How Long Does It Take to Get Through the Smithsonian Art Museum?

Art|Art Museum

The Smithsonian American Art Museum (SAAM) is one of the world’s largest collections of American art in the world. It houses more than 7,000 works from all periods of American history and art.

From modern to traditional, abstract to realist, the museum has something for everyone. But how long does it take to get through the entire collection?

The answer depends on how much time you have, and how much of the collection you want to see. For those with limited time, a single visit could take anywhere from one to three hours. Visitors should plan on spending at least an hour in each gallery so that they don’t miss out on any important artwork.

For those who have more time and want to explore more deeply, SAAM offers a variety of tours that can be tailored to fit any interest or schedule. The museum’s docents offer a wide range of tours, from general overviews to specialized looks at specific works or movements. These tours can last anywhere from two hours for a basic overview tour up to five or six hours for an in-depth look at a particular exhibit or artist.

The museum is also home to several special exhibitions throughout the year that are dedicated solely to individual artists or movements. These exhibitions often require extra time for viewing and understanding the works on display, so visitors should plan on dedicating at least two hours if they want to get the full experience.

Conclusion

The amount of time it takes to get through the Smithsonian American Art Museum depends on what kind of experience you are looking for and how much time you have available. Those with limited time should plan on dedicating at least an hour per gallery while those with more time may opt for specialized tours or special exhibitions which will likely require additional time.