National Gallery Nights, the National Gallery of Art’s popular after-hours events, are back this fall. And two sessions are coming up soon.
National Gallery Nights are free events held at the museum from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Visitors can see the exhibits, catch gallery talks and performances, and take part in hands-on activities. The NGA hosts a handful of events in the fall and spring.
Because these events are in high demand, NGA distributes tickets through a lottery system. The lottery opens on Monday and close on Thursday on the week before each event. If you are selected to receive tickets, you will be notified on the Friday before the event. There are also a limited number of tickets available day-of at the door.
The first fall event of the season was held on September 11, with the theme “Back to School.”
Upcoming National Gallery Nights
The next National Gallery Night will be held October 9 with the theme “Strike a Pose.” It’s a celebration of the NGA’s newest exhibition, Photography and the Black Arts Movement, 1955–1985.
Visitors are encouraged to wear outfits inspired by fashion from the ’50s to the ’80s. There will be a photobooth and a chance to “experiment with photography.” And, though National Gallery Nights are typically held only in the East Building, the West Building of the gallery will open so visitors can see the exhibition.
The lottery for “Strike a Pose” is open from 10 a.m. on Monday, September 29, to noon on Thursday, October 2.
Next is “Art Under the Stars” on November 13. This event will celebrate the exhibition The Stars We Do Not See: Australian Indigenous Art, the largest display of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art ever shown outside of Australia.
Visitors will hear a digeridoo, weave textiles, and visit the Roof Terrace. The lottery is open 10 a.m. Monday, November 3, to noon on Thursday, November 6.
Light fare, gelato, and drinks are sold throughout the East Building during the events.
Feature image courtesy National Gallery of Art
