Isaac Julien: Lessons of the Hour—Frederick Douglass

Isaac Julien’s five-screen moving image installation “Lessons of the Hour—Frederick Douglass” immerses visitors in a poetic and historically grounded portrait of the 19th-century activist, writer, orator and philosopher Frederick Douglass (1818–1895). Through period reenactments, critical research, and a rich interplay of image and sound, Julien underscores the enduring relevance of Douglass’s lessons on justice, abolition, and freedom. This work is the first joint acquisition by the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery and the Smithsonian American Art Museum, which share a historic building in downtown Washington, D.C., and marks the first piece by Julien to enter either museum’s collection. The exhibition is presented with federal support from the Smithsonian Collections Care Initiative, the National Collections Program, the Smithsonian Secretary, and the Smithsonian National Board.

Venue: National Portrait Gallery, Second Floor, South Galleries.

When: December 8, 2023–August 9, 2026.

Showtimes: The installation runs continuously during museum hours; check the venue’s schedule for daily opening times.

Tickets: Free admission; no ticket required (price not available).

Lineup: A single immersive film installation: “Lessons of the Hour” (2019) by artist and filmmaker Sir Isaac Julien.

Run time: Not specified; the five-screen piece is designed as a looping installation for self-paced viewing.

Ages: All ages welcome.

Accessibility: The National Portrait Gallery is ADA accessible; contact the museum for specific access needs.

Note: The exhibition is co-organized by Saisha Grayson, curator of time-based media at the Smithsonian American Art Museum, and Charlotte Ickes, curator of time-based media art and special projects at the National Portrait Gallery. A full transcript and complete film credits are available for visitors.