National Gallery of Art

 

    The National Art Museum in DC is one of my favorite museums to visit all the time. I always studied there, took my sister with me to paint or sketch the artwork, and even take pictures on my camera to get cool angles and post them. It's a very chill area with a bright atmosphere and business all around. This is also a museum with no charge so feel free to visit anytime you'd like! Each room of the museum has many categories of artworks from different eras. You can also visit certain areas with only one artist. I personally like Claude Monet's work. It has a very soft feeling each time you look at it. All of the artwork provided leaves you with a certain emotion. I also enjoyed looking at Van Gogh's pieces and how his life story came to life in his artwork. There are also religious paintings, cultural paintings, etc. inside. I noticed that they do a wonderful job of keeping everyone included. 

    Feeling thirsty or a bit hungry? Well, have no fear! The cafe inside serves many treats and drinks. Usually, cafes in museums are over-priced so proceed with caution. There are also two entrances to the museum. It is kinda in the center with the city sides of dc and roads. Do make sure that you don't bring any beverage or food inside unless it's from their own merchandise. Speaking of merchandise, there is of course a gift shop! The size itself is pretty big and on the lowest level of the museum. I really liked this section of the museum. I bought some prints from there and some postcards too. They are obviously not the same art piece but it's a duplicate. Cool, right! You can also buy jewelry, puzzles, etc. They have nice gift wrapping too in case you buy gifts. The cafe and gift shop are directly close to each other. It is easy to get around the museum considering that it has huge, beautiful, bright staircases and even elevators if you aren't passionate about the exercise feels. My favorite part personally of the architecture is the entryway. Whenever you enter, there are huge columns holding up a dome. In the middle, is a fountain. Everything looks magical and heavenly and is of course in its place. 

    Other than classic pieces of artwork inside, there is also sculptures and furniture. Weird, right? It was cool looking at victorian era furniture and getting inspired by personal, interesting home decor. This section of the museum is strict too. You are not allowed to sit or do anything with the furniture, including touching it. Of course, that is the whole point of the museum. Is to just simply look at the art and soak in everything about it. What do you take from it? Does it inspire you? I can say personally I love how soft landscapes make me feel. However, if you are not into landscapes, don't fret! The museum has many other rooms with different types of paintings. You will eventually find your favorite! For example, there are European and American paintings, sculptures, works on paper, photographs, and decorative art. You can even relax outside in the sculpture garden on a nice day. I loved the feeling the Gallery gave me. It was so peaceful to just be present at the moment and appreciate other well-known artists and be inspired to see what they accomplished in their lives. You can learn so much from this museum and that is why I recommend visiting it when you are in DC!