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Two of America’s great art museums reopened Saturday after a six-year, $283 million makeover that transformed the historic building they share, giving them more exhibit space.
Hundreds of art enthusiasts were welcomed by actors dressed as historical figures and characters from paintings as they toured the National Portrait Gallery and American Art Museum in the Smithsonian Institution’s restored Old Patent Office Building.
Since the two museums closed in 2000, thousands of pieces of their art have been restored for display in brighter, larger exhibit spaces.
Though the museums retain their separate names, the building is now called the Donald W. Reynolds Center for American Art and Portraiture.
