Renwick Gallery
Renwick Gallery
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
About
A museum of American craft art that begins with James RenwickÂ’s architectural design of the building itself.
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Upper Northwest
How to get there
- Farragut West • 4 min walk
- Farragut North • 6 min walk
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2,552 within 5 kms
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833 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- JydeooLagos, Nigeria2,311 contributionsA Captivating Experience.At the suggestion of my friend, I revisited the Renwick Gallery, and I was in for a surprise. The artworks on display were entirely different from my previous visit, and I found myself captivated. My friend had told me that one could spend an hour admiring a single piece due to its intricacies and beauty. I found this to be quite true. Whether you have limited time or the whole day to spare, I wholeheartedly recommend a stop at the Renwick Gallery. It serves as a fantastic complement to visiting nearby attractions such as the President's Park, the White House, or even the World Bank. Although the gallery space is quite small with just about 10 hall spaces, the content is quite rich and offers an enriching experience to visitors. Also, apparently, the artworks on display are regularly changed. So it is good for repeat visits.Visited September 2022Travelled soloWritten 29 August 2023
- ClaraTimLondon, United Kingdom102 contributionsDon't overlook this hidden gemRecommended by staff at the National Gallery of Art, the Renwick had a beautifully curated selection of craft-based artists and we hugely enjoyed our visit. It's a beautiful space, not overwhelming huge and easy to navigate, which helped our Art Textiles-studying 14yr old who was a bit museum'd out by day 3... Stunning, impactful quilts, fabrics and ceramics, with compelling stories behind them.Written 7 September 2023
- MominOCOrange County, California5,077 contributionsLovely venue a short distance from the White HouseThe exhibition areas are very small yet are well organized. It will not take a lot of time (about 1hr) even when reading each placard and watching each video. Upstairs did not appeal to me and it felt mostly message oriented not artistic - just my opinion. Downstairs was wonderful and interesting. Read lessVisited October 2023Travelled soloWritten 1 November 2023
- Erin H99 contributionsOne of my favorite museums in DC- and I've been living here for 20 years!This is always been one of my favorite museums, and after they renovated it about 12 to 15 years ago, they have really modernized the interior, and have created some amazing exhibits. I love the fact that it's very small and easy to see and probably an hour or less. The Renwick gallery actually started out either as the first Museum devoted to American art or the first art museum in Washington. Either way, the museum itself has a very strong Legacy. Because it's part of the Smithsonian it's free, and it's an excellent place for both kids and adults. Last time I was there I took my daughter who was two at the time and she loved it! They have an exceptional gift shop where you can find some specially crafted art and unique items which are also functional. So I would advise anybody who wants to see an amazing Museum and happens to be near the White House, this is right across the street and of little to no commitment.Visited March 2023Travelled with familyWritten 8 February 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,142 reviews
Excellent
806
Very good
238
Average
65
Poor
20
Terrible
13
Erin H
99 contributions
Mar 2023 • Family
This is always been one of my favorite museums, and after they renovated it about 12 to 15 years ago, they have really modernized the interior, and have created some amazing exhibits. I love the fact that it's very small and easy to see and probably an hour or less. The Renwick gallery actually started out either as the first Museum devoted to American art or the first art museum in Washington. Either way, the museum itself has a very strong Legacy. Because it's part of the Smithsonian it's free, and it's an excellent place for both kids and adults. Last time I was there I took my daughter who was two at the time and she loved it! They have an exceptional gift shop where you can find some specially crafted art and unique items which are also functional. So I would advise anybody who wants to see an amazing Museum and happens to be near the White House, this is right across the street and of little to no commitment.
Written 9 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Noelle F
4 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
Incredible curating, amazing artwork, small enough to see everything and spend time looking/reading about it. Free, easy to get to, lovely space. Not crowded. Recommend very highly
Written 5 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MominOC
Orange County, CA5,077 contributions
Oct 2023 • Solo
The exhibition areas are very small yet are well organized. It will not take a lot of time (about 1hr) even when reading each placard and watching each video. Upstairs did not appeal to me and it felt mostly message oriented not artistic - just my opinion. Downstairs was wonderful and interesting.
Read less
Read less
Written 1 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ClaraTim
London, UK102 contributions
Recommended by staff at the National Gallery of Art, the Renwick had a beautifully curated selection of craft-based artists and we hugely enjoyed our visit. It's a beautiful space, not overwhelming huge and easy to navigate, which helped our Art Textiles-studying 14yr old who was a bit museum'd out by day 3... Stunning, impactful quilts, fabrics and ceramics, with compelling stories behind them.
Written 7 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jydeoo
Lagos, Nigeria2,311 contributions
Sept 2022 • Solo
At the suggestion of my friend, I revisited the Renwick Gallery, and I was in for a surprise. The artworks on display were entirely different from my previous visit, and I found myself captivated.
My friend had told me that one could spend an hour admiring a single piece due to its intricacies and beauty. I found this to be quite true.
Whether you have limited time or the whole day to spare, I wholeheartedly recommend a stop at the Renwick Gallery. It serves as a fantastic complement to visiting nearby attractions such as the President's Park, the White House, or even the World Bank. Although the gallery space is quite small with just about 10 hall spaces, the content is quite rich and offers an enriching experience to visitors.
Also, apparently, the artworks on display are regularly changed. So it is good for repeat visits.
Written 29 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BOWSERZ
Atlanta, GA73 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
Took an entire 5 minutes to go through this pathetic 2 story museum/gallery. Each floor had maybe 4 rooms on each level with maybe 1 to 2 pieces of alleged art in each room. The only piece there which could even be considered art was the bench made up of old garden tools outside the gift shop. When we walked in, we asked the security guard where the classic pieces were and his comment was, "you sure you are at the right place?". We thought he may have been joking but he wasn't..
Save yourself the time and skip this Smithsonian embarrassment.. If you want to see some true art, The National Art Gallery is where you want to go..
Save yourself the time and skip this Smithsonian embarrassment.. If you want to see some true art, The National Art Gallery is where you want to go..
Written 7 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sam
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia12,111 contributions
May 2023 • Solo
Beautiful gallery of American art. I recommend watching it with the other part of the AAM. Great location by the White House
Written 6 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carol I
Portland, OR152 contributions
Mar 2023 • Family
Fabulous exhibit. One unusual room that was an environment. Many other beautifully made objects. Certainly worthwhile.
Written 14 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Judi80
Seal Rock, OR80 contributions
Mar 2023
The staff were gruff and rude, the museum was over-heated and the artwork, if you can call it that, was less then stellar. As a US taxpayer, I am appalled that my tax dollars are supporting such an unfriendly and lack-luster place.
Written 22 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joseph M
East Sandwich, MA2,172 contributions
Jan 2023
The focus is on artisans , arts, and crafts. Good collection and curation.
Off the Mall near the old Executive Office Building - a bit of a hidden gem. Free.
A small museum - 2 floors.
Found it by accident while strolling around -- we will go back.
Off the Mall near the old Executive Office Building - a bit of a hidden gem. Free.
A small museum - 2 floors.
Found it by accident while strolling around -- we will go back.
Written 6 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eudora50
Lenox, MA25 contributions
I totally agree with lynn p in regards to her disappointment due to lack of crowd control at the "Murder Is Her Hobby" exhibit during busy times. I drove from Albany to see this exhibit. Fortunately, I arrived fairly early and was able to see most of the first room of the exhibit. But then the crowds became so unbearable that I just took photos of the crime stories so I could use those and the virtual reality views on the Renwick's site to see the rest. My suggestions would be for the exhibit to have a path guests should follow so everyone will stay in a line and not cut in in front of people who have been waiting longer to see each nutshell. I also think their should either be signs or docents present that urge guests to keep their viewing time politely short. I waited 15 minutes to try to see an exhibit that the group surrounding it decided to dominate while they tried to solve the crime. I just gave up after that... The museum could and SHOULD control that. This is a fabulous exhibit and it's very sad not to be able to see it all due to visitors who do not respect others sharing the space.
bella1000
Melbourne, Australia362 contributions
Yes, it was crowded but everybody took their turn & were respectful of those waiting. I don't think the intent of the exhibition is to actually solve the scenes so that may cause a problem if visitors seek to dominate the nutshells.
Eudora50
Lenox, MA25 contributions
Is it busier on Saturday or Sunday at the Museum? The Nutshell Exhibit is about to close so I was wondering which days would be less busy...?
pookala
Philadelphia, PA4,640 contributions
I think both days will be relatively busy. Your best bet I think will be to go early in the day when they open. And don't be afraid to jump around from piece to piece. There's no order really so if one of the 'scenes' is crowded. Jump ahead and then go back.
It was a wonderful exhibit. Be sure to bring a phone to light the exhibits and if you need them, eyeglasses.
There's also very good docent led tours of the permanent collection on the 2nd floor. Check the Renwick's website for the times on the day you choose.
colortruth
Jackson, NJ
are there wheel chairs available? if so how many on premises? if there are not wheel chairs available, can i use my small electric travel scooter?-thanks- doug e.
bethydollar
Jacksonville, FL67 contributions
No there are not wheelchairs available. There is an elevator. The only thing I have a hesitation about is the entrance. I would say to contact the museum for an accessible entrance.
Pau S
Monclova, Mexico22 contributions
Cuanto cobran la entrada ?
karinaduran2016
Alexandria, VA13 contributions
Hola es gratuito, al igual que todos los museos smithsonian en Washington. Se puede dejar una donación si asà lo deseas.
Do you have wheelchairs for use?
Jim H
Washington DC, DC90 contributions
I don't recall seeing any wheelchairs, although that doesn't mean they aren't available. I know there is a dedicated handicap entrance.
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Claim your listingRenwick Gallery - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Renwick Gallery
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