The National Portrait Gallery (NPG) is an art museum in Washington, D.C., United States. Founded in 1962 and opened in 1968, it is part of the Smithsonian Institution. Its collections focus on images of American artists, politicians, scientists, inventors, activists, and performers who have contributed to the nation's history, development, and culture. Along with the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the museum is housed in the historic Old Patent Office Building.