Hirshhorn museum, Washington DC: A must-visit hub for cutting-edge art
The Hirshhorn is DC’s leading museum for contemporary art and culture.
Founded in 1966 by Joseph Hirshhorn to showcase paintings and sculptures, the Hirshhorn is Washington DC’s hub for cutting edge art. Since then, the museum’s collection has evolved to include the latest time-based media works in film, video and performance.
Featuring unique artworks, the Hirshhorn museum is part of the Smithsonian Institution and can be found beside the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Designed by architect Gordon Bunshaft, this cylindrical building offers 60,000 square feet of exhibition space inside and stands out on the National Mall.
What to expect
While the museum’s exhibits change frequently, there is one thing you can be certain of: They will always be conversation starters and feature cutting-edge artists who push the boundaries of modern art. To make the most out of your experience scan the “Hi” icon on signs throughout the museum to hear videos of the artists.
The museum has four floors – on the first floor where you enter, you can find a cafe and information desk. The basement level has an auditorium, lockers, bathrooms and a special exhibition space. The second and third floors hosts various galleries and video theaters, with access into an inner and an outer circle of the museum.
Most of the exhibitions are on rotation, so visit the museum’s site for the most current collections.
John Akomfrah: Purple: This exhibition runs from November 23, 2022 – January 7, 2024. A London based artist, John Akomfrah is known for often juxtaposing disparate images and nonlinear narratives with multiple viewpoints to highlight the disjointed nature of existence and the connections found within it. Purple merges original film with archival footage to address themes related to climate change. This exhibit features the artist’s largest ever video installation to Washington, D.C., for the first time.
A Window Suddenly Opens: Contemporary Photography in China: Running from 2022 to January 7, 2024. Thirty years of political, cultural and technological changes has rocked China and its artists. This collection of stunning photography lays at the heart of these changes, where a mix of political and cultural themes emerge from the camera’s lens. Taking a page from Warhol and Leibowitz, this collection sits at the frontier of the next big cultural shift in that country’s history.
Mark Bradford: Pickett’s Charge: This exhibition started in November 2017 and is ongoing. An internationally renowned artist, Bradford uses abstract techniques and multimedia mediums to interpret historical events. The piece on display at the Hirshhorn, on loan from the Gettysburg Museum, features a 360 degree interpretation of the final day of the Battle of Gettysburg. Upon its debut, the lifelike images juxtaposed to the chaotic abstract portions caused veterans to weep upon seeing it.
Laurie Anderson – Four Talks: This was our favorite exhibit. Laurie Anderson is among the leading contemporary multimedia artists and her work in performance, technology, and visual art has been influencing popular culture for more than 40 years. For this exhibit, Anderson worked ten-hour days at the Hirshhorn for over 2 weeks to paint directly on the walls and floors of the gallery. The result? A journey from her mind through stories, lyrics, quotation and jokes. The exhibit’s name Four Talks refers to the four sculptures found – a raven, a parrot, a canoe and a shelf.
Sculpture garden: When we visited the museum in May 2023 it was undergoing renovation. Several artworks from Auguste Rodin, Alberto Giacometti, Barbara Hepworth, Henry Moore, Beverly Pepper, Jeff Koons, and Yoko Ono can be found. We highly recommend you order some coffee and take a leisurely stroll among the sculptures.
Dolcezza Coffee & Gelato: What better way to end your visit with handmade gelato, specialty coffee and delicious pastries? The Dolcezza Coffee & Gelato, a local establishment, is housed in a new lobby bar designed by artist Hiroshi Sugimoto which includes tables from a 700-year-old Japanese nutmeg tree. Hirshhorn members get a 10% discount.
Museum shop: I had a hard time making sure my husband didn’t leave with yet another souvenir. Here expect to find one-of-a-kind and modern selection of art supplies, housewares, accessories, and books. Featuring some of the greats like Basquiat, Duchamp and Haring, you can fill all your contemporary art needs.
How much does it cost to go to the Hirshhorn museum?
As with other Smithsonian museums, admission to the Hirshhorn is free. However, you might need to make a timed entry reservation (also free) for special exhibitions.
How long does it take to walk through Hirshhorn museum?
Depending on how much you want to spend admiring the collections, it can take 1-2 hours tops. This is a small museum, so you can couple it with another small gallery like the Sackler or if you can add it to the nearby National Gallery of Art and its impressive modern wing right next door.
Location and opening hours
The Hirshhorn museum is located at the corner of 7th Street and Independence Avenue SW on the National Mall. Smithsonian, on the Blue, Orange and Silver lines is the closest Metro stop. Also, the 32, 34 and 36 Metrobus routes will all take you to the National Mall. The Hirshhorn museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
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