WASHINGTON — The National Gallery of Art (NGA) has announced dates for the fall season of its popular National Gallery Nights.
Washingtonians can enjoy art after hours with a side of drinks, live music, entertainment and food on every second Thursday in September, October and November this year. Each night will have its own theme, with entry beginning at 6 p.m. and closing at 9 p.m. Tickets to each night will be free and available through a lottery system. More details on each night's activities are listed below:
Night 1 - "A Night in Paris" on Sept. 12
The fall season kicks off Sept. 12 with “A Night in Paris." The NGA says the event offers "the only opportunity to enjoy the exhibition Paris 1874: The Impressionist Moment after hours." The event will feature paintings by Claude Monet, Auguste Renoir, Edgar Degas, and other prominent impressionists. Francophiles will have the opportunity to enjoy French music, film, art, and food. The night will also feature cabaret performances, and the opportunity to make your own impressionist-inspired art. The NGA notes that activities on 4th Street Plaza will be open to the public, but registration is required to enter the East Building. The ticket lottery for this event opens on Monday, Sept. 2 at 10 a.m., until Thursday Sept. 5 at 12 p.m.
Night 2 - Celebrate Día de los Muertos on Oct. 10
On Oct. 10, the NGA plans to host a Día de los Muertos celebration. Visitors are encouraged to dress up in costume to celebrate the spooky spirit of Halloween, or don the color of Día de los Muertos. The night is slated to be a cultural fusion of Mexican and Indigenous traditions, and will feature a performance by East Los Angeles’s Las Cafeteras and DJ Pedro Night. The event will also highlight Latinx artists in the galleries to celebrate Hispanic Heritage month. The NGA website states visitors should "avoid [bringing] accessories larger than 17" × 26" and full-cover face masks; these are not allowed inside our buildings." Once again, activities on 4th Street Plaza will be open to the public, but registration is required to enter the East Building. The ticket lottery for this event opens on Monday, Sept. 30 at 10 a.m., until Thursday, Oct. 3 at 12 p.m.
Night 3 - A love letter to Washington, D.C. on Nov. 14
For its final night of celebration, the NGA says its Nov. 14 program "will be a love letter to the city our museum calls home." The performances, art and activities will look to honor D.C.'s people and culture. Local DJ Little Bacon Bear is set to perform, and activities will include District-themed trivia and pop-up curations from local artists. No activities are scheduled for 4th Street Plaza, and the ticket lottery to enter the East Building will open Monday, Nov. 4 at 10 a.m., until Thursday Nov. 7 at 12 p.m.
The NGA has a list of tips for making the most of National Gallery Nights. Lottery winners will be notified on the Friday before each program. A limited number of walk-in tickets will be available for each night on a first come, first serve basis at the East Building entrance beginning at 5:30 p.m. on the day of the event.
While event entry is free, food and drinks will be available for purchase. The NGA plans to offer light fare, gelato, and beverages— including beer, wine, and specialty cocktails— for sale throughout the East Building, in the Terrace Café, and at the Espresso & Gelato Bar.
