The National Gallery of Art located in Washington, D.C., is one of the world's greatest art museums and comprised of two buildings - one holds paintings from that goes way back to the 13th centuries, while the other exhibits modern art.

The gallery is home to one of the most spectacular assemblies of art in existence, displaying significant accomplishments in art and sculpture, from the fifth century to contemporary times. The West Wing of the National Gallery of Art features a collection of international masterpieces from the 13th to the 19th century, while the East Wing of the Washington DC art museum houses a modern collection of 20th century art. Most people don't realize it, but unlike many of the history and art museums in D.C., the National Gallery of Art is not part of the Smithsonian Institution.