50 Facts About National Portrait Gallery

Founding and Purpose

The National Portrait Gallery (NPG) in Washington, D.C., is a treasure trove of American history and culture. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about this iconic institution.

1. The NPG was authorized and founded by Congress in 1962 to display portraits of individuals who have significantly contributed to U.S. history, development, and culture.
2. It opened to the public in 1968, making it a relatively young museum compared to others in the Smithsonian Institution.

Location and Historical Significance

Housed in a building with a rich past, the NPG's location adds to its allure.

3. The museum is located in the Old Patent Office Building, a National Historic Landmark known for its Greek revival architecture.
4. During the Civil War, this building served as a hospital for soldiers, adding a layer of historical significance to its walls.

Collections and Exhibitions

The NPG's extensive collection and dynamic exhibitions make it a must-visit.

5. The gallery's collection includes over 26,000 works of art, ranging from paintings and sculptures to photographs and time-based media art.
6. It holds the only complete collection of presidential portraits outside the White House, featuring nearly all American presidents.
7. The NPG began commissioning portraits of presidents in 1998, starting with George H.W. Bush, ensuring contemporary representations of U.S. leaders.
8. Special exhibitions rotate throughout the year, with long-term exhibits like “America’s Presidents” and “The Struggle for Justice” being crowd favorites.

African American Presence and Inclusivity

The NPG has made significant strides in showcasing diverse narratives.

9. In 1973, the NPG opened its first exhibit dedicated solely to African Americans, titled “The Black Presence in the Era of the American Revolution, 1770–1800.”
10. The museum's commitment to diversity is evident in its various programs and exhibitions that highlight underrepresented groups.

Photography and Modern Media

The NPG's collection isn't limited to traditional art forms.

11. In 1976, Congress allowed the NPG to collect portraits in media other than graphic arts, leading to a significant expansion of its photography collection.
12. The museum established a Department of Photographs in October 1976 and opened its first photography exhibit in 1978.

Donations and Acquisitions

Generous donations have enriched the NPG's collection over the years.

13. Philanthropist Paul Mellon donated 761 portraits by French-American engraver C.B.J.F. de Saint-Mémin to the museum in 1974.
14. The museum acquired an 1880 self-portrait by Mary Cassatt and a self-portrait by John Singleton Copley in 1977.

Time Magazine Portraits

A unique collection from a renowned publication adds to the NPG's allure.

15. In 1978, Time magazine donated 850 original portraits that had graced its cover between 1928 and 1978, showcasing a diverse range of American culture and history.

Public Engagement and Accessibility

The NPG is committed to making art accessible to all.

16. The museum is bilingual, offering exhibition wall text in both English and Spanish.
17. It engages the public through various programs, such as the biennial Portrait of a Nation Awards and Gala.
18. The NPG allows visitors to practice their own portraiture in the galleries, encouraging creative engagement with the artworks.

Kogod Courtyard and Lunder Conservation Center

These spaces offer unique experiences within the museum.

19. The Kogod Courtyard, designed by Foster+Partners, is a peaceful spot for visitors to relax and enjoy the surroundings.
20. The Lunder Conservation Center allows visitors to observe conservation efforts firsthand through its floor-to-ceiling windows.

Hidden Insights and Secrets

The NPG has its share of intriguing secrets.

21. There's a secret room downstairs with pictures of monkeys doing human things, a hidden gem most visitors don't know about.
22. The museum shares hidden stories, like that of a woman with a large hairdo who was a spy for the crown.

Notable Artworks and Figures

The NPG's collection includes some surprising pieces.

23. It features a painting attributed to Johannes Vermeer, though its authenticity is still in question.
24. A portrait of the Queen’s official dwarf, which might initially appear to be a child, is actually a depiction of a historical figure.

Clara Barton’s Connection

The museum's halls have been walked by notable figures.

25. Clara Barton, founder of the Red Cross, once worked in the Old Patent Office Building as a clerk for the Patent Office commissioner.

Early Photography and Diverse Art Forms

The NPG's collection spans various artistic mediums.

26. The collection includes early versions of photographs, such as daguerreotypes, offering a glimpse into the history of photography.
27. Sculptures and engravings also form a significant part of the museum's diverse collection.

Exhibit Themes and Public Art Installations

The NPG explores various themes through its exhibits.

28. Permanent and temporary exhibits cover different themes, like the “One Life” gallery focused on individual biographies.
29. The museum has commissioned significant public art installations, such as Jorge Rodríguez-Gerada’s “Out of Many, One,” which stretched across more than six acres of the National Mall in 2014.

Educational Programs and Contemporary Art Initiatives

The NPG is dedicated to education and contemporary art.

30. The museum offers a range of educational programs for children and adults, aiming to engage visitors with the artworks.
31. The “Portraiture Now” series highlights contemporary artists working in portraiture, encouraging innovation in the field.

Performance Art and Residencies

The NPG embraces various art forms and collaborations.

32. In 2015, the museum established its “IDENTIFY” series for performance art, exploring the intersection of portraiture and performance.
33. In 2016, it became the first Smithsonian museum to host a choreographer-in-residence with the Dana Tai Soon Burgess Dance Company.
34. In 2020, the NPG welcomed sketch artist Brad Grant as its first Instagram-artist-in-residence, leveraging social media to engage a broader audience.

Portrait of a Nation Awards and Gala

Celebrating contemporary artists and public figures.

35. The biennial Portrait of a Nation Awards and Gala honor the contributions of artists and individuals who have shaped American culture through portraiture.

Community Engagement and Visitor Accessibility

The NPG ensures everyone can enjoy its offerings.

36. The museum engages with the local community through various programs and events, such as free sketching sessions in its galleries.
37. It is committed to accessibility, providing wheelchair access, audio descriptions for visually impaired visitors, and sign language interpretation.

Digital Collections and Collaborations

The NPG embraces technology and collaboration.

38. The museum's collection is available online, allowing visitors to explore its extensive collection from anywhere in the world.
39. It collaborates with other institutions, like the Library of Congress, to enhance its collections and exhibitions.

Public Outcry and Preservation

The NPG's building was saved from demolition thanks to public support.

40. In 1957, a proposal to demolish the Old Patent Office Building was met with public outcry, leading to its preservation and eventual use as a museum.

Early Portrait Galleries and Influences

The NPG's roots can be traced back to early American portrait galleries.

41. The first portrait gallery in the U.S. was Charles Willson Peale’s American Pantheon, established in 1796.
42. The idea of a federally owned national portrait gallery in the U.S. was inspired by the National Portrait Gallery in London, visited by Robert C. Winthrope in 1886.

Andrew Mellon’s Donation and Advocacy

Key figures played crucial roles in the NPG's establishment.

43. Andrew Mellon donated his large art collection to the U.S. in 1937, leading to the foundation of the National Gallery of Art.
44. David E. Finley Jr., the first director of the National Gallery of Art, advocated for the creation of a portrait gallery within the Smithsonian Institution.

First Exhibit and Catalog

The NPG's early efforts laid the groundwork for its future.

45. The first NPG exhibit, “Nucleus for a National Collection,” went on display in the Arts and Industries Building in 1965.
46. The NPG completed the Catalog of American Portraits in 1966, documenting the physical characteristics and provenance of each artwork.

Renovation and Award

The NPG's building has been recognized for its preservation efforts.

47. The renovation of the Old Patent Office Building in 1969 won the American Institute of Architects National Honor Award in 1970.

Expansion of Photography Collection

Legislation allowed the NPG to expand its collection.

48. In 1976, Congress passed legislation allowing the NPG to collect portraits in media other than graphic arts, leading to a rapid expansion of its photography collection.

Continuous Evolution

The NPG continues to adapt and grow.

49. From commissioning contemporary portraits to hosting innovative performance art initiatives, the museum remains a dynamic cultural institution.
50. The NPG's mission to tell the story of America through its diverse collection of portraits ensures its continued relevance and importance.

The National Portrait Gallery's Legacy

The National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C., stands as a testament to America's rich history and diverse culture. Since its founding in 1962, the gallery has showcased over 26,000 works, including the only complete collection of presidential portraits outside the White House. Housed in the historic Old Patent Office Building, the gallery offers a unique blend of art and history. From early daguerreotypes to contemporary portraits, the collection spans various mediums and eras. The gallery's commitment to inclusivity is evident in exhibits like “The Black Presence in the Era of the American Revolution.” With initiatives like the Outwin Boochever Portrait Competition and the “Portraiture Now” series, the gallery continues to support contemporary artists. Engaging educational programs and a strong online presence make the gallery accessible to all. The National Portrait Gallery remains a vital cultural institution, telling the story of America through its people.