul Cret, which previously served as the official residence of the OAS Secretary General.

You will discover a permanent collection that expanded from 250 pieces to nearly 2,000 items, featuring paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints, photographs, and installations from the early 20th century onwards. As you explore the galleries, you can admire works by masters such as Candido Portinari, Carlos Cruz-Diez, Pedro Figari, Amelia Peláez, and Alejandro Obregón.

The exhibits showcase significant regional trends, including optical and kinetic art, geometric abstraction, new figuration, and conceptual art. In addition to celebrating mid-century masters whose careers were launched here, AMA hosts temporary exhibitions of emerging artists, educational lectures, and vibrant evening programming like Art After Dark, which combines cutting-edge music, video, and performance art with creative cultural expression.

What to see at Art Museum of the Americas

• Spanish Colonial-style architecture designed in 1912 by Paul Cret
• Nearly 2,000 works from Latin America and the Caribbean
• Artistic movements including geometric abstraction, optical, and kinetic art
• Masterpieces by artists like Candido Portinari, Carlos Cruz-Diez, and Roberto Matta
• Vibrant evening programs like Art After Dark featuring music and performance art

Visiting tips

Check the museum's event calendar ahead of your visit to catch temporary exhibitions, invited speaker lectures, or special Art After Dark evening events.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Flexible

How to get there & what’s nearby

Art Museum of the Americas 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.