The Courtyard Café

As Washingtonians return from vacation to reclaim the city, DC on a Dime wants to share a favorite super-secret-quite-time-spot:   The National Portrait Gallery.

This excellent Smithsonian museum tells the American story through individual portraits of those who have shaped our national culture.  And, since it’s not on the National Mall, there is rarely a crowd.  

However, what we love most about the museum is the Courtyard Café, which is located in the “Robert and Arlene Kogod Courtyard.”   This expansive courtyard is covered by a giant sky light, so there’s no better place for indoor reading, writing and reflection. 

 

The Café offers a seasonal menu of American-inspired dishes, using local, organic or sustainable ingredients when possible. The menu includes soups, create-your-own salad entrees, sandwiches and panini, and a selection of antipasti with a focus on vegetarian offerings and premium meats. These items are available until 4 p.m. Gourmet desserts, creamery-made ice cream and healthy snacks, such as fruit and yogurt parfaits, also are available.

Express offerings, called “Grab & Go,” include pre-made sandwiches and salads; these items are available until 6:30 p.m. Coffee, espresso, beer and red and white wines also may be enjoyed in the cafe anytime. Free public wireless Internet access (Wi-Fi) is available throughout the Kogod Courtyard.

Location:  The museum is located at Eighth and F Streets, NW, D.C., 20001 

Admission:  FREE 

Museum Hours:
11:30 a.m.-7:00 p.m. daily
Closed December 25

The National Zoo will host Soul in Motion (a dance and drum group from West Africa) on July 23, from 6-8pm.  This free concert is a part of the National Zoo Sunset Serenades  program.  With the unbelievable weather we’ve had, it should make for a nice picnic.

Taking the Metro is strongly encouraged, as parking is very limited.

Take Metrorail to the Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan station or Metrobus routes L1, L2, or L4 (use the Connecticut Avenue entrance), or route H4 (use the Harvard Street entrance).

NMAI Ladybug Release

You can also view the NMAI ladybug release on any of the following Fridays, at 10am:  7/10, 7/24, 8/7, and 8/21. 

Location:  Traditional Croplands; meet outside the south (staff) entrance.

Visit the museum’s website for more information.

Purchase Newseum tickets online during the month of June and get $5 off every ticket you buy.  Click here to purchase tickets and use this discount code:  80090101.  The promotion ends June 30. 

Regular price tickets:

Adult  (Ages 19-64) $22.00

Senior  (Ages 65+) $20.00

Youth  (Ages 7-18, 6 and under free) $15.00

Location:  Pennsylvania Avenue and Sixth Street, N.W., Washington, DC.

Group Tickets

Groups that purchase 10 or more tickets are eligible for discounted admission and are required to purchase advance reservations.

• Pricing and information
• School field trips