Location of the Hirshhorn Gallery
The Hirshhorn Gallery at the Smithsonian Institution is easily recognizable on any map or aerial photograph of the National Mall. The perfectly round structure is located between the Smithsonian Castle and the Air and Space Museum on the Mall’s south row. And while most visitors seek First Lady gowns, Dorothy’s slippers, a giant squid or the Spirit of Saint Louis, a relatively few take full advantage of the extensive art collection that makes up the Smithsonian.
Hirshhorn Sculpture Garden
Before even entering the Gallery, one should take a few moments and explore the Sculpture Garden located in front of the building across from Jefferson Drive. This sunken area on the Mall proper has sculptures by Rodin including “The Burghers of Calais” and “Running Man”, as well as Moore’s “Draped Reclining Figure” and “Seated Woman”.
Spring is a particularly beautiful time to explore the garden. Shrubbery and grass are well manicured; fresh beds of flowers are planted among the sculptures; park benches allow for relaxation and contemplation.
Plaza and Fountain
Another prize location for relaxation and contemplation is the Plaza. Actually, the perfectly round building is more like the letter “O”, with an outdoor plaza and fountain area, surrounded by the Gallery. Water from the fountain is sent almost two stories above the plaza before returning to its pool. Several patio tables are scattered within the plaza; a perfectly cool place for a sack lunch during the humid Washington summers. Post-modern sculptures are scattered along the perimeter of the Plaza.
Hirshhorn Gallery
Once through the revolving door, escalators take the visitor up two levels to the galleries. Note that permanent exhibits are on display along the inner circumference of each floor, while temporary exhibits are housed in the gallery rooms along the outer circumference. The permanent works seem to focus mainly on post-modern sculptures of varying media. Entire gallery rooms may showcase particular artists, whose work may only be featured at the museum anywhere from three to six months. The Gallery seems to attract artists who explore variations on color, as well as those artists who use film as their media.
The Black Box Theater
Located one level below the entrance, the Black Box showcases artists whose focus is film. The pieces are generally short, less than ten minutes, and are either quirky and playful, or serious and thought provoking. While some of the films may contain questionable content, the museum takes extra precautions to post warnings about such content. These warnings are posted before entering the theater, in the literature affiliated with the museum and the film, as well as on the website and any relevant press releases. Most of the films remain on display for three to six months.
A Family Friendly Museum
Like all the museums affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution, the Hirshhorn Gallery provides excellent resources for educators who seek added support for their curriculum. Tours and field trips can be arranged with the museum. Throughout the year, artists in residents develop programs and workshops for visiting families. These workshops include activity packets for all age groups.
Lodging arrangements are best made outside the city, in the suburbs. Parking at the National Mall is limited at best. The Washington Metro has a Smithsonian station, which can be accessed from most points in Maryland and Virginia. The Hirshhorn is open everyday except Christmas. Check the website for more information.
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