Washington D.C. The Robert and Arlene Kogod Courtyard Garden is the signature element joining the north wing of the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the south wing of the National Portrait Gallery. A massive glass and steel canopy encloses the 28,000 square-foot space that lets in natural light while maintaining a temperate courtyard with a year-round average of 72 degrees Fahrenheit (22 degrees Celsius).
Whether you are planning a trip to the Kogod Courtyard Garden, or just interested seeing it from afar, this post will take you into the peaceful setting in the middle of Washington DC. To assist you in planning your trip, a Garden Travel Guide to the Kogod Courtyard Garden is located at the end of the post.
The Kogod Courtyard Architecture
The architecture of the Kogod Courtyard is so stunning, one can’t discuss the gardens without first talking about the setting.
The museum buildings are National Historic Landmarks, which makes the addition of the modern undulating glass roof curious. The 864 double-glazed pieces of glass do not touch the building at any point. Instead, the roof is supported by eight aluminum-clad columns allowing the glass structure to float above the courtyard like a cloud.
The floor of the courtyard is just as unique as the ceiling. Four signature water scrims – thin sheets of water that flow across an imperceptible one-quarter-inch slope – reflect the roof above and add a mirror-like finish to the tile.
Kogod Courtyard Garden Ecosphere
When we think of nature, we tend to think of the great outdoors. But nature can be inside, too. This exhibit explores how we can enjoy the benefits of nature in our daily lives by bringing natural elements into our homes workplaces and other indoor spaces.
Signage in the Kogod Courtyard
Subtropical plants thrive in the courtyard’s marble-faced planters. Trees, shrubs, and flowering plants thrive in the moderate temperatures of the courtyard.
The plants in the Courtyard Garden highlight the Smithsonian Gardens living collection. The color, textures, and fragrance soften and make the courtyard an inviting place.
Signs throughout the Courtyard invite the visitor to stop and consider the importance of nature.
Bringing plants inside enhances our experience of place and stimulates our senses, allowing us to see, hear, smell and touch nature….spaces containing leafy green plants have health benefits including reduced stress, increased feelings of relaxation, and improved concentration.
Signage in the Kogod Courtyard
Take a Break: Courtyard Cafe
Enjoy a quick bite or a cup of coffee beneath the glass canopy of the Kogod Courtyard at the National Portrait Gallery. The Café offers a selection of baked goods, sandwiches, salads, desserts, and beverages.
Who are the Kogods?
Robert and Arlene Kogod are Washington philanthropists and art collectors. In 2004, the Kogods made a $25 million gift to the Smithsonian Institution. The gift enabled the museum to proceed with the dramatic glass enclosure over the courtyard, which reopened in 2007 as the restored Smithsonian American Art Museum and the National Portrait Gallery.
Additional Resources
Learn more about the Kogod Courtyard Gardens on the Smithsonian Gardens Website.
Visit the National Portrait Gallery and the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the museums to which the Kogod Courtyard connects.
Visitors Guide to the Smithsonian Kogod Courtyard Garden at the National Portrait Gallery
The Courtyard Garden is between the National Portrait Gallery and the Smithsonian American Art Museum at 8th and G Streets NW Washington, DC 20001.
How to Best Experience the Kogod Courtyard Garden
Go earlier in the day to visit the garden. The courtyard is frequently a site for evening events, and the area may be taken over with banquet tables, etc later in the day. During events, the water scrims are drained to make way for banquet tables and the magical water effect is lost.
Grab a refreshment at the Museum cafe and sit in the courtyard.
Enjoy the water scrims. Touch the water – it’s encouraged.
As a side note, the National Portrait Gallery has the best charging station for your electronic devices. Relax in leather chairs on the 3rd floor surrounded by priceless art while charging your phone or other electronic device.
Parking at the Kogod Courtyard
There is very limited on-street parking available in areas near the Kogod Courtyard. You can book guaranteed parking in nearby garages in advance with ParkWhiz, but public transportation is your best bet. View a map of the closest Metro stations.
Kogod Courtyard Hours
The Kogod Courtyard is FREE to visit as well as the adjoining museums. All are open 7 days a week, 11:30 am – 7:00 pm. Closed December 25.
Where to Eat Near the Courtyard National Portrait Gallery
Courtyard Cafe
For a quick bite or a cup of coffee and a quiet place to sit, the Courtyard Café is a casual dining experience. Enjoy eating beneath the glass canopy of the Kogod Courtyard Garden. The Café offers a selection of baked goods, sandwiches, salads, desserts, and beverages. Hours are from 11:30 am – 4:00 pm.
Located 8th and G Streets NW Washington, DC 20001. Inside the National Portrait Gallery. The museums are free, so there is no charge to access the Courtyard Cafe.
Teaism
Teaism is a teahouse serving healthy, Asian-inspired meals and high-quality loose-leaf teas.
400 8th St NW, Washington, DC 20004. 0.2 Miles (about a 3-minute walk) from the Kogod Courtyard Garden.
Zaytinya by José Andrésf
Zaytinya’s menu reflects the rich regional diversity of classical Turkish, Greek, and Lebanese cuisines. The small plates dining style is Vegetarian Friendly and offers Vegan Options and Gluten Free Options. You’ll need a reservation for evening dining. A Traveler’s Choice Award for 2022.
701 9th St NW, Washington DC, 20001-4572 (1-minute walk) from the Kogod Courtyard Garden.
Rasika
Enjoy Indian food that is Vegetarian Friendly and has Vegan and Gluten Free Options. Open for Lunch, Dinner, and Late Night Dining. Rasika won the “Best of the Best” Travelers Choice Award in 2022.
633 D St NW, Washington DC, DC 20004-2904. 0.3 miles (about a 5-minute walk) from the Kogod Courtyard Garden.
Where to Stay Near the Courtyard National Portrait Gallery
Kimpton Hotel Monaco Washington DC
A Conde Nast Readers Choice Award winner in 2021. Centrally located Penn Quarter hotel — a beautiful juxtaposition between old and new elegance-meets-whimsy style.
700 F St NW, Washington, DC 20004. 0.05 miles ( 1-minute walk) to the National Portrait Gallery
Riggs Washington DC
Recognized as the Best Hotel in Washington, D.C. in the World in the Travel + Leisure 2022 World’s Best Awards. Located in the historic former Riggs National Bank building, details throughout the hotel draw on a narrative inspired by the golden age of banking.
900 F St NW, Washington, DC 20004. 0.09 Miles (about a 2-minute walk) from the National Portrait Gallery
Motto by Hilton Washington DC
Uniquely urban hotel featuring smart tech with a smaller, more efficient footprint in Travel-Sized rooms. Across the street from Gallery Place/Chinatown Metro station with links to Reagan National Airport.
627 H St NW, Washington, DC 20001. 0.18 Miles (about a 4 minute walk) from the National Portrait Gallery.
Author’s Note: My recommendations are not sponsored; they are my personal experience or researched suggestions.
Other Gardens Near the Kogod Courtyard
There are 13 Smithsonian Gardens on the National Mall, just a 10- 15 minute walk south of the Kogod Courtyard Garden. For a complete list of Smithsonian Garden locations on the National Mall, see 13 Smithsonian Gardens You Can Enjoy for Free
Walk your way south about 12-15 minutes through the Pollinator Garden and across the National Mall to arrive at a cluster of some of the best Smithsonian gardens: The Enid A. Haupt Garden, the Mary Livingston Ripley Garden, the Hirshhorn Sculpture Garden, and the Katherine Dulin Folger Garden.
All are minutes from each other and only about a 15-minute walk from the Smithsonian Kogod Courtyard Garden.
Recent Posts
Museums for All in Botanical Gardens and Arboretums Blooming with Access
Museums for All is an initiative that allows individuals and families receiving food assistance (SNAP EBT - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Electronic Benefit Transfer) to gain free or...
San Diego Botanic Garden, Encinitas, CA: The San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas is a 37-acre sanctuary about a 30-minute drive north of the city of San Diego. Just a mile from the Pacific...