The National Gallery of Art

The National Gallery of Art in Washington DC now have a designated nursing room or mothers lounge for breast pumping, and there are plenty of quiet benches and cozy spots throughout the museum that breastfeeding moms often use to sit and breastfeed, such as the Sculpture Garden benches. 

The gallery staff and security guards are very warm and friendly to nursing mothers and does not discourage them from nursing around the museum.

HOURS: 10AM - 5PM 7 Daily

LOCATIONS:

National Gallery of Art- East Building:

• Nursing Room: The new dedicated lactation room is available near the East Building Auditorium on the Concourse. Family restrooms are in the East Building on the Concourse and Mezzanine.
  
  


• There are also benches throughout the building. The information desk is very friendly and do encourage moms to go wherever they feel comfortable to breastfeed.
  
  


• Stroller Accessible Entrance: If you are coming from the East building you will need to take the elevator in the large auditorium (follow the signs). From outside the main entrance is accessible.
  
  


• Changing Table: When you come through the walkway from the East building the bathrooms are just to your right. There is a counter through the door to the women’s room that you can use.

National Gallery of Art- West Building:

• Stroller Accessible Entrance: Constitution Avenue. Throughout the building there are lots of elevators to bypass small stairwells. Prepare yourself for a roundabout trip!
  
  


• Changing Table: After entering at Constitution Avenue, take the elevator directly to your right up one floor. To the left is a sign for the women’s restroom. There is a…lobby of sorts…outside of the women’s room with a changing table. Since it is really separate room it would be possible for men to use this table as well. Family restrooms are in the West Building on the Main Floor.
  
  


• Nursing: In the same room as the changing table there is a bench along one wall. It isn’t the most private (since it is leads to the bathroom) or the most comfortable (a chair rail hits just across your back) but it will do. There are also benches throughout the museum that you could use.

Our Fun Facts for Travel Moms with Kids Visiting the National Gallery of Art

The National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., is one of the most renowned art museums in the United States. It’s a treasure trove of history, culture, and creativity, making it a fantastic destination for families traveling with kids. As a travel mom, you might wonder how to make the most of your visit with your children. The good news is that the National Gallery of Art is filled with intriguing exhibits and fascinating stories that can captivate kids of all ages. Here are some fun facts and tips to help you make your visit both educational and enjoyable.

1. Two Buildings, Two Worlds

The National Gallery of Art is divided into two main buildings: the West Building and the East Building. The West Building, which opened in 1941, houses classical European and American art, including works by masters like Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, and Rembrandt. The East Building, designed by the famous architect I.M. Pei and opened in 1978, focuses on modern and contemporary art, featuring artists like Picasso, Matisse, and Calder.

Fun Fact: The two buildings are connected by an underground concourse that features a moving walkway beneath a stunning light installation by artist Leo Villareal. Your kids will love the futuristic vibe as they glide from one building to the next!

2. The Only Da Vinci in the Americas

One of the most famous paintings in the National Gallery of Art is Leonardo da Vinci’s Ginevra de’ Benci. This is the only painting by Da Vinci that you can see in the Americas, making it a must-see for any art lover. The portrait, painted around 1474-1478, depicts Ginevra de’ Benci, a young woman from a wealthy Florentine family.

Fun Fact: If your kids are into puzzles, challenge them to find the hidden symbol on the back of the painting. The reverse side of the panel shows a juniper sprig, symbolizing chastity, and a Latin motto that translates to “Beauty Adorns Virtue.”

3. A Garden of Sculptures

The National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden is a delightful outdoor space where kids can run around and explore art in a more relaxed setting. The garden features large-scale sculptures by modern and contemporary artists, surrounded by beautiful landscaping.

Fun Fact: During the winter, the central fountain in the Sculpture Garden is transformed into an ice-skating rink! It’s a magical experience to skate surrounded by towering sculptures. In the summer, the garden hosts Jazz in the Garden concerts, where you can enjoy live music while your kids explore the art.

4. Interactive Art for Kids

The National Gallery of Art offers several interactive programs designed specifically for children. The museum’s “Family Guides” are available at the Information Desks and include scavenger hunts and art detective activities that lead kids on a journey through the galleries, making learning about art fun and engaging.

Fun Fact: The museum also has a dedicated Children’s Audio Tour, which is narrated by a fictional squirrel named "Rusty." Rusty guides kids through the highlights of the museum, sharing fun stories and facts about the artworks.

5. Masterpieces in the Making

The National Gallery of Art is home to countless masterpieces, and it’s exciting to think about how these iconic works were once just sketches on a canvas. One of the highlights is Vincent van Gogh’s Self-Portrait (1889). Kids might be interested to learn that Van Gogh painted this piece while he was recovering in a mental asylum in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence.

Fun Fact: Ask your kids to look closely at Van Gogh’s brushstrokes. They can see how he applied thick layers of paint in swirling patterns, a technique known as “impasto,” which gives the painting its texture and dynamism. For a hands-on activity, you could try recreating Van Gogh’s technique with your kids using thick paint at home.

6. The Secret of the West Building’s Rotunda

The West Building of the National Gallery of Art is designed in the neoclassical style, and at its heart lies a grand rotunda. This architectural marvel is modeled after the Pantheon in Rome, with a soaring dome and a circular layout that creates a sense of awe.

Fun Fact: If you stand in the exact center of the rotunda and speak, your voice will echo in a unique way, thanks to the acoustics of the dome. Challenge your kids to find the perfect spot and listen to how their voice changes!

7. A Trip Through Time with the Chester Dale Collection

The Chester Dale Collection is one of the most significant art donations to the National Gallery of Art. It includes works by French Impressionists and Post-Impressionists like Monet, Degas, and Cézanne. These paintings are displayed chronologically, allowing visitors to take a journey through the development of modern art.

Fun Fact: Encourage your kids to spot the differences in the style of paintings from one room to the next. For instance, they can see how Monet’s early works are more detailed, while his later paintings, like his series of water lilies, become more abstract and focus on light and color.

8. Art and Nature Combine

In addition to the Sculpture Garden, the National Gallery of Art has a series of large-scale installations that incorporate elements of nature. For example, in the East Building, you’ll find a massive mobile by Alexander Calder, whose abstract forms gently sway with the air currents, creating a sense of movement and life.

Fun Fact: The East Building’s rooftop terrace offers stunning views of the National Mall and features more sculptures. It’s a great spot for a break during your visit, and kids will enjoy the open space to explore.

9. The Hidden Treasure of the Café

After exploring the galleries, you might want to take a break at one of the National Gallery of Art’s cafes. The Cascade Café, located in the Concourse, is a favorite among families.

Fun Fact: The café’s floor-to-ceiling windows offer a view of a cascading waterfall that flows down the side of the building. This serene setting is perfect for recharging with a snack while your kids marvel at the waterfall’s beauty.

10. Art to Take Home

Don’t forget to stop by the museum shop before you leave. The National Gallery of Art offers a wide range of art-related books, games, and puzzles designed for children. It’s a great way to keep the inspiration going long after your visit.

Fun Fact: The shop also sells postcards of famous artworks in the museum. Let your kids choose their favorite and write a memory of the trip on the back. It’s a simple yet meaningful souvenir of your day at the National Gallery of Art.

A visit to the National Gallery of Art is not just an opportunity to see some of the world’s most famous artworks—it’s a chance to spark your child’s imagination, curiosity, and love for art. With its rich history, interactive programs, and family-friendly environment, the National Gallery of Art is a destination where both you and your kids can create lasting memories. So next time you’re in Washington, D.C., don’t miss the chance to explore this incredible museum with your little ones!

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