In the midst of the country's historic and revered institutions are some of the nations premier art collections and first-class cultural arts centers located in and around the nations capital. Here is a brief summary of the amazing diverse and wonderful organizations, museums and foundations that are located in the area. Please note, many galleries offer free admission. Click here for arts in surrounding areas.

Arthur M. Sackler Gallery / Smithsonian Institution - A three-level complex that is mostly underground, the gallery displays a diverse permanent collection of Mediterranean to Japanese art. Present day art pieces to antiquities made from jade, ceramics and precious metals, including sculpture and paintings take center stage along with changing exhibits of Asian art. / 1050 Independence Ave. S.W. / 202-357-2700 / Free Admission

The Carter Barron Amphitheater - Part of Rock Creek Park complex, the amphitheater is a performing arts venue that offers programs from late June through late August. / 16th St. and Colorado Ave. N.W. / Rock Creek Park / 202-282-1063

Corcoran Gallery of Art - The vast part of the Corcoran collection deals with American art, from 18th century to the present. Other displays include a permanent collection of European paintings, sculpture, tapestries and ceramics as well as changing exhibits of contemporary pieces. / 17th St. between E. St. and New York Ave. / 202-639-1700 / Donations

Freer Gallery of Art / Smithsonian Institution - The art collection of Charles Lang Freer, Detroit industrialist, was donated to the Smithsonian and was the first art gallery opened by the Institution in 1923. Comprised of a vast Asian collection, there are also American paintings including works by Thomas Dewing, Abbot Thayer and James McNeill Whistler. / Jefferson Dr. at 12th St. S.W. / 202-357-2700 / Free Admission

Ford’s Theatre National Historic Site - 511 10th St. N.W. / 202-426-6924 / 202-347-4833 Box office This Historic Site includes the Ford’s Theatre, where Lincoln was shot, The Ford’s Theatre Museum in the basement of the theatre and the House Where Lincoln Died, (Petersen Home) across the street from the theatre. The Theatre has been restored to its 1860s appearance and plays and musicals of the period are staged here. The basement museum contains artifacts and history relating to the assassination, the 1849 Petersen home where Lincoln died has also been restored to how it looked on that fateful day, April 14,1865. / Theatre performances prices range from about $30 to $50 per ticket, performance and rehearsal schedules may preempt tours, call ahead for information. / Tours of the entire site are Free

Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden / Smithsonian Institution - Situated along side The Mall, the museum is filled with an American and European collection of modern sculpture and painting donated by financier Joseph H. Hirshhorn. The galleries include works by Jean Dubuffet, Willem de Kooning, Georgia O’Keeffe, Jackson Pollock, François Rodin and Mark Rothko, among others. / Independence Ave. at 7th St. S.W. / 202-357-2700 / Free Admission

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts - The national center for performing arts, the center is America's tribute to President John F. Kennedy. The building houses several venues including the Eisenhower Theater, the Opera House, Concert Hall, the Terrace Theater and the American Film Institute Theater. / Tours Free / Parking Fee / Events rates vary, half price tickets offered to military grades E-1 to E-4, senior citizens, physically-impaired citizens and full-time students. / Rock Creek Parkway / 202-416-8341 for tour Information / 202-467-4600 for events ticketing

The Kreeger Museum - The collection of David and Carmen Kreeger is housed in their former home, a travertine masterpiece designed by Philip Johnson. The Kreeger features African primitives as well as 19th and 20th century American and European art. / 2401 Foxhall Rd. / 202-337-3050 / Modest Fee

National Gallery of Art - America's premier art collection is housed in two separate building joined by a paved plaza and underground concourse. Masterpieces of American and European art from 13th century to the present includes pieces by Rembrandt, van Dyke, Titian and even a Da Vinci. Works by Alexander Calder, Matisse, Miro, Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol are a few of the more contemporary offerings. The exhibits are far ranging from the Flemish School to French Impressionism to Pop to Italian Renaissance, expect to spend some time going through these amazing galleries. Housed in two structures, the East Wing is across 4th Street from the main building. / Constitution Avenue between 3rd and 7th Sts. / 202-737-4215 / Free Gallery Admission / Tour audio tapes may be rented at modest fee

National Museum of African Art / Smithsonian Institution - Traditional African Arts are included in the galleries permanent collection of ceramic, bronze, ivory, wood, and cast metal works. The museum also presents collections on loan of changing exhibits of African art and culture. / 950 Independence Ave. S.W. / 202-357-2700 / Free Admission

National Museum of American Art / Smithsonian Institution - Home of the oldest national art collection, the structure itself is one of the oldest buildings owned by the Smithsonian, once used as the Patent Office Building. The museum houses varied art pieces including paintings of American Indians, African American art, New Deal artworks, 19th century landscape painting and Post- World War II works. / 8th and G Sts. N.W. / 202-357-2700 / Closed for Renovation / Free Admission / Scheduled to reopen late 2002 - early 2003.

National Museum of Women in the Arts - A permanent collection of over 1,500 works are displayed in this museum dedicated solely to women’s art. / New York Ave. and 13th St. N.W. / former Masonic Grand Lodge / 202-783-5000 / Donations

National Portrait Gallery / Smithsonian Institution - Also housed in the Old Patent Office Building, the collection includes official portraits of past presidents, (shown no sooner than ten years after term of office), Civil War era photographs by Mathew Brady, paintings and photo journalistic portraits of famous Americans. Prized in the collection is a portrait of Mary Cassatt by Edgar Degas. / 8th and G Sts. N.W. / 202-357-2700 / Closed for Renovation / Free Admission / Scheduled to reopen late 2002 - early 2003.

Organization of American States - Art Museum of the Americas - Located directly behind the Organization of American States Building, the museum houses a permanent collection of Latin American and Caribbean art work. / 201 18th St. N.W. / 202-458-6016 / Free Admission

The Phillips Collection - Just off Dupont Circle, the Phillips Collection is a remarkable collection of 19th and 20th century painting from Europe and America. The signature piece of the collection is Renoir's "Luncheon of the Boating Party", other works include paintings by Klee, O'Keeffe and Rothko. /1600 21st St. N.W. / 202-387-2151 / Modest Fee

Renwick Gallery / Smithsonian Institution National Gallery of American Art - Primary focus is on contemporary American crafts, the gallery features a permanent collection of works made from glass, fiber, metal, ceramics and wood. Demonstrations, lectures and film are also offered as part of their educational programs. / 17th and Pennsylvania Ave. N.W. / 202-357-2700 / Free Admission

The Shakespeare Theatre - Featuring Shakespearian and early classical plays, the season runs from September 1 to mid-July, call for performance schedules. Very popular venue so reserve tickets well in advance. Tickets range from about $20 to $60 per person. / 450 7th St. N.W. / Lansburg Building / 202-547-1122

The Textile Museum - As the name implies, the museum is centered on textiles offering changing exhibits as well as demonstrations. The museum also houses The Arthur D. Jenkins Library which has thousands of books and periodicals pertaining to textiles and is open for research and reading. / 2320 S St. N.W. / 202-667-0441 / Donations

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