Washington, DC—Our popular National Gallery Nights after-hours program returns to the East Building this spring. Visitors are invited to join us on the second Thursday of March, April, and May from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. 

The season kicks off March 13 with a celebration of “Revolutionary Women,” which includes after-hours access to the upcoming exhibition of works by Elizabeth Catlett. On April 10 we celebrate the Earth as we “Reduce, Reuse, Remix,” and “70’s Disco Prom” on May 8. See below for more program details, and don’t miss our tips for making the most of National Gallery Nights. 

As with all National Gallery programs, National Gallery Nights is free. Due to the event’s popularity, and to give everyone an equal chance of attending, we will offer registration through a lottery system. The lottery will take place the week before each event. It will open on Monday at 10:00 a.m. and close on Thursday at noon. The Friday before each program, we will notify all lottery entrants whether they have been selected to register. Additionally, limited walk-up passes will be available at the East Building entrance before each event. They will be distributed first come, first served starting at 5:30 p.m. 

Light fare, gelato, and beverages—including beer, wine, and specialty cocktails—will be available for purchase throughout the East Building, in the Cascade Café, Terrace Café, and at the Espresso & Gelato Bar.  

For email notifications for National Gallery Nights lotteries, sign up at nga.gov/nights or on each event page. We also share updates in our weekly newsletter. 

Program Descriptions:
“Revolutionary Women”
Thursday, March 13, 6:00–9:00 p.m.
Lottery for registration opens Monday, March 3, at 10:00 a.m. and closes Thursday, March 6, at noon.  

Roll up your sleeves for a printmaking palooza celebrating women in the arts. Explore a comprehensive exhibition of works by Elizabeth Catlett that traces her career of creative artistry. Then, experiment with printmaking techniques to make your own work of art. Immerse yourself in powerful, electrifying gospel music from The Legendary Ingramettes and dance to the sounds of DJ Chan Don.

“Reduce, Reuse, Remix”
Thursday, April 10, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Lottery for registration opens Monday, March 31, at 10:00 a.m. and closes Thursday, April 3, at noon.  

Join us for a planetary celebration of Mother Earth. Meet local artists foraging new paths to sustainability and make your own creations out of repurposed materials with the Upcycle Creative Reuse Center. Then, explore the work of artist Chakaia Booker, who sculpts industrial waste into spectacular abstract forms, and experience experimental film and the sounds of Les The DJ.

“70’s Disco Prom”
Thursday, May 8, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Lottery for registration opens Monday, April 28, at 10:00 a.m. and closes Thursday, May 1, at noon.

Wrap up the spring season with a groovy prom! Bring your best ’70’s inspired outfit and boogie to the sounds of DJ Farrah Flosscett. Plus, explore art from the decade in our galleries, make your own fabulous and sparkly arts and crafts, and investigate hidden corners of the National Gallery’s East Building, designed by I.M. Pei, which opened in 1978.

This program series is made possible by a generous grant from The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation.