I am a very proud Canadian and love my country. I do have to admit that I have seen much more of the United States than I have my own country. It is not intentional I suppose, I have had many opportunities through family and friends living in different cities and states, combined with my career in the travel industry has netted me out some amazing American experiences.

When we were planning our trip to Washington DC last year I made a list of things that were on my ‘to see and do’ list, and after that, whatever else we could fit in would be bonus items.

While we barely scratched the surface on the Smithsonian museums, we did get in 3 out of 18. Not a lot, and the one I wanted to get into (the newest one Museum (African American History) was still too new and still need a ticket to get in.

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On the list was a visit to the National Portrait Gallery to see President and Michelle Obama’s portraits. Their portraits were unveiled as part of the 50th Anniversary of the Gallery. One the second floor is where all the portraits of all the presidents are on display. Outside of the White House it is the only place to house all the Presidents of the United States.

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It is quite a large gallery and to be honest, I wasn’t overly interested in the ‘first’ Presidents, but more to the times in my life that were actually relevant. As you would expect there was a line to see President Obama’s portrait. It was interesting observing some of the folks in line to take their turn at taking a picture. Many of them were African American and wanted to take a selfie with both portraits. The Gallery had a record-breaking 2.3 million visitors in 2018, about a million more than in 2017. Many I am sure were there just to see The Obama portraits. You don’t have to be on the same side of the political aisle, but there is something to be said of the “first” person to do anything, let alone be the leader of the free world. I stood there when it was my turn and thought about that for a moment. Took my photo (NOT selfie) and then moved on.

Michelle Obama’s portrait hangs on the third floor. The exhibit is called 20th Century Americans . It took some time to find the room she was located in, but once there, again there was a line, mostly young women waiting for their moment.  The combination of people showcased was from a wide range of backgrounds—Jane Addams, Douglas MacArthur, Robert F. Kennedy, Sandra Day O’Connor and Michael Jackson, among others—tell the story of America’s 20th century through today. Michelle Obama’s portrait hangs on the third floor. Mrs. Obama’s portrait hung prominently in the centre of the room beside a unique painting of LL Cool J.

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Mixing my love of tv and pop culture to this story, as I was staring at Mrs. Obama’s portrait I was drawn back to the series finale of Scandal just a month before my visit. If you remember, the show ends with Olivia Pope staring at her portrait in the Gallery. Knowing now that there isn’t a display for first ladies but only a hall for Presidents, one’s imagination is left to think – Did Olivia end up becoming President?

If you are planning a trip to DC, I would add the National Portrait Gallery to your list of museums to visit.