The restored and recently renovated Patent Office Building – which houses the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the National Portrait Gallery – will unveil the nation’s collection of American art and portraiture on 1 July in order to coincide with Independence Day.

The new gallery will include the ‘Lansdowne’ portrait of George Washington by Gilbert Stuart, a photograph of basketball star Shaquille O’Neal, a 32ft (10m) wide map of the United States and a sculpture made from gold and silver foil by folk artist James Hampton.

In addition, the public will experience two new public spaces – the Lunder Conservation Center and the Luce Foundation Center for American Art.

The museums and these specialised new facilities are now known collectively as the Donald W Reynolds Center for American Art and Portraiture. Admission is free. Details: www.reynoldscenter.org

Photograph: ‘Lansdowne’ portrait of George Washington by Gilbert Stuart, courtesy of Hugh Talman, Smithsonian Institute

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