Photo by Pablo Raw
From NGA:
“The National Gallery of Art announces the return of a beloved winter tradition. The 2025–2026 Sculpture Garden Ice Rink season will open Monday, November 24, and run through Sunday, March 1, 2026 (weather permitting).
A perennial staple of the National Gallery’s wintertime programming, the ice rink invites visitors to skate alongside the National Mall’s iconic monuments and museums.
The Sculpture Garden’s central fountain transforms into the rink, offering skaters a unique vantage point to experience the museum’s collection of monumental sculptures by modern and contemporary artists including Louise Bourgeois, Alexander Calder, Joan Miró, Ellsworth Kelly, and Claes Oldenburg.
The ice rink is managed by Guest Services, Inc.
Ice Rink Hours and Fees
The ice rink will be open from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, and 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday. It is located in the National Gallery’s Sculpture Garden on the National Mall between 7th and 9th Streets along Constitution Avenue NW. After the National Gallery closes at 5:00 p.m., visitors may enter the ice rink via the entrances at Constitution Avenue and Madison Drive near 9th Street.
Skating sessions begin on the hour and last 45 minutes, allowing a 15-minute break for ice maintenance. Two back-to-back sessions cost $15 for adults and children 13 and over. Adults 60 and over, children 12 and under, military service members, and students with a valid school ID pay $12. Season passes are available for $250. Skate rentals cost $7, and free lockers are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The ice rink will close in the event of heavy rain or snow and in extreme temperatures. The National Gallery and Sculpture Garden are closed on December 25 and January 1. For general ice rink information and closing announcements, visit nga.gov/skating or call 202.216.9397.
Skating Lessons and Group Packages
Skating lessons for all ages and abilities are available through the museum’s partnership with Guest Services, Inc. Skaters can choose from group lessons, private lessons, and group packages for schools or special events. All lessons are led by Emme Porter, Bruce Porter Jr., and their Washington Elite Skating School team of instructors. Emme Porter brings over 20 years of skating and coaching experience, and she and Bruce Porter are internationally recognized for their ice dancing. Bruce Porter has taught hockey, ice dancing, and field moves for over 10 years.
Washington Elite Skating School offers three group sessions per season. Each session is $150 for four 30-minute lessons or $295 for four 45-minute lessons. Walk-in sessions depend on availability. Visit nga.gov/skating for more details and to subscribe to email reminders about registration and ice rink promotions. Online registration is now available.
Pavilion Café
The Pavilion Café offers the perfect complement to any ice rink visit. Enjoy panoramic views of the Sculpture Garden and a seasonal menu of freshly made soups, salads, sandwiches, flatbreads, and desserts. Beverages include coffee, tea, hot chocolate, wine, beer, and specialty coffee drinks. The café also offers seasonal delights such as hot cider, mulled wine, and pumpkin spice lattes with flavored whipped cream. A children’s menu is available for ages 12 and under. During the ice rink season, Pavilion Café hours are Monday through Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Friday through Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. For more information about the Pavilion Café, visit nga.gov/dining or call 202.289.3360.”