Art museum, Modern art museum, Museum, Sculpture museum, Tourist attraction
Hirshhorn Museum
The Smithsonian's museum of modern and contemporary art occupies a round, doughnut-shaped brutalist building on the National Mall, with a sculpture garden outside and bold, often immersive work within.
The story
The collection ranges across sculpture, painting, photography, video, digital art and immersive installations, much of it playful and designed to tease the mind. Mark Bradford's Pickett's Charge wraps around the entire inner circle of the building, and Barbara Kruger's rooms cover the walls in text from floor to ceiling. The museum has also staged pairings such as Basquiat × Banksy, setting the two artists' work in dialogue. Outside, the sculpture garden, reflective pool and plaza extend the displays into the open air. Inside, the second floor is densely hung with a wide variety of pieces from many different artists, while the third floor is sparer and more experimental. A small café offers a break between galleries.
Good to know
TAGGG AI- ✦Allow a few hours; the indoor galleries make it a good choice for a rainy morning on the Mall.
- ✦The second floor packs in the widest variety of work, while the third floor holds fewer, more unconventional pieces.
- ✦There is a small café inside for a break between galleries.
