Past Exhibitions

Legend, Memory, and the Great War in the Air

This gallery features the emergence of air power in World War I and contrasts the romance of aerial combat with the reality.

November 13, 1991 – January 2, 2019

American Indian Museum DC

Trail of Tears: A Story of Cherokee Removal

This powerful exhibition takes a deeper look at Indian removal from the Cherokee perspective.

April 12, 2018 – January 2, 2019

World War II Aviation

The story of World War II is too big for a single gallery, so this one focuses on land-based fighter aviation.

July 1, 1976 – January 2, 2019

America by Air

This exhibition traces the history of commercial air transportation in the U.S. from 1914 to today and discusses how technological innovations have revolutionized air travel.

November 17, 2007 – January 2, 2019

In Memoriam: George Herbert Walker Bush

In memory of George Herbert Walker Bush, the National Portrait Gallery has added a drape to his portrait in the America's Presidents gallery. Visitors may pay their respects and record their thoughts in a journal next to the portrait.

December 1, 2018 – January 1, 2019

A Unique Lens: Photographs from the Smithsonian Family

This exhibition showcases the photographic talent and diverse work and interests of Smithsonian staff.

February 18, 2016 – January 1, 2019

Ripley Center

Apollo to the Moon

This gallery traces NASA's manned space program beginning with Project Mercury's Freedom 7 (5/5/61); then the Gemini Project (1965-66); followed by the Apollo Program (1967-1972), with Apollo 17 as the last manned exploration of the moon.

July 1, 1976 – December 2, 2018

Looking at Earth

This gallery traces the development of technology for viewing Earth from balloons, aircraft, and spacecraft.

May 8, 1986 – December 2, 2018

My Fellow Soldiers: Letters from World War I

Through personal correspondence written on the frontlines and home front, this centennial exhibition uncovers the history of America’s involvement in World War I.

April 6, 2017 – December 2, 2018

Postal Museum

Portraits of the World: Switzerland

Portraits of the World: Switzerland is the inaugural exhibition of a series that will highlight the global context of American portraiture.

December 15, 2017 – November 12, 2018

Artist Soldiers: Artistic Expression in the First World War

This exhibition examines artistic expression in WWI by first-hand participants, both official art by commissioned AEF combat artists, and spontaneous works by individual soldiers.

April 6, 2017 – November 11, 2018

For Love of Place: Japanese Screens

On view during spring and summer, this gallery’s selection of snow-themed paintings suggests one way that these works may have been used: to create an ambience of heat-deflecting cool.

May 5, 2018 – November 4, 2018

Spreading the Word: Buddhist Art in Japan

This exhibition highlights a few of the devout Buddhists who were revered for their roles as teachers, scholars, and patrons of Buddhism in Japan.

May 18, 2018 – November 4, 2018

Recent Acquisitions

This annual exhibition features 27 objects that tell the story of America through the art of portraiture and showcase some of the newest additions to the museum’s collection.

November 17, 2017 – November 4, 2018

In the Shadow of an Apocalypse: Buddhist Art in Japan

Whether painted or sculpted, Buddhist works reassured believers with visions of compassionate protectors and fierce guardians.

October 14, 2017 – October 28, 2018

Cooper Hewitt Design Museum

The Senses: Design Beyond Vision

Featuring inclusive interactive installations created in collaboration with contemporary designers and products that enhance life for all, including those with sensory disabilities.

April 13, 2018 – October 28, 2018

The Beginnings of Buddhism in Japan: Buddhist Art in Japan

The two objects in this exhibition exemplify the birth of Buddhism in Japan. In 552, the Korean kingdom of Baekje sent the Japanese court sacred texts (sutras) and a gilt bronze sculpture, thought to be similar to the one on view.

October 14, 2017 – October 28, 2018

Tino Sehgal: This You

The Hirshhorn features a work by acclaimed contemporary artist Tino Sehgal. This You features a solo female singer who connects with visitors to produce intimate and memorable experiences.

September 1, 2018 – October 14, 2018

The Message: New Media Works

Five contemporary film and video installations resonate with the voices of music, film, and pop culture.

November 18, 2017 – September 30, 2018

Dazzling Diversity

What is the most diverse group of animals on the planet? Insects! They constitute more than two-thirds of all described animal species—and there are more waiting to be discovered!

August 8, 2017 – September 30, 2018

Natural History Museum

Celebrate: Leonard Bernstein's 100th Birthday

The National Portrait Gallery recognizes the the 100th birthday of the late American composer, conductor, author, music lecturer, and pianist, Leonard Bernstein by displaying a portrait of Bernstein.

August 23, 2018 – September 23, 2018

Georg Baselitz: Six Decades

Georg Baselitz is the first major US retrospective in more than twenty years of one of Germany’s greatest living artists, marking the artist’s 80th birthday.

June 21, 2018 – September 16, 2018

Tony Lewis: Anthology 2014-2016

This installation of thirty-four original collage-poems by the Chicago-based artist Tony Lewis is being exhibited at the Hirshhorn for the first time in its entirety.

March 6, 2018 – September 16, 2018