Vibrant Art Meets Bingo At This Unique Date

Play bingo while taking your date on an immersive art exploration at the National Portrait Gallery. Discover the soul of America through each piece.

The Background

Since 1962, the National Portrait Gallery has showcased individuals who influenced U.S. history and culture. Feast your eyes on the nation’s only complete collection of presidential portraits outside the White House. From presidents to pioneers, the gallery’s over 23,000 items paint a mesmerizing tapestry of American identity. Immerse yourself in the remarkable stories adorning the walls. Get ready to experience the rich narratives that shaped the country.

The Standout Features

Every art lover should make sure this date is on the list. Here are just some reasons this date is picture-perfect:

Easy Conversation – The extensive art collection provides endless conversation starters to keep the discussion engaging. The added bingo game gives you even more talking points.
Bingo Bonus – The bingo game engages you in your surroundings, provides prompts to learn about your plus one, and creates an opportunity for flirtatious banter that can ignite a spark. The prize gives you a perfect excuse to extend the date, too.
Diverse Appeal – From sports to politics to history, the eclectic collection caters to a range of interests. You’ll find something you both enjoy in this iconic museum.
Intimate Atmosphere – Compared to other venues, the gallery offers a quiet, more contemplative setting. This environment makes it effortless to focus on the art and each other.
Free – You can’t beat a free date. Don’t worry about who pays. If there’s no spark, there’s no check to wait on either. Enjoy for as long as you want, stress free.

The Experience

Date Lead Up - Set the Rules

I let my date know that I’ll be waiting for him in the museum gift shop since I arrived early. I love passing the time here. First, I color a puzzle piece and then try to solve a block game. Just as I’m about to finish it, my plus one taps me on the shoulder. I was so absorbed in my activity that I jump. “Sorry, didn’t mean to scare you,” he says sheepishly. “No problem!” I reply as I catch my breath.

“Before we get started, I propose we make things more interesting,” I say, while handing him a sheet of paper. It’s a bingo game tailored to the Portrait Gallery. His eyes scan the page and he laughs. “A wager, huh? What should we bet?” he teases. We agree that whoever wins bingo will receive a drink or snack of their choice at the museum cafe. We shake on it and the search begins.

Date Main Event - Play the Game

We stroll through the magnificent halls adorned with countless historical artifacts. Soon, I spot an item on my bingo card. “Haha, one down!” I exclaim as he scans the room for items on his own list. “Oh, I’m right behind you, don’t you worry,” he playfully retorts. We continue winding through the gallery, chatting all the way. The museum’s many pieces and the bingo game’s built-in questions make conversation easy. I’m pleasantly surprised at how much I’m learning about him. I’m glad we came.

Now, we’re both so close to winning that we can taste it. We eagerly keep our eyes peeled. When I turn the corner, a huge grin spreads across my face. “Bingo!” I yell, forgetting I’m in a museum. “Sorry,” I whisper to everyone nearby. I check off my last square with delight. “Fair is fair,” he tells me with a smile to match mine. “Let’s get you to the cafe to pick out your winnings,” he says.

Date Wrap Up - Collect the Prize

We enter the cafe from inside the stunning indoor courtyard. I order a coffee and he tacks on a tea. In no time, we’re seated in the courtyard, drinks in hand, appreciating the striking surroundings. We discuss our favorite pieces and standout bingo moments. By playing, I learned what sports he likes and how he interprets art. We’re closer than before, and that’s a great feeling. As I sip my drink, I sense the sun’s warmth on my face. I look at my partner and take in the wonderful afternoon.

The Planning

No need to figure out all the logistics. We did it for you.

Category	Details
Best for...	✔ First date ✔ A few dates in ✔ Steady couple
Seasons	Runs year-round
Typical Hours	Open 7 days a week rom 11:30am - 7pm. Walk-in highlights tours are held daily from 12pm - 1pm and 2:30pm - 3:30pm (see front desk to begin).
Duration	Stay as long as you like but recommend 1.5 - 2 hours
Cost	Free
Website
Address	8th and G Streets NW Washington, DC 20001
Transportation	Street parking is limited. Recommend metro or Uber. The nearest metro is Gallery Place Chinatown (5 min walk).
Special Features	Get a drink or snack at the museum's Courtyard Cafe
Bonus Activity	Download our Portrait Gallery Scavenger Hunt List and see what you can check off together

The Pre- and Post-Date Options

If you want to keep the date going, we have a cheat sheet to guide you to your next destination. You can visit these places before your date, too. Make this list your own. The map shows the Portrait Gallery (purple) and bonus date options (green) in one place. Before you go, though, always check opening times in case something’s changed.

Café Riggs (2 min walk): As you enter, you’ll be stunned by the beauty of this traditional French cafe with an American twist. This spot will impress with its decorative ceilings, Corinthian columns, and gold accents. Open Mon-Thurs: 7am-3pm, 5-10pm; Fri: 7am-3pm, 5pm-12am; Sat: 7am-3pm, 5pm-12am; Sun: 7am-3pm, 5-10pm.
HipCityVeg (2 min walk): Go 100% vegan at this charming eatery. With completely compostable packaging and plant-based ingredients, it’s easy to feel good about this choice. Open 10:00 am – 9:00 pm Sun – Wed, 10:00 am – 2:00 am Thurs – Sat.
Zaytinya by José Andrés (2 min walk): The intoxicating modern setting and authentic blend of Turkish, Greek, and Lebanese cuisine make this one a must. Constantly on the list of DC’s top restaurants, you’ll want to reserve a table to not miss out. Open Mon: 11am-10pm, Tues & Thurs: 11:30am-11pm, Fri: 11:30am-12am, Sat: 11am-12am, Sun: 11am-10pm.
Succotash (2 min walk): This stunning establishment delivers an unforgettable blend of classic Southern cooking and Korean flavors. Open Mon-Fri: 11:30am-10pm, Sat: 11am-3pm, 4-10pm, Sun: 10am-3pm, 4-10pm.
Maman (3 min walk): With charming antique decor, gorgeous tile flooring, and flowers bursting from every corner, this hidden secret is the perfect spot to get to know each other. Open Mon-Fri: 7:30am-6pm, Sat & Sun: 8am-6pm.
Teaism Penn Quarter (4 min walk): Since 1996, this family-owned business has helped people explore teas, desserts, and other cuisine from all over Asia. Open daily from 11:00 am – 8:00 pm.
China Chilcano by José Andrés (4 min walk): Chinese Japanese and Peruvian cuisines collide at this fascinating fusion restaurant. You’ll love exploring all the new flavors amidst a stunning backdrop. Open Sun – Thurs: 11:30 am – 10:00 pm, Fri & Sat: 11:30 am – 11:00 pm.
DAIKAYA (6 min walk): This enchanting Ramen restaurant is two experiences in one. The Ramen Shop on the first floor offers casual Japanese comfort food while the second floor’s Izakaya pays a loving tribute to Sapporo-style ramen. Walk-ins only. Izakaya Hours: Closed Mon & Tues, Wed & Thurs: 5-9:30pm, Fri & Sat: 5-11pm, Sun: 5-9pm. Ramen Shop Hours: Mon: 11:30am-9pm, Tues & Thurs: 11:30am-10pm, Fri & Sat: 11:30am-11pm, Sun: 11:30am-10pm.