Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Gardens: Tracing modern sculpture from the mid-1800s
Located just east of the original Smithsonian Institution Building – also known as the Castle – the drum shape museum known as the Hirshhorn has amassed an exclusive collection of more than 12,000 pieces of modern art from the 19th and 20th centuries, and its world renowned outdoor garden sculptures along the paths in the garden trace the history of modern sculpture from the mid 1800's.
It opened as a part of the Smithsonian Institution in 1974 to accommodate American art collector Joseph Hirshhorn's gift of nearly 12,000 works. Since then it has collected or accepted donations of many more pieces of modern art and sculpture.
Space limitations prevent the entire collection from being viewed, so exhibitions change frequently. The sculpture gardens lie inside the inner courtyard of the museum. They were last re-designed in 1993 to increase accessibility for the handicapped. One of the highlights of the garden is Rodin's "Burghers of Calais."
The museum also contains a 52,000-volume library and collection archive and it hosts lectures, films and educational programs throughout the year.
The Hirshhorn presents art in a range of media, including works on paper, painting, installation, photography, sculpture, digital and video art, and works that mix all or some of the above. The museum’s collection of modern art (late-nineteenth century to mid-twentieth century) and contemporary art (from the 1970s to today) includes in-depth holdings by some of the best-known artists of our time, as well as the work of today’s most promising emerging artists. The museum invites visitors to spend time with the work on view, ask questions, and connect with it in your own personal way.
While visiting, be sure to get to all three floors of gallery space, the Plaza surrounding the building, and the bi-level Sculpture Garden. Experience the diversity of our special exhibitions and collection. Tourists will see works by local, national, and international artists from varying cultures, generations, and viewpoints. And check the official web site for any special or temporary exhibits that may be appearing at the time of your visit.
Posted by Jim Brown
