Freer Museum Courtyard

Yesterday we visited the Freer Museum. It just reopened after a major renovation that lasted at least a year. We haven't been there since we moved to DC eleven years ago and went to the opening ceremony last weekend to check out the light show that was displayed on the north side of the building. Since Tuesday is usually a crowd free day to check things out anywhere on the National Mall, it was a good time to go. After seeing all the beautiful Asian exhibits around the exterior sections of the building, we walked in to the courtyard in the center of the building. It was such a beautiful sunny day, we sat there awhile to take in the scenery. There was a lovely fountain in the center, and the leaves were beginning to turn from green to gold and red. Just a few people were milling about. In some ways we found this part of the museum more interesting than all the precious art pieces inside. From the lower level the hallway is connected to the Sackler Museum underground. We will go there on another day to visit the Iranian section specifically, but to also see what has changed since we were there last. It's an absolutely beautiful week to be in DC. These wonderful places make it even more interesting. All we have to do is walk on over. 

Freer Sackler Smithsonian Museum Visit

We haven't been inside this museum since we first moved to DC eleven years ago. The Freer Sackler Museum has been closed for renovations for quite some time. This past weekend it reopened with an grand ceremony that included a light show. So on our morning walk today we decided we would stop in the Freer Gallery. The crowds are sparse now, and Tuesday is always a good day to visit most things on the National Mall. It was a delightful, gorgeous, sunny - but cool - walk over. We picked up a map at the entryway and started walking to the Chinese section, then to the Korean area and in to the Peacock Room. There was a small American section, and then we headed towards the Japan, Islamic world, and Indian Subcontinent exhibits. The Sackler Gallery is connected to this one, but we saved that for another time. We did stop in the beautiful courtyard, and then walked over to the Smithsonian Castle for a quick lunch. This is a great time to be in DC. Lucky for us, we just need to walk there. 

The Southwest Courtyard Escape

When it first opened a few years ago there were food vendors and popcorn machines in the courtyard. It's in a very pretty place - in the center of the Library of Congress Jefferson Building. One wouldn't expect to find such a tranquil spot. It's open from 9:30 AM to 3 PM during the months of April to September. It provides another space for both employees and visitors to take a load off, have coffee, or lunch. When I went to see the space yesterday afternoon I was the only one there making it feel even more enormous. The architectural detail is compelling, but I was worried the door would lock behind me to want to spend too much time there. I'll need to check back later in the season to see if it gets any more occupied. Perhaps if there is not any incentive to purchase food and drink right there it won't be used. But if you are just interested in sitting and contemplating - this is the perfect spot.