Best Museums for American Art in the U.S.

Smithsonian Castle, Washington
Smithsonian Castle, Washington. Photo by Sara Cottle on Unsplash

Art is one of the best ways to learn about the history, culture, and essence of a place. If you’re traveling through the US, and are interested to see some American art, there are some excellent institutions, showcasing everything from ancestral artifacts to modern works. Here are some of the best museums for American art across the US.

Smithsonian American Art Museum, Washington DC

The United States’ capital happens to be the home of the world’s most comprehensive American art collection. Here, you can find names like Roy Lichtenstein and John Singer Sergent as well as an exceptional assemblage of folk, Latino, and African American art.

Whitney Museum of American Art, New York

The Whitney Museum in New York houses the world of more than 3600 of the country’s greatest artists. The permanent collection explores America’s cultural identity through the works of Edward Hopper and Jasper Johns among others. The Whitney also has a section dedicated to the world of contemporary living artists.

Morris Museum of Art, Augusta, Georgia

The American south has a complicated history, which is displayed by the wide range of art displayed in the Morris Museum. The collection spans two centuries and includes everything from portraits of wealthy 19-century plantation owners, to depictions of slavery and religious gatherings.

Andy Warhol Museum, Pittsburgh

Andy Warhol was possibly the most influential artist of the 20th century, and you can view the vastness of his life and work in the seven-story museum dedicated to him in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.