Washington’s most photogenic winter tradition is about to return: the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden Ice Rink opens on Monday, November 23, 2026, and welcomes skaters through March 7, 2027, weather permitting, right on the National Mall between 7th and 9th Streets along Constitution Avenue NW.
What makes this rink unlike any other is the setting. The garden’s central fountain transforms into more than 9,500 square feet of ice, surrounded by monumental sculptures by artists such as Alexander Calder and Louise Bourgeois, with the great museums of the Mall as your backdrop. Opening day brings an extra treat: figure skaters from Team USA will pop up for performances at 11:00 a.m. to celebrate the start of the season.
The rink is open Sunday through Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Skating passes are sold in person at the rink and cover two back-to-back 45-minute sessions: $15 for ages 13 and up, and $12 for ages 12 and under, visitors 60+, military members with ID and students. Skate rental is $7, and free lockers are available first come, first served.
New to skating? Washington Elite Skating School offers group and private lessons for all ages and abilities throughout the winter, from Mom/Dad & Me classes for little ones ages 3 to 5 to adult sessions — plus group packages for schools and birthday parties on weekdays.
Before you go, check nga.gov/icerink or call (202) 216-9397: the rink closes for rain and extreme temperatures, and the Gallery and Sculpture Garden are closed on December 25 and January 1. Arrive close to the top of the hour, when sessions begin — and get ready to glide among the masterpieces.
Photo: AgnosticPreachersKid, via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0).
