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.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair 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 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.

What languages does the guide speak?

The guide speaks English and French, so you can book in whichever language you're most comfortable with.

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.

Can I bring children or use a wheelchair on this tour?

Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible and all areas and surfaces are accessible. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, and specialized infant seats are available.