Smithsonian American Art Museum

The Smithsonian American Art Museum (commonly known as SAAM, and formerly the National Museum of American Art) is a museum in Washington, D.C.. It is part of the Smithsonian Institution. 

The collection began in 1846. Congress declared that there should be "a gallery of art" as part of the Smithsonian Institution. By 1968 the collection was moved to the current location. It is in the building that was built in the early 1800s. It is called the Old Patent Office Building. SAAM is located in the same building as the National Portrait Gallery.

In 1972, the Renwick Gallery opened. It is a branch of  SAAM that exhibits to design and crafts. It is in a historic building near the White House.

References

 Other websites 

Category:Museums in Washington, D.C.
Category:Art museums in the United States
Category:National museums