Renwick Gallery (Smithsonian)

A branch of the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the Renwick Gallery features one of the finest collections of American craft objects and decorative arts from the 19th century to the present. The exhibits showcase glass, ceramic, wood, fiber, metal and mixed media objects. Furniture and jewelry make up a signification part of the permanent collection.

Among the museum’s most popular works are those by Larry Fuente, Wendell Castle, and Beth Lipman. Special rotating exhibits of contemporary artists usually open in spring and fall. Also on display in the Grand Salon are 70 paintings from the Smithsonian’s American Art Museum, including landscapes, portraits and allegorical works by 51 American artists from the 1840s to the 1930s.

A gift shop offers a wide selection of books, jewelry, and handmade crafts. Members of the American Art Museum receive a 20 percent discount.

The Renwick Gallery is located in the heart of federal Washington, just steps from the White House on Pennsylvania Avenue. Designed in the Second Empire style by architect James Renwick, Jr. the building was completed in 1874 and is a National Historic Landmark.

Travel Tips

The Renwick Gallery, home to the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s craft and decorative arts program, reopened to the public Friday, Nov. 13, 2015, following a two-year renovation. 

For more information about the Renwick Gallery, visit americanart.si.edu/renwick.

*Photo credit: Joshua Yetman

Nearby Attractions
White House

Suggested Tours
Old Town Trolley