The Smithsonian American Art Museum (SAAM), the nation's first collection of American art, captures the aspirations, character and imagination of the American people from the Colonial period to today. The museum is a center for the study, enjoyment and preservation of America's rich artistic and cultural heritage.
Become a member of the Smithsonian American Art Museum.
The Luce Foundation Center is the only art study facility in the city where visitors can browse through artworks in storage; no appointment necessary. More than 3,300 of the museum's paintings, sculptures, craft and folk art objects are on display in secure glass cases. With the touch of a button, pneumatic drawers open to reveal portrait miniatures, bronze medals and contemporary craft jewelry.
At the third-floor information desk, pick up the Luce Foundation Center's scavenger hunt; follow clues to discover artworks. At the information desks on the main floor, ask about free monthly programs like "SAAM I AM" family days, artist demonstrations and musical performances.
(walk-in; meet behind F St. info desk)
All tours subject to docent availability:
• Daily, 12:30 PM and 2 PM
Except
• 2nd Tuesday of each month, no tours
• Federal holidays, no tours
(walk-in; meet behind F St. info desk)
All tours subject to docent availability.
Exhibition on view through Oct 13, 2008:
Tours offered Aug. 10 through Oct. 12, 2008:
• Every Sun., 4 PM
(by appointment; 4-week notice required; call Mon.-Fri., 9 AM-5 PM, except federal holidays: 202-633-8550 or e-mail SAAMMuseumTours@si.edu)
• French and German
(by appointment; 3-week notice required; call Mon.-Fri., 9 AM-5 PM, except federal holidays: 202-633-8550 or e-mail SAAMMuseumTours@si.edu)
(for groups only; by appointment; 3-week notice required; call Mon.-Fri., 9 AM-5 PM, except federal holidays: 202-633-8550 or e-mail SAAMMuseumTours@si.edu)
• Tours relate to special exhibitions and Heritage Months (e.g., February, African Americans; March, Women; May, Asian Pacific/American, etc.)
(by appointment; 3-week notice required; call Mon.-Fri., 9 AM-5 PM, except federal holidays: 202-633-8550 or e-mail SAAMMuseumTours@si.edu)
(walk-in; meet in the F Street Lobby)
Discover the treasures of the Luce Foundation Center for American Art during a tour or talk. Afterwards, enjoy a complimentary coffee or tea.
Note: On Fridays, enjoy a special tour of one of David Beck's sculptures: Movie Palace or Museum.
• Every Wed. through Sun., 1:30 PM
(3rd floor, west; handout available at the Luce Foundation Center information desk)
(for children and adults) Take a fun test of your skills in the Luce Foundation Center's scavenger hunt! Follow the clues to find specific artworks among the more than 3,300 objects on display.
(register in person at the Luce Foundation Center information desk, 3rd floor mezzanine, before 3 PM)
Learn how artworks in the Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery collections are cleaned, conserved, and stabilized.
• Every Wed, 3-3:30 PM
The Courtyard Cafe´ (open daily, 11:30 to 6:30), located in the Kogod Courtyard, offers specialty sandwiches, panini, soups, salads, desserts and coffee.
The Portico Cafe´ (open weather permitting, 11:30 to 5), located on the second floor, is a charmed spot to enjoy an espresso, wine or pastry.
