Hirshhorn Revolutions Exhibit

Anytime there is a new exhibit at the Hirshhorn Museum we try to make an attempt to visit. For those displays that require passes or tickets we rarely go to those. That’s because we go when we feel like - usually in the morning for a walk. And that’s what happened a couple of weeks ago when we drove in to town. After passing through the “ag on the mall” tractors and combines, we headed to the Hirshhorn. First we passed through the Smithsonian Castle and Mary Livingston gardens. There are always beautiful flowers and colors happening there. Then we took the elevator up to the exhibit. It was fairly busy and it was a great opportunity to see some of the treasures of the Hirshhorn from 1880-1980. There were a couple of pieces that we really liked - especially some of the quirky art of interesting people. I was also on the look out for a photo option for the weekly challenge but didn’t have any luck. So most of the photos were good for this blog. Between the Hirshhorn and the National Gallery of Art it’s always such a great opportunity to step inside whenever we are on the mall. It’s one of the reasons my husband loves being so close to town. 

Hirshhorn Simone Leigh Exhibit

We haven’t been to the Hirshhorn Art Museum for quite some time. So last week we took a ride in to town for a morning walk, parked at the Tidal Basin, and walked towards the Smithsonian Castle. After walking through the gardens that still have Christmas decorations in place, we noticed that the sculpture garden across the street was totally dug up and is being restored. Several of the outdoor sculptures have been moved to the Museum grounds. While inside we walked through the three levels to see what was new. And there was the Simone Leigh exhibit. It was actually quite interesting. What I liked most about it was the simplicity of the work and the way each piece was displayed - starting with the grass skirted item at the entrance. The lighting was really nice and the exhibit rooms were stark. It seemed like we were the only people there - and that made it even better. Some of the wall art was less liked - the bananas didn’t do much for me. But each room had a unique feel and style. We like being able to stop in whenever we like and have an opportunity to see the artwork. Another exhibit is being prepared so it will be fun to come back whenever it opens. When the sun comes out and spring is on the way there is never a better feeling. This was one of those days. 

Hirshhorn Building and Grounds

We hadn’t been to the city for a while. On Friday we were expecting temps in the 70’s. After a week or more of ice, snow, rain, fog and ugly weather, we thought a morning walk on the National Mall was in order. We parked by the Tidal Baisn and rather than go to the Lincoln Memorial, we walked in the opposite direction towards the Smithsonian Castle. I thought there were a couple of new exhibits at the Hirshhorn Art Museum, so after we walked through the Mary Livingston garden we went inside the building to see what was up. The main exhibit area was being prepared for a future show, so we walked through the Jessica Diamond and Simone Leigh galleries. The views overlooking the mall are really lovely. But what was even more striking than what was on the inside of the building caught my attention on the outside. After passing by the entrance lobby area where there is a coffee shop with a great view of the fountain that isn’t on now, we exited on to the plaza. The outdoor sculpture garden across the street is totally being renovated. So a lot of the pieces have been moved to the Hirshhorn grounds, and not in the most exciting spots. There are tables set up outside for warmer weather and sitting about. But this wasn’t a day for that - still a bit wet. There was a great view of the Capitol beneath the building overhang, centered by more sculpture pieces. On the way back to the car you could feel the temps getting warmer. It was a lovely walk.