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Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden
Category: Arts & Entertainment Museums Museums [Edit]
Independence Avenue at Seventh Street SWWashington, DC 20001
(202) 357-1300
- Nearest Transit:
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L'enfant Plaza Metro Station (Blue, Green, Orange, Yellow)
Smithsonian Metro Station (Blue, Orange)
Federal Center Metro Station (Blue, Orange)
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 10 am - 5:30 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
Deborah N. said: "I love the Newseum. I love the design. I love the "I'm the Queen and I can wave to you" balconies on the second and sixth floor which overlook Pennsylvania Avenue. I love that you can record yourself pretending to be a news reporter…" read more »
128 reviews for Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden
Review Highlights
"I just love love love modern, contemporary art."
(in 10 reviews)
"My favorite of the Smithsonian collection of museums."
(in 19 reviews)
"I love the third floor terrace that overlooks the mall."
(in 10 reviews)
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128 reviews in English
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Review from Julie H.
Irvine, CA
10/20/2011
The Hirshhorn Museum exists as my favorite of the Smithsonian Institutions. What's there to love? Lots.
Contemporary Art. I'm a sucker for contemporary art and the Hirshhorn's permanent collection and exhibits manage to highlight 'old' favorites (Wayne Thiebaud, John Currin, Francis Bacon) and introduce me to new.
While most of the exhibits may not rotate as frequently as you should visit, the Black Box exhibit does. Short films from different artists rotate through and are always worth a look.
Museum Layout. Compared to the National Gallery, the Hirshhorn is bite-sized, almost tiny. The circular layout might disorient you at first, but it's refreshing to be able to wander in one direction and happily find yourself back where you started after consuming an entire floor. No pauses to wonder if you've missed a room or where on earth you are.
Crowds. Though nestled between the Air and Space Museum and the Smithsonian Castle, the Hirshhorn manages to miss a lot of the frenetic foot traffic you'll find at its neighboring museums.
Photo Ops. Between the green spaces outside of the museum, the sculpture garden, the curving walls inside, and the giant Sol Lewitts on the third floor, if you're the "take photos of yourself in front of art or in random public spaces" kind of person like I am, you won't come away from the Hirshhorn empty-handed.
When I moved away from DC, the Hirshhorn was the singular place I wanted to visit and think of returning to. On my last visits, I discovered a set of conference tables on the third floor (in front of the Sol Lewitt wall-sized pieces), with desk chairs, unused, and a view out to the Mall. My internet signal was spotty, but I made do - and kicked myself for not finding this spot to while away a few more hours sooner. You should go and take my spot - the security guards are quite friendly and don't mind the company. -
Review from Kevin L.
11/14/2011 4 photos
Definitely one of the lesser known Smithsonian museums in DC. I'm not a huge fan of modern art (at least the really extreme ones, some are kinda creepy), but I can definitely appreciate some like the Andy Warhol shadows exhibit (second floor) and a room on the third floor with only mobiles. Very very cool!
Some of things were kinda intriguing, others didn't seem to interest me, like the ones placed in the hallways, but then again, it's hard to like every single exhibit in a museum. A lot of the exhibits don't have glass around them, so expect alarms to go off every 10-15 seconds when you're in the museum.
There's also a strict policy on photography, so make sure you're not breaking any rules. Was definitely tempted to take some photos of the exhibits, but ended up not doing so. Respect please!
PHOTOS:
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http://www.yelp.com/bi... -
Review from Dana Z.
8/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
I don't know why I don't come to this museum more often! I've sung my praises about other contemporary art museums in the past. This is no exception.
I just love love love modern, contemporary art. I'm not so much for the sculptures (they have a few around the museum as well as obviously in the sculpture garden) But I'm more about the paintings, the odd materials, the videos, and other installations.
Why do I love modern art so much? Because it can be interpreted so many ways. And then if you take the time to look up what the artist was trying to say, it becomes that much more interesting. It's done by people who were brave enough to think outside of the box (or color outside of the lines, if you will!)
Take, for example, you enter the 3rd floor and in huge blue letters across the wall it reads, A RUBBER BALL THROWN ON THE SEA. Well... what the hell does that mean?! Maybe it doesn't come to you at fisrt, maybe it doesn't come to you ever. But at least for me it gets me thinking. (PS you can read the explanation of the artist if you google it!!)
I wish some people had more of an open mind to this kind of art instead of dismissing it saying "a child could have done this." Well, if you could have done it, why haven't you?
Art isn't always a beautiful painting. Art is what moves you.Listed in: Museums
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Review from Jase H.
Glen Allen, VA
2/4/2012
I really enjoyed this museum. The staff were very friendly and informed, there was a great Andy Warhol exhibit and the building itself was very cool looking. Outside the museum (towards the back?) is an area with plenty of seating outside around some sculptures which would be a great place to have a snack or something! Very worth it, and it's free!
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Review from Adam R.
Alexandria, VA
1/10/2012
A nice counterpoint to the older, more traditional art museums in DC, the Hirshhorn's eclectic collection of Modern and Contemporary Art will please the average art enthusiast and renowned critic alike.
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Review from Mariya K.
San Francisco, CA
12/20/2011
I simply love this museum! They have a special Andy Warhol exhibit until January 15th; it's called "Shadows"... a must-see!
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Review from Michael G.
Rockville, MD
While I'm sure that it's wrong to call a free museum, "complete b.s.," I'm going to do it. Although while I was there, I used stronger language.
Honestly, with how obscure this modern art museum likes their pieces, I found that what I recognized the most as "art" was the bathroom. The rest was the kind of paint splattered on canvas that makes people in "flyover country" call the East Coast "pretentious." I haven't seen so many weird geometric shapes since I took, and hated, geometry - maybe how I feel about this museum has something to do with that. When one of the security guards mumbled something about staying behind the tape in one exhibit, it was the most intelligible thing I experienced.
Seriously, there's one exhibit that just has patrons walk into a dark room and then admire shadows once their eyes adjust.
The permanent exhibition on the third floor isn't all bad. There are some Edward Hopper paintings and some slightly controversial sculptures. Still, this part from Joseph Hirshhorn's personal collection that he gave to the museum seems to just be the works of his friends in New York City that the government took, said, "hey, free museum," and decided to display.
There is one incredible view though. On the third floor, there's a huge window with views of The Mall, The Capitol, and the Washington Monument. It's a great for taking photography that could be better than almost anything in the museum. Plus there are soft couches to admire the views or just chill out with the museum's free wi-fi.
Similarly, the museum's sculpture garden provides shady opportunities to experience art and peace at the same time. I certainly needed this "moment of Zen" after the frustration of wasting time here. It's the only reason I'm giving this place a third star. Other Smithsonians may be too crowded to take a break from the world in, but there's a reason this one is empty in my opinion.Listed in: Show Me The Way To The Next…
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Review from Michael S.
Marina del Rey, CA
7/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
The sculpture garden is a quick walk through. The building won't take much time either. The Hirshhorn Musuem & Sculpture Garden doesn't live up to the high standards and expectations of nearby memorials, historical buildings, museums, and galleries. One positive: it's free. Another is the air conditioning inside.
The sculptures and modern art just didn't speak to me, but I did hear myself saying "Huh?", "Meh...", and "um, should we come back when its finished?" I appreciate the effort and accept there must be dozens of people who liked the pieces on display. There just weren't many that really inspired or touched me. It was more just a passage of time. Maybe I was in vacation-mode instead of art-appreciation mode.
Art, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder. It's time to look away.Listed in: DC Vacation
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Review from Betty L.
Washington, DC
8/13/2011
Take this review. Save it on a disk. Project it along a white wall. Sit in a dark, empty room and just stare at the words in contemplation. That is the kind of art you will see at Hirshhorn.
I know modern art is supposed to be interpretive, abstract, and "different" but this museum has some seriously ridiculous stuff, like a neon light that says "Four colors four words" in four different neon-lit colors. Another exhibit had a film of Niagara Falls of just the water falling. I might as well take my personal vacation film of the Niagara Falls and submit it to the museum. Another exhibit had a small, unsatisfying wall of Muybridge prints that was not as well displayed as the Corcoran's exhibit.
The only good thing about this place is that it is hardly packed. Probably because there are a lot better places to go. Which I guess is good if you want to get away from the tourists. -
Review from Mike S.
7/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
In good conscience, I cannot give a free museum less than three stars but I was certainly not a fan. The Hirshhorn definitely focuses on modern and contemporary art. The problem is a good portion of it is abstract art, which frankly I just don't understand. I find it extremely inaccessible and I don't understand how something like a portrait that looks like it was drawn by a four year old, or a sculpture that I looks like I made it while drunk, can even be considered art.
Anywho, enough ranting. The third floor is definitely better than the second floor. Once again if you enjoy abstract art and photography, definitely check out this museum. Otherwise, I'd say you can definitely skip it.Listed in: "What's that Building with the…
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Review from Stephanie K.
Washington, DC
11/17/2011
I have loved this museum ever since I was a kid. The exhibits are interesting and well shown, and organized in a way that isn't overwhelming. The layout of the building is much better than some of the other art museums in town too; you get a chance to see everything without getting lost or frustrated. I definity need to make more frequent trips here :)
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Review from Paige T.
10/19/2011
Loved the sculpture garden, especially with the golden fall foliage. I really enjoyed the Warhol exhibit, which seemed just made for the Hirshhorn. I felt really bad for the man manning the elevator. Is that really his job? He was so nice and it was so stuffy in there. There has got to be a better use of his skills, Hirshhorn! It was an easily navigable museum, just around and around, reminiscent of the Guggenheim, but without the spiral. Lots of great sculpture from Picasso to Henry Moore to David Smith. And a couple of very cool installations: Dan Flavin's neon illuminations and Andy Warhol's shadows. There are so many great and FREE museums to choose from in DC. I'm happy we made it to the Hirshhorn.
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Review from E A.
Manassas, VA
10/23/2011
This review is for the sculpture garden. On a beautiful day, there is nothing like eating lunch by the huge fountain. It's like being transported to a European city. Just watch out of the squirrels. They are a little too friendly when you've got food.
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Review from Vlad G.
7/20/2011 6 photos
my favorite museum on the Mall, a hidden gem, along with its adjacent sculpture garden. Of course the building is what interested me, but the sculpture on display was worth it too, and the circular exhibit space around the interior cylinder courtyard is great.
most remarkable for the corbusierian first-floor open space and the massive concrete columns supporting the superstructure. -
Review from Rob R.
7/5/2011
Add this to the many places that I have walked past at least a thousand times but never checked out. Now take it off the list. Done!
Sometimes, I find some modern art confusing, frustrating, tedious, and sometimes (to be honest) worthless. But just as often, I think it can also be insightful, unique, entertaining, and thought-provoking. I would guess that a lot of folks feel somewhat similar.
Well, at the Hirshhorn, you can find a good bit of both. I'll leave you to be your own judge as to just how much you like and dislike.
But, as always is the case with the Smithsonian, it's free.... and it's hard to find fault with a museum that is free. If you don't like it, I'm pretty sure you can remember where the door is.
I, for one, am always interested to look around a place like this to see what I can find.... and see if I notice something different with another viewing.
Highly recommend! -
Review from Chrystina Z.
Washington, DC
4/30/2011
This review is for After Hours at the Hirshhorn. Get there early bc the exhibits close at 10pm. Afterwards hang out in the "donut" with lasers, smoke machines, cash only bars, and local DJs. Always strikes me as a NYC crowd: pretentious and ppl want to be seen so dress up like you're going to be photographed. Actually, there are photographers there randomly taking pictures (or just creepy men pretending to be employed).
Last night was more subdued than before (one last year that was an all-out dance party). I think they only hold After Hours 3x year and tix always sell out, so get on that for next time. Good to break out of a rut of the same bars. -
Review from Vishal S.
6/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
Totally Love this place! I like the way they have sculptures displayed outside and all the artwork inside too.
Some of the sculptures in the garden are much better than artwork inside the museum, IMO.
The Round Rainbow room is one of the best on display currently!
I find this museum even better than MoMA in NYC...
A must see for all art lovers! -
Review from Dave H.
10/22/2010 26 photos
The Hirshhorn is a delightful part of the Smithsonian, one I hadn't known about until an associate turned me on to it. The museum's outside is simple, but inside it's timeless and open, well-lit, with large windows and seating, and full of intriguing works of art in various media[1]. You might laugh, you might cry, and you'll definitely scratch your head[2]. Whatever you do, don't get too close to the sculptures, as you might set off proximity alarms.
If you like modern and contemporary art, you will love the Hirshhorn - free admission, of course. Don't like "nouveau" art? I can direct you to a national monument or two down the street.
[1] Anyone else reminded of the Guggenheim?
[2] I'm partially colorblind; I literally missed the point of one exhibit.Listed in: Touring DC?
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Review from Alexandra M.
Arlington, VA
3/23/2011
OVERVIEW: This is a really interesting museum of very modern art, things you won't be familiar with or things you may not consider "art". It is definitely worth a visit! The sculpture garden is amazing and the layout of the building definitely plays into the modern aspect of the artwork.
I first came here as a high school student years ago with an Art History class and i fell in love with the building and the artwork it housed. I recently revisited it to see an OUTSTANDING exhibit of Yves Klein's work. It was a magical experience to see his monochromatic Klein blue, magenta, and gold leaf pieces.
Hirshhorn has some weird stuff sometimes but they always have something new and neat to see. The sculpture garden is really unique. My favorite is Juan Muñoz's "Last Conversation Piece". It is whimsical and mysterious and I can't get enough of it.
Oh, and by the way twice a year they host an "After Hours" DJ-ed party. I haven't gotten a chance to go yet (last one-my friend got a flat tire and we couldn't make it) but, everyone I have talked to about it says that it is really fun. -
Review from Janet E.
12/27/2010
First, we walked in and the bag checking lady scolded us for not checking in with her first to have our bags checked. As we waited for her to check our bags, she made us wait 5 minutes for her to finish laughing and chatting it up with her buddies (probably other workers in the museum wasting time and not working). Anyways, my first impression of this place is that they hire incompetent workers.
The rest of the museum was not very impressive. They had paintings of baggage claim conveyor belts, theater seating, and blueprints of houses. The creativity was definitely lacking. Maybe I am just not a contemporary art person? Maybe the lady who we initially encountered ruined my entire day and I'm just bitter? Thank goodness this museum is free. -
Review from Rodney H.
West Bloomfield, MI
7/3/2011
I love modern & contemporary art, but Hirshorn is everything that is wrong about Modern art, overly pretentious crap served up as art. The 2nd floor is a total waste of time, really terrible non Art. The 3rd floor has some OK pieces, Thank goodness this is free otherwise i would be really annoyed spending money to look at tasteless, non talented pretentious garbage.
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Review from Valeria D.
Alexandria, VA
5/4/2011
I wish I could go here every day.
Always taking risks- altering perceptions- showcasing the best of modern art. -
Review from Kurt I.
1/26/2011 3 Check-ins Here
The Hirshhorn holds one of the finest collections of modern art, in a building that is - itself, a work of art.
The outside sculpture garden is inviting, and encourages play. The circular flow of the gallery itself boasts an array of works from deKooning, Ellsworth Kelly, Bacon, Matisse and more.
Amazing works of art at your fingertips - for free 364 days a year. Support the smithsonian. -
Review from GREEDS S.
Brooklyn, NY
8/22/2011
Being from NYC, I'm used to museums with amazing collections, but a crowd/staff that makes the entire trip not even worth it. I really enjoyed everything about this museum. The collection was exciting, the architecture of the museum itself is interesting and the staff members/guards are extremely helpful. Every single employee was pleasant and could answer any question you presented them with. I also enjoyed the gift shop and the sculpture garden. So much daylight pours into these galleries, so your pictures leave you with the perfect memories. This museum is free admission. I'll definitely be returning in the future! Loved it.
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Review from Krissi H.
Hyattsville, MD
5/30/2010 4 photos
I love modern art. And I love that this museum exists, in my city, and it's free!
I've been here a couple of times, but not since I moved here last August. I have no idea why it's taken me so long to get back there. The place is incredible. The art, the building, the sculpture garden, the little shady nooks and benches that make you feel like you're in some secret place.
I was completely blown away by the Yves Klein exhibit. Wow. I mean, I got emotional looking at some of his pieces. Just don't touch/drop anything in the giant, open art piece in the Yves room. I'm told the dry pigment is tough to get off you once it's on (someone "spilled" some of the pigment somehow and the guards were warning people away from the area - I could just see the mess if a bunch of people trekked through it and walked about the museum, leaving a nice little blue trail ...)
The museum wasn't busy when I went yesterday afternoon (a Saturday) and I kept thinking a) this is so cool because it feels like I'm alone with these giant, amazing works of art and b) people are totally missing out. The third floor lounge/balcony area is amazing. I could spend hours there. The staff seems friendly. The gift shop has lots of cool stuff - and it didn't seem to ridiculously priced. Some of the sale books were WAY discounted.
My one complaint? It's a teeny, tiny one, but there's only one revolving door (at the moment, anyway) to use to enter or exit the building. Not an issue yesterday because the museum wasn't very busy, but I could see that being kind of a pain if there were a lot of people trying to get in and out.
This is definitely my new spot when I need some inspiration. Or just a nice, quite place to hang out. -
Review from Nicole L.
4/30/2011 1 Check-in Here
At 14th and Jefferson's, I seized the opportunity at the first parking spot available thinking this huge event would be packed. There were plenty of parking after hours along Jefferson's. I met another person - a nice cool gentleman from Lithuania who did the same thing so we hopped into the car and drove closer to Hirshhorn together.
The main party was in the fountain area, equipped with lighting, dance floor and a DJ spinning away. I preferred the music at 2000 hrs over 2200 hrs, most distinctively was Safari Disco Club by Yelle I was just at the show few nights before. It was Deja Vu for me. A ticketing system was set up for beverages, where cash was exchanged for 3-tier colored tickets - white for soft drinks, red for beer and green for wine and cocktail. This event was not half as elegant as the BYT event. The drink selection was very basic and it looked like the one cocktail was premixed. The beer was poured out of a jug and the wine selection was pathetic.
At the event, the museum exhibition stayed opened. Being a modern art museum, there were lots of interesting arts and sculptures to see. For some reason, a circular structure seemed like a great architecture design for an art space, it gave a sense of continuum through the space, no beginning and no ending. There was a separation of the inner circle for sculptures and outer circle for arts though. There were some post-modern art where the basic content and structure were entirely diminished. A few slabs of color splashes, coloring blocking and such. I much preferred the earlier modern arts and sculptures by Jean-Philippe Dubuffet and Alberto Giacometti. The works by Jean-Philippe Dubuffet a French painter with an idealistic view point and appreciation for low art and eschewed beauty over the traditional. Alberto Giacometti, a surrealistic sculptor also dabbled in some cubism work. He studied under an associate of Rodin, one of my favorite sculptors. There were also works by Joan Miró, Max Ernst and Francis Bacon. Joan Miró, a surrealistic painter using bright colors of Catalan and distinctive automatic drawing that defied previously established techniques. I loved Joan Miró's work so much I named my dog after him.
At the later part of the night, the music took a turn to mainstream. It sounded like monotone white noise to me, I was ready to take off. It was a good event the museum segment was more interesting! Not forgetting where I parked, I had walked 7 blocks back to the car. -
Review from Megan G.
5/4/2010
This review is making me feel like a jerk. Look, I LOVE art. And I actually really love modern art, but the Hirshhorn was just okay. I felt it paled in comparison to the National Gallery in general and the contrast between the National Gallery's east wing and the Hirshhorn was stark.
The Hirshhorn and I got off to a bad start. I showed up and was informed that the entire second floor was closed because they were installing a special exhibit that hadn't opened yet and that no tours would be available because the docent left early that day. Okay...not a warm and fuzzy feeling. I headed up to the third floor which houses the permanent, rotating works. The inner ring is mostly sculpture, the outer ring mostly paintings. I didn't see much of anything on this floor that grabbed me at all (except one Hopper...I love Hopper). There's a really nice sitting area with super comfy couches. The fact that that made the largest impression on me of the things on the third floor was just sad.
I then headed down to the first floor (basement?) I'm pleased to say this was much more interesting. There was a temporary exhibit on the use of color that was really, really interesting. Highlights include a pitch black room (and the bemused guards that keep you from killing yourself while you try to get into it) with a screen projects a subtle, obscured color, and large square made of pollen, and and light/sound piece with flashing colors and sounds that emulate brain waves.
Overall, the Hirshhorn was, I'm sad to say, a disappointment. I was in and out in about 30 minutes which for me with an art museum is unheard of. I really hope I just caught them on a bad day.Listed in: Wandering Washington
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Review from Heather J.
Bay Area
11/7/2010
This museum is absolutely fantastic.
I love the exhibits and the way this museum is set up. Very interesting, and very modern.
Even the architecture of the building helps to make the exhibits more entertaining. It's a huge, circular building with lots of large windows throughout the museum.
Beautiful contemporary and modern art.
The last time I went to the Hirshhorn museum there was a film playing on a huge screen of a boat swimming through icy glaciers while people walked in front of the boat and it was mesmerizing.
And there was an exhibit of glass boxes that were shipped around the U.S. and then sent to the museum and they were shattered and broken. Very interesting.
And there was a floor full of huge paintings and installations.
This museum is definitely worth checking out while in DC. It's set apart from the Smithsonian buildings and a lot less crowded. It makes for a perfect afternoon visit. -
Review from tinna h.
11/10/2009
I like this museum a lot. Modern art - I'm a fan.
There's not so much on display that you become overwhelmed.
There are chairs all about the circular hallway in the center, so you can rest your legs. There's a particularly comfortable seat facing the National Archive. There was a couple making out on it as I was passing through this particular room one day... -
Review from david c.
Washington, DC
I chose this for my 200th review. I absolutely love the sculpture garden. From when you step into it and see the tree with the notes on it (a common practice at temples in Japan), to the two Rodins (Burghers of Calais and Balzac) and the modern art sculptures that follow (I wish I knew their names.
In an area, and town for that matter, that focuses it's architectural vision on the grand this garden goes the opposite direction and throws a subtle knock-out punch. Anyone who is in Washington, who appreciated sculpture, must go here. They have to see the masters and the people who are doing cutting edge stuff, for themselves. -
Review from Miriam W.
6/19/2007
My first visit to the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden was for Hirshhorn After Hours, a party held every few months from 8 pm to Midnight. During this event we got the chance to view the newly opened Wolfgang Tillmans exhibition. The artist himself was even there, mingling with hipsters.
It was a touch cold that night but that didn't stop a lot of folks from drinking beer and wine outside on the plaza. And at night, the central courtyard looks especially beautiful.
I appreciate the museum's cylindrical design for its functionality. It ensure that you'll see everything on display and never get lost! If only the same could be said for all DC museums!
I've already marked my calendar for the next Hirshhorn After Hours parties:
Friday, July 20, 2007
Friday, October 5, 2007
See you there? -
Review from Karman L.
Boston, MA
10/8/2007
How can you not love the Hirshhorn. I came here for the After Hours party last Friday: http://www.flickr.com/...
I also come here every so often to check out the various exhibits: http://www.tabblo.com/...
I love the third floor terrace that overlooks the mall. It's very relaxing there. -
Review from Vonetta Y.
Washington, DC
3/30/2009
The Hirshorn is actually my least favorite museum in the city. Then again, I like my art classical, almost to a point where the East wing of the National Gallery is too much for me.
I don't get modern/contemporary art, and most of the exhibits give me the creeps. But if you're into that sort of thing, the Hirshorn is a solid pick, featuring many mixed media pieces from the end of the 20th century. The galleries are laid out fairly well, and won't send you on a maze (although, even if it did, it would be okay because it's "art.")
I just don't have a fondness for cannibalism representations, or bone-chilling, but ridiculously abstract mixed media representing suicide (or old age, or anti-organized religion, depending on the angle you look at it, or your mood when you walk into the gallery). Or a video of trees. Just trees. As in, that which one encounters in a forest. Trees. A whole video of trees...
This museum makes me shrug.Listed in: Where I Go to Dream
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Review from Leila S.
Astoria, NY
6/22/2007
Don't get me wrong - I love the Hirshhorn Museum and I completely appreciate the essence of modern art that it is. But the sculpture garden here, ahhh! I must admit to my alternative intentions.
So, let me set the scenario for you...
It's Friday afternoon and you're sitting under a tree, spread out on your favorite blanket with a grocery bag (or two!) of munchies, usually cheese, salami, pickles, crackers, chips, and things of that sort with those few select people you know would truly enjoy this experience. Everyone is sitting back, with oversized sunglasses and all, seemingly enjoying the soothing jazz that one might call the center of attraction here. But don't be fooled. What you don't realize is that behind those huge celebrity glasses, there is great plotting going on.
::: Damn, is that the Russian who was spinning lastnight? His set was dope. I wonder how the afterhours went down. Damn, maybe I should go talk to him and see what's going on tonight...
::: When the hell is the line for sangria going down? I'll wait fifteen more minutes and then just cut in by that cute Greek who'll be near the front soon...
::: Why did I get this pitcher of white sangria? We should switch to red.
::: Oh, dear God, why why WHY did we switch to red?
Sometimes the line for the bathroom can get quite long - that's my only complaint. But then again, you are in a sculpture garden... with lots of sculptures... and bushes... and shrubs... and sangria. -
Review from Paul M.
9/22/2008
I first went here several years ago, my boys must have been about 6 years old. There was , in one room, quite simply the most fun and entertaining piece of art I have ever enjoyed. Can't remember who did it or what it was called:
There were three or four photocopier machines suspended upside down from the ceiling, and they were whirring away and spinning sheets and sheets of paper to the floor, and you could run around on the floor, lie down, try to catch the sheets as they fell. I must have laid down on that floor with my kids for about an hour, and watched them run around and try to catch pieces of paper, try to hide in the piles of paper. Like a funky indoor warm snowstorm.
It is almost impossible to describe how a symbol of officee drudgery could be transmogrified into something fun, exciting and beautiful. All it took was an idea and a hammer and nails.
It was phenomenal. And if I neck that bottle of tequila I keep in my bottom drawer I might try the same thing in the office photocopier room.Listed in: Pretentious - Moi?
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Review from Michelle S.
Washington, DC
5/13/2010 1 photo
I am sure this is a case of "it's not you, it's me", but this place just left me feeling uninspired. I know that is most likely due to my lack of knowledge of modern and contemporary art. I'm trying, I really am, but I just don't get it, and don't think I ever will.
Anyway, I did like the William de Kooning paintings, and the John Gerrard special exhibition is cool. ( I think it is wrapping up soon). There is an awesome room , with a large and comfy couch, that provides and excellent panoramic view of the Mall. It's worth a visit just for that. -
Review from Sean O.
Washington, DC
1/3/2009
What a great place to spend a Saturday. While DC may lack a true, independent art gallery scene, it definitely has a rich collection of art museums. This is one of my favorites. The HH always has a thought provoking exhibit on the second floor, and a revolving display of their permanent collection in the basement. The top floor displays some great art from the 40s-90s (and I guess a few pieces from the 2000s). The circular layout is convenient for circulation and flow.
Don't miss the video displays on the top floor including a Nam June Paik piece that will give you seizures ('Video Flag') and 'The Way Things Go' by Peter Fischli and David Weiss. The second video is a 30 minute long piece that will just suck you in with its crazy chain reaction. It's really really incredible if you think about how much work it was to put together and all the creativity it involves. Def one of the museum's most popular pieces! Don't forget about the sunken sculpture garden out front!Listed in: DC's Best
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Review from Brian S.
Alexandria, VA
5/23/2007
DC's best museum. It houses a revolving display of modern art and sculpture, and the building itself is a sexy breath of fresh air compared to the square (literally) buildings of L'Enfant Plaza. Another big plus, due to its content, this is the one museum that isn't jam-packed with school-children.
Because the building is donut-shaped, the second and third floors are broken into two smaller exhibits, an inner and outer circle, so don't miss anything by accident.
Also, make sure you don't get too close to some of the three-dimensional displays. I and a few friends have been followed by guards for accidently setting off motion sensors. -
Review from Stephanie W.
Arlington, VA
1/29/2009
I do enjoy modern art but i have been to better museums. The architecture from the outside is nice and quite interesting, but the inner layout was ill-planned. Perhaps this is only because they were adding a new installation and it cut off a large portion of the museum, but that did bother me.
The sculpture garden was fantastic and well spaced, but the exhibits were nothing all too fascinating.Listed in: Culture Vultures
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Review from Dave L.
San Francisco, CA
6/8/2007 3 photos
Random stuff going on here!
Modern art can be pretty cool, but it's not for everyone. For me, it was a confusing experience. These were some thoughts as I perused the exhibits:
"Ok....... ..... .... ... . . . ."
"That's art??"
"I could have made that."
"Awesome!!!"
"WTF"
"How did they do that?"
You see, quite a variety of responses. Maybe modern art is supposed to do that? Whatever it is, It doesn't float my boat.
Tips: Come with an open mind. The experience is probably better if you're high.Listed in: Doing DC
