Originally commissioned by William Wilson Corcoran to house his private art collection before becoming part of the Smithsonian.
The building served as a storage facility for the U.S. Army during the Civil War while still under construction.
It is the oldest building in Washington, D.C. specifically built as a public art gallery.
The Grand Salon on the second floor features a 30-foot ceiling and retains its original 19th-century lighting fixtures.
The gallery gained international viral fame for its 'WONDER' exhibition, which featured floor-to-ceiling installations by nine contemporary artists.
The facade is built of brick and sandstone, intentionally designed to mimic the Louvre’s style.
In 1971, the building was almost demolished to make room for a new office complex before the Smithsonian took ownership.
It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1971.
The Renwick Gallery is the Smithsonian American Art Museum's dedicated branch for contemporary craft and decorative arts. Housed in a Second Empire-style building designed by James Renwick Jr., it was the first building in the United States constructed specifically as an art museum. The gallery focuses on 21st-century makers, featuring large-scale immersive installations alongside traditional craft media. Its permanent collection highlights objects made from clay, fiber, glass, metal, and wood. The building's restoration in 2015 preserved its historic Grand Salon and Victorian-era architectural details. The gallery frequently hosts temporary exhibitions that transform the interior spaces through site-specific works.
The Grand Salon, specifically when it houses large-scale immersive installations.
Check the official Smithsonian website for temporary exhibition schedules before visiting, as the galleries change significantly with each major show.
The Grand Salon on the second floor provides a serene architectural experience, often quieter than the primary exhibition rooms.
If you are sensitive to crowds, visit during the mid-morning on weekdays.
Assuming the entire building houses a permanent collection; much of the floor space is dedicated to rotating contemporary exhibits.
Closed on December 25th; otherwise open daily.
Large bags and backpacks must be carried on the front or held by hand; food and drink are strictly prohibited in the galleries.
