The Smithsonian American Art Museum, situated in Washington D.C., is a must-visit for anyone interested in American art. It houses an extensive collection from the colonial period and features works by over 7,000 artists. This collection, one of the largest of its kind, features a wide variety of American art.
The SAAM has a long ►
The Smithsonian American Art Museum, situated in Washington D.C., is a must-visit for anyone interested in American art. It houses an extensive collection from the colonial period and features works by over 7,000 artists. This collection, one of the largest of its kind, features a wide variety of American art.
The SAAM has a long and fascinating history that dates back to the founding of the Smithsonian Institution in 1846. A "gallery of art" was specified as part of the Smithsonian's initial charter. But because the initial emphasis was on scientific research, the collection received little attention. A large portion of the art collection was lost by fire in 1865, while the remaining was then loaned to the Corcoran Gallery of Art and the Library of Congress subsequently borrowed it. The artwork was returned to the Smithsonian in 1896 after Congress approved funding for a fireproof room.
The SAAM officially became a part of the Smithsonian Institution in 1920, with William Henry Holmes as its first director. In 1937, the museum received the title of National Collection of Fine Arts (NCFA) due to an extensive art collection donation by Andrew Mellon. During the 1950s, the NCFA was located in a small area within the Natural History Building. However, in 1958 it was given its building and was relocated to the old Patent Office Building, where it shares space with the National Portrait Gallery. In recent years, the museum has been renovated and includes the Luce Foundation Center for American Art and the Lunder Conservation Center.
The Smithsonian Art Museum and the National Portrait Gallery are housed in the same building, and both have access to the Archives of American Art. This research library contains a wealth of primary source material about American art and artists. Additionally, the SAAM has a branch called the Renwick Gallery, which is located nearby and features exhibitions that focus on craft. The Renwick Gallery is located in a historic building on Pennsylvania Avenue.
The American Art Museum (SAAM) boasts an impressive collection encompassing various mediums and styles. The museum has everything from paintings and sculptures to prints and photographs. Additionally, the SAAM features specific art collections dedicated to American Indian and Latino art. The array of works on display is truly remarkable.
The SAAM's Lunder Conservation Center is a standout feature that allows visitors to observe the ongoing preservation efforts behind the scenes. The Lunder Center features five labs and studios with the necessary equipment to preserve a range of artistic mediums, such as sculptures, crafts, decorative arts, paintings, photographs, and frames. These facilities are also equipped to conserve prints, drawings, folk art objects, and contemporary crafts. ◄
