National Gallery of Art Tour with Art Historian: Da Vinci to Monet

Follow the evolution of European art across centuries, from Renaissance masters to Impressionist light

A guided tour of the National Gallery of Art led by a French art historian who has studied and lived in Paris, London and Italy. Small groups of no more than eight people move through the museum's masterpieces (from Da Vinci's "Portrait of Ginevra de' Benci" to Monet's "Japanese Footbridge") learning the lives and historical context that explain why these painters are considered geniuses. The tour runs 2.5 hours and includes museum entry. Your guide speaks English and French.

Step-by-step itinerary

In-depth National Gallery of Art tour

• Meet French art historian Tosca
• Explore National Gallery of Art history
• Learn about Raphael, Da Vinci, Rubens
• View Da Vinci’s Portrait of Ginevra de’ Benci
• See Monet’s Japanese Footbridge painting
• Discuss art styles and evolution

The experience

Instead of drifting through the galleries, you move with a guide who has spent years studying European art history across three countries. The tour starts with Da Vinci's "Portrait of Ginevra de' Benci", the only Da Vinci in America, and traces forward through centuries of style and technique to Monet's "Japanese Footbridge." You'll learn not just what you're looking at, but who painted it and why it mattered: the lives of Raphael, Titian, Rembrandt, Degas and others whose names you know but whose stories remain untold until now.

Groups stay small, never more than eight people, which means you can actually hear the guide and move at a pace that lets the information settle. The museum entry is included in the price. Transportation to the gallery is on you (the Metro Archives stop is nearby, or you can take a taxi or Uber). Gratuities are optional and not included.

The tour lasts two and a half hours. It works well as a gift. Many of Tosca's guests have received this tour as a present and returned to book another one.

What’s included

• Museum entry.
• professional guided tour led by an art historian.
• small group of no more than eight people.

Options for this experience

2 options

A guided visit to the National Gallery of Art, led by a French art historianAvailable from 31 Jan 2027

PRIVATE TOURGuide in English or French · Available from 31 Jan 2027A fully private visit for your group, which requires at least 2 participants to book. We will arrange the timing with you.

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 31 Jan 2027

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (13 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Child (5 to 12 years) · Infant (under 5): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and French

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by Art with Tosca

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to understand the painters behind the paintings rather than simply walk past them: the guide's knowledge of European art history and the lives of the masters transforms what you're seeing from a collection into a story.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and French.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 12 years); Infant (under 5): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

What is Da Vinci's only painting in America, and where do I see it on this tour?

Da Vinci's "Portrait of Ginevra de' Benci" is the only Da Vinci in America, and it's the starting point of the tour. You'll stand in front of it early on and learn the story behind the painting and the woman it depicts.

How many people go on the tour at once?

Groups are limited to a maximum of eight people, which keeps the experience intimate and lets everyone hear the guide clearly as you move through the galleries.

Does the tour price include getting into the museum?

Yes, entrance to the National Gallery of Art is included in the tour price. You don't need to buy a separate ticket at the door.

How do I get to the National Gallery of Art for the tour?

You arrange your own transportation. The Metro Archives stop is nearby, or you can take a taxi or Uber. Transportation is not included in the tour price.