The National Gallery of Art is one of the leading art museums in the world specializing in European and American paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, prints, drawings, and photographs.  The National Gallery was created in 1937 through the generosity of Andrew W. Mellon who donated his substantial art collection as well as funds to construct a building on the National Mall and a sizeable endowment. The museum opened in 1941, and over the years has acquired and received art from other generous donors. Paul Mellon and Alisa Mellon Bruce, Andrew Mellon’s children, donated funds to build the East Building designed by I. M. Pei, that opened in 1978. A six-acre outdoor Sculpture Garden was opened in 1999.   

Through its temporary special exhibitions, the National Gallery presents art from a wide range of cultures and time periods. It also sponsors educational and enrichment programs, including films and lectures, teacher workshops, and art programs for children and families.  All education and public programs are free and targeted to both regional and national educators, students, families, adults, and volunteers. The National Gallery’s Center for Advanced Study in the Visual Arts brings scholars from around the world together in close relationship to the National Gallery’s art collection and museum colleagues, enhancing the understanding of art and architecture. A major art research library also houses a collection of more than 500,000 books, periodicals, and documents on the history, theory, and criticism of art and architecture, with an emphasis on Western art from the Middle Ages to the present.

The National Gallery is open to the public free of charge 363 days a year and welcomes more than 4.5 million visitors each year.  Daily operations and programs are supported by approximately 1,100 staff and over 460 volunteers.  The National Gallery’s operating budget of approximately $200 million is funded by annual federal appropriations from Congress plus gifts from corporations, foundations and individuals, and income from an endowment of approximately $1.4 billion.