American History

An exhibition of all new work spanning seven galleries highlights the dynamic portraiture practice of leading contemporary artist Wendy Red Star (Apsáalooke).

In 2026, the National Portrait Gallery will observe the fiftieth anniversary of the founding of its photographs collection, which now accounts for nearly half of the museum’s total holdings. Encompassing more than one hundred works, from the .... Shortened snippet. View full page for more details.

The advent of nuclear weapons and rapid advances in aviation technologies, such as missiles and automation, have shaped the nature of conflict and diplomacy. These technologies were in turn shaped by not only the Cold War, but several hot wars,.... Shortened snippet. View full page for more details.

At Home in Space presents the challenges and benefits of a permanent human presence in low Earth orbit. The knowledge gained from the Space Shuttle and Space Station programs informs where we go next and what we do there. The ability to launch,.... Shortened snippet. View full page for more details.

From the California coast to the Kansas heartland to the streets of New York City, the photographs in Much Here is Beautiful: Photography Surveys of the U.S. Bicentennial present an expansive and evocative portrait of America with a focus on .... Shortened snippet. View full page for more details.