The National Gallery of Art just announced its spring lineup of after-hours National Gallery Nights. There will be three themes: “Art Under the Stars,” “Garden Party,” and “United We Create.” The museum will host the receptions on the second Thursday of February, March, and April from 6 PM to 9 PM. Admission is free, but to get the coveted free tickets, there is a lottery system in place to make sure everyone has a fair shot.
Ticket-holders will be able to access the galleries while listening to live music, letting their inspiration flow with art-making, and documenting the spectacular night using the photobooths. Guests will also be able to purchase snacks (including gelato) and drinks (including specialty cocktails). Those not lucky enough to score in the lottery can try for first-come first-served tickets that evening at the museum, which get handed out starting at 5:30 PM.
Here is everything to know about the program and how to get tickets:
Thursday, February 12: Art Under the Stars
Lottery opens: Monday, February 2, at 10 AM
Lottery closes: Thursday, February 5, at noon
Winners notified: Friday, February 6
February’s event celebrates the Australian Indigenous art exhibit “The Stars We Do Not See,” which features about 200 pieces of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, in the exhibit’s North American debut. In keeping with the theme, the Roof Terrace will be open so you can enjoy the star-studded sky. Attendees will also get the chance to try out fiber-making and listen to a didgeridoo.
Thursday, March 12: Garden Party
Lottery opens: Monday, March 2, at 10 AM
Lottery closes: Thursday, March 5, at noon
Winners notified: Friday, March 6
Nature is at the heart of this Thursday event, with artwork honoring the city in bloom. Expect melodies performed by the musical trio The String Queens, hands-on work with florals, and photobooths to help show-off your new spring looks.
Thursday, April 9: United We Create
Lottery opens: Monday, March 30, at 10 AM
Lottery closes: Thursday, April 2 at noon
Winners notified: Friday, April 3
Unlike the other after-hours parties, this party will be in the West Building, and attendees can stroll through the “Celebrating American Art” exhibit. The night is meant to be a tribute to “the soul of America,” through music and visual art. As the theme suggests, guests also can take part in art workshops.
For more information and to get email notifications as the lotteries open, you can sign up at nga.gov/nights, visit the website, or join the newsletter.
Samantha is an Editorial Fellow at the Washingtonian and a senior at American University, studying Political Science and Women’s, Gender, and Sexualities Studies. She lives in Washington, D.C.
