The The Smithsonian American Museum of Art is the United State’s first museum dedicated to American art and art history. Ranging from the oldest pieces of Native American art to modern and futuristic pieces, this museum blends history with beauty. In addition to this, the Smithsonian American Museum of Art is one of the most renown museums in the world, sporting a good reputation and an extensive traveling gallery so that people all over the United States and the world can experience the wonders and beauty of American art.

The Smithsonian American Museum of Art was founded by a man named John Varden in 1829. At the birth of the Smithsonian, the museum was a single room in his home where he stored pieces of European artworks. In 1841, his modest collection moved to the Patent Office Building, where the current Smithsonian American Museum of Art stands today. He took it upon himself to be the curator of a museum targeting government owned artistic and historic items. Thus, famous pieces such as the Declaration of Independence and Benjamin Franklin’s printing press came to share space with paintings and sculptures, as well as other pieces of art.

In 1906, the history of the Smithsonian American Museum of Art was forever changed by the recognition that the museum was indeed a National Gallery of Art. This naming resulted in an influx of artwork and valuable pieces, which provided the foundation of the current museum.

Due to the limitless value of the items held within the Smithsonian American Museum of Art, security is extremely high. The museum maintains some of the strongest security in the world to protect against theft and vandalism of these pieces which cannot be replaced.

The Smithsonian has undergone several name changes during its history. It is often referred to as ‘the Smithsonian’, although there are several branches of the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C.. It is also called the American Museum of Art. In 1980, it was renamed to the National Museum of American Art. In 2000, it was renamed once again to the Smithsonian American Art Museum.

If you wish to visit the Smithsonian, you should give yourself ample time to view the thousands of paintings and exhibits located within its walls. Typically, one day is not enough to see all that the Smithsonian has to offer. If you have the time, plan several visits to the museum, and systematically approach each wing until you can see the entirety of the collection. The Smithsonian is host to many traveling exhibitions, so be mindful of the varying schedules when you plan your visit.

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