Are tickets included in the tour price?

Yes, all permanent collection admission fees are included and organized by Babylon Tours.

Where do we meet the guide?

Meet on the steps outside the G Street entrance to the National Portrait Gallery.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian; the tour’s moderate walking is suitable for ages 10 and up.

Can I reschedule my tour?

Yes, you can reschedule free of charge up to 24 hours before your tour’s start.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

The museums offer wheelchair access; however, this specific tour is not available for visitors using wheelchairs.

What if I’m running late?

Contact your guide immediately; if you miss the start, you may enter on your own and try to join the group inside.

Smithsonian Portrait & Art Tours by Babylon Tours DC | History Tour | Museum

Washington, D.C., the nation’s capital, pulses with stories captured not only in its architecture but also through its monumental art collections. Babylon Tours Washington D.C. offers a unique semi-private experience that unlocks two of the city’s most significant art institutions: the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery and the American Art Museum. This 2.5-hour guided tour invites small groups of no more than eight guests to step inside the historic Old Patent Office Building, where history and creativity collide.

This tour is more than just a viewing—it’s a narrative thread woven from iconic portraits of the early republic to contemporary art that challenges and redefines American identity. Stand before the Lansdowne Portrait of George Washington, whose image still graces the U.S. dollar bill, and then move through striking Civil War-era military portraits that reveal a nation torn and rebuilt. You’ll encounter figures like Pocahontas, bridging centuries and cultures in one gaze.

The journey continues in the American Art Museum, where WPA murals from the New Deal era tell stories of American resilience during the Great Depression. Masterpieces by Mary Cassatt, Edward Hopper, and David Hockney illustrate shifting artistic movements and social perspectives. This tour balances art history with cultural insights, led by a professional guide who breathes life into each piece, clarifying complex themes like identity and activism through time.

Babylon Tours’ small group size ensures an intimate atmosphere perfect for thoughtful discussion and personal connection with the artworks. The Old Patent Office Building itself bears its own history, once serving as a Civil War hospital where Walt Whitman volunteered, adding layers to the visit. For travelers and locals alike, this tour stands out as an exceptional way to engage deeply with American art and history right in the heart of Washington, D.C.