Old Glory, reimagined: artists transform our flag over the centuries.
Across generations, the Stars and Stripes has inspired pride, protest, and profound artistic expression. From battlefields to modern cultural movements, our flag’s journey through art reveals a nation constantly redefining itself.
This installation features some 30 artworks from the late 1800s to present day, tracing how the meaning of the US flag has evolved over time. It explores what the flag represents and how people connect with it. You’ll find paintings, prints, and photographs by renowned artists like Gordon Parks, Childe Hassam, Dorothea Lange, Jasper Johns, and Faith Ringgold.
Artist Talk: Mitch Epstein
Join us for a presentation by artist Mitch Epstein, whose photographs are on view in three National Gallery exhibitions: Dear America: Artists Explore the American Experience, Beneath the Surface: Mining and American Photography, and American Icon: The US Flag in Art. Epstein will discuss his creative practice and engagement with the exhibition themes.
American Icon: The US Flag in Art
Jun 6 – Dec 6, 2026
National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C.
Washington DC, USA