This is Washington's largest private museum of art, with a permanent collection that numbers more than 14,000 works. It includes paintings by the famous American portraitist Gilbert Stuart and works from the Hudson River school. Established in 1869 by William Wilson Corcoran, the museum also showcases fine European works, especially French Impressionism. Performances are often held in the auditorium and the Gospel Sunday Brunches at the atrium cafe transform the ambiance of the entire museum. Suggested contribution: $3 adults, $1 senior citizens and students and $5 families.