National Portrait Gallery (United States)

The National Portrait Gallery is a museum housed in the Old Patent Office Building in Washington, D.C., and is part of the Smithsonian Institution. It collects and exhibits portraits of individuals who have made significant contributions to the history, development, and culture of the United States.

The gallery's collection includes portraits in various media, such as paintings, sculptures, prints, photographs, and drawings. The subjects of these portraits are not limited to politicians or famous historical figures, but encompass individuals from diverse fields, including science, art, entertainment, sports, and business.

The National Portrait Gallery's mission is to tell the story of the United States through the individuals who have shaped it. Portraits are chosen based not only on the prominence of the sitter but also on the artistic merit of the work. The gallery's exhibitions aim to illuminate the lives and legacies of these influential Americans and to explore the themes and ideas that connect them.

In addition to its permanent collection, the National Portrait Gallery hosts temporary exhibitions, lectures, and educational programs. It also presents the triennial Outwin Boochever Portrait Competition, which showcases contemporary portraiture. The museum is free and open to the public, and it serves as a valuable resource for researchers, educators, and visitors interested in American history and culture. The National Portrait Gallery shares the Old Patent Office Building with the Smithsonian American Art Museum.