Smithsonian American Art Museum – United State’s First Museum
The world famous Smithsonian in Washington, D.C. is the true symbol of America’s dedication to its rich history. The Smithsonian American Art Museum (SAAM) houses the nation’s first collection of American art, and includes one of the largest and most inclusive collections in the world.
The Smithsonian American Art Museum 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 and houses works of art from over 7,000 artists.
In addition, the Smithsonian American Art Museum is one of the most renown museums in the world. The museum displays an extensive traveling gallery so that persons all over the United States and the world can experience the wonders and beauty of American art.
The Smithsonian Museum was founded by John Varden in 1829. Originally, the Smithsonian was a single room in Varden’s home where he stored pieces of European artworks. In 1841, John Varden’s modest collection moved to the Patent Office Building, where the current Smithsonian American Art Museum stands today.
Varden 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 Art Museum was forever transmuted 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 supplied the foundation of the current museum.
Due to the limitless value of the items held within the Smithsonian American Art Museum, of course security is extremely high. The museum preserves some of the strongest security in the world to protect against theft and vandalism of these pieces which may not be replaced.
The Smithsonian American Art Museum has undergone many name transforms during its history. It is predominantly referred to as ‘the Smithsonian’, Although there are several branches of the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C.. . 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 American Art Museum, you should give yourself ample time to view the thousands of paintings and exhibits located within its walls. Typically, one day isn’t enough to see all that the Smithsonian has to offer.
If you have the time, plan many visits to the museum, and systematically approach each wing until you may see the entirety of the collection. The Smithsonian American Art Museum is host to many traveling exhibitions, so be mindful of the varying schedules when you plan your visit.
