Now on View at SAAM

American Voices and Visions: Modern and Contemporary Art
Now Open
Smithsonian American Art Museum (8th and G Streets, NW)

It’s the moment you’ve all been waiting for! The Smithsonian American Art Museum’s redesigned modern and contemporary art galleries open today. The galleries feature nearly 100 works —many of which are being shown for the first time—alongside iconic works from the collection by Alexander Calder, Jenny Holzer, Morris Louis, Kerry James Marshall, Nam June Paik, Martin Puryear, Sean Scully, Alma Thomas, and Mickalene Thomas.

The renovated galleries transform the museum’s third floor into spaces for wonder and reflection. Featuring 42 artworks recently added to the museum’s collection by artists including Firelei Báez, Tseng Kwong Chi, Audrey Flack, Alison Saar, Hank Willis Thomas, and Kay WalkingStick, the installation invites essential conversations around who is included in the story of American art. It acknowledges the multifaceted narratives, identities, and artistic practices that exist in the United States.

Today!

In-Person American Voices and Visions: Modern and Contemporary Art Open House
Friday, September 22, 12:30 – 5:15 p.m.

Smithsonian American Art Museum
8th and G Streets NW 
G Street Lobby | Meet at information desk
Free | Registration encouraged

Explore the newly reimagined and reinstalled modern and contemporary art galleries and current special exhibitions in an afternoon of gallery talks. SAAM’s curatorial and conservation staff will discuss the new artworks and spaces, which highlight many voices and present a multifaceted view of art in the United States. View the full schedule of events.

Hear From the Artists Featured in American Voices and Visions

Watch: In this video, featured artists in American Voices and Visions: Modern and Contemporary Art including Sam Gilliam, Audrey Flack, Luis Jiménez, Alison Saar, Kay Walkingstick, and Kerry James Marshall speak on the incredible power of art, and its important role in our lives and communities.

Listen: Created specifically to complement the reopening of the contemporary galleries, this audio tour takes you to the heart of Nick Cave's Soundsuit, Alison Saar's Rouse and Mickalene Thomas's Portrait of Mnonja and many more. Hear the artists speak about their work. SAAM teamed up with the digital firm Smartify to create audio tours that deepen the visitor experience, both in the galleries and online.