Exhibitions
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Emily Howland Photography Album
March 25, 2019 – March 31, 2019African American History and Culture MuseumThe Emily Howland photography album containing a previously unknown portrait of abolitionist and Underground Railroad-conductor Harriet Tubman is on view.
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Ella's Books: Volumes from the Library of Ella Fitzgerald
January 1, 2019 – January 31, 2020African American History and Culture MuseumBooks that were once part of Ella Fitzgerald’s personal library are on display in the museum library’s exhibit case.
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Portraits of the World: Korea
December 14, 2018 – November 17, 2019Portrait GalleryPioneering feminist artist Yun Suk Nam (born 1939) uses portraiture to gain insights into the lives of women, past and present.
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In Memoriam: Aretha Franklin
August 17, 2018 – August 22, 2018Portrait GalleryThe Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery recognizes the life of acclaimed singer and musician Aretha Franklin.
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Watching Oprah: The Oprah Winfrey Show and American Culture
June 8, 2018 – June 2, 2019African American History and Culture MuseumThis exhibition explores the era that shaped Oprah Winfrey’s life and early career in TV, her talk show that dominated daytime TV for 25 years, and the ways in which she has influenced American popular culture.
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Henrietta Lacks
May 15, 2018 – March 31, 2019Portrait GalleryThe Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery recognizes the life of Henrietta Lacks with the installation of a 2017 portrait by Kadir Nelson.
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In Memoriam: Barbara Bush
April 18, 2018 – April 29, 2018Portrait GalleryThe Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery recognizes the life of Barbara Bush with a photograph by Diana Walker taken in 1989.
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In Her Words: Women's Duty and Service in World War I
February 2, 2018 – September 5, 2018Postal MuseumThrough the letters and artifacts of four women, visitors can explore unique, personal perspectives on life, duty, and service during the war.
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In Memoriam: Mathilde Krim
January 22, 2018 – February 22, 2018Portrait GalleryThe Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery recognizes the life and accomplishments of AIDS research pioneer Dr. Mathilde Krim with a photograph by Annie Leibovitz.
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Murder Is Her Hobby: Frances Glessner Lee and the Nutshell Studies of Unexplained Death
October 20, 2017 – January 28, 2018Renwick GalleryMurder is Her Hobby: Frances Glessner Lee and The Nutshell Studies of Unexplained Death explores the unexpected intersection between craft and forensic science.
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One Life: Sylvia Plath
June 30, 2017 – May 20, 2018Portrait GalleryThe exhibition reveals how Plath shaped her identity visually as she came of age as a writer in the 1950s. Visitors will get a look into Plath’s personal life and her dualistic nature.
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Marlene Dietrich: Dressed for the Image
June 16, 2017 – April 15, 2018Portrait GalleryThe biggest Hollywood star at a time when “talkies” were still new, Dietrich captured men’s hearts and women’s admiration on screen and off.
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Celebrate: Ella Fitzgerald
April 13, 2017 – May 14, 2017Portrait GalleryApril 25 marks the 100th birthday of American jazz and popular song vocalist Ella Fitzgerald. The museum is recognizing the anniversary by displaying her photograph by William Gottlieb for the first time in the museum.
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Althea Gibson
June 3, 2016 – June 5, 2016Portrait GallerySmithsonianmag.com voters choose between portraits of Gibson, Eleanor Holm and Helene Madison, and Duke Kahanamoku to go on view. Gibson’s photograph received the most votes.
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One Life: Dolores Huerta
July 3, 2015 – May 15, 2016Portrait GalleryOne Life: Dolores Huerta highlights the significant role of this Latina leader in the California farm workers movement of the 1960s and 70s.
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Elaine de Kooning: Portraits
March 13, 2015 – January 10, 2016Portrait GalleryElaine de Kooning’s gestural portraits of friends and family were much admired during her lifetime, and included many well-known Americans.
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Cupcake Katy
June 18, 2014 – July 6, 2014Portrait GalleryOn view is a portrait of pop singer Katy Perry by distinguished New York academic portrait painter Will Cotton.
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In Memoriam: Maya Angelou
May 29, 2014 – June 12, 2014Portrait GallerySee a portrait of writer, poet, and activist Maya Angelou (1928-1914) by painter Ross Rossin.
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One Life: Amelia Earhart
June 29, 2012 – May 27, 2013Portrait GalleryPortraits of aviator Amelia Earhart tell the story of her career and pay special attention to her work on behalf of women's rights.
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A Will of Their Own: Judith Sargent Murray and Women of Achievement in the Early Republic
April 20, 2012 – September 2, 2013Portrait GalleryLearn about the achievements of women in the late 18th century and see portraits of eight prominent American women of the period.
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