John Wilmerding Community Celebration at National Gallery of Art

The National Gallery of Art was conceived and given to the people of the United States by Andrew W. Mellon (1855–1937). Mellon was a financier and art collector from Pittsburgh who came to Washington in 1921 to serve as secretary of the treasury. During his years of public service he came to believe that the United States should have a national art museum equal to those of other great nations. It is open to the public and free of charge. Notable works include the only painting of Leonardo da Vinci in the United States. The six acre Sculpture Garden provides an impressive experience. There is also The National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden Ice Rink, which is open mid-November through mid-March, weather permitting.