The eye-catching architecture of the Hirshhorn, an arresting, elevated hollow cylinder that is 82 feet high and 231 feet in diameter with a spectacular center fountain, is home to the nation's premier collection of international modern and contemporary works of art. Open since 1974, the museum is named for Joseph H. Hirshhorn (1889-1981), a renowned collector, who donated more than 6,000 paintings and sculptures—the largest artistic bequest ever made to the Smithsonian.
Become a member of the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden's Annual Circle.
Meet at the information desk just inside the entrance for daily collection or exhibition tours at 1, 2 and 3 p.m. Pick up a free family guide to introduce your child to the world of contemporary art.
Check out the museum's black box theater, which screens contemporary video works from around the world.
Stroll through the sunken Sculpture Garden on the National Mall side of the museum. Start at Roy Lichtenstein's towering Brushstroke (1996), the most recently installed major sculpture on the Hirshhorn's plaza, and don't miss the signature works by Auguste Rodin, Alexander Calder and Henry Moore.
Visit the Web site, www.hirshhorn.si.edu, for a schedule of events, hands-on teen and children's workshops and group tour information.
The museum store, filled with intriguing art books and posters, artist designed jewelry and has a kids' corner with toys, puzzles and project books.
(walk-in; meet at info desk)
Tours subject to docent availability:
Beginning Jan. 7, 2008:
• Daily, 1 PM, 2 PM, and 3 PM
Except
• Federal holidays, no tours
(by appointment only, 4-week notice required; call Mon.-Fri., 9 AM-5 PM, except federal holidays: 202-633-3382 (voice) or 202-633-8043 (TTY), or e-mail hmsgeducation@si.edu)
• French, German, and Spanish
(by appointment only, 4-week notice required; call Mon.-Fri., 9 AM-5 PM, except federal holidays: 202-633-3382 (voice) or 202-633-8043 (TTY), or e-mail hmsgeducation@si.edu)
(by appointment only, 4-week notice required; call Mon.-Fri., 9 AM-5 PM, except federal holidays: 202-633-3382 (voice) or 202-633-8043 (TTY), or e-mail hmsgeducation@si.edu)
Featured by the Horticulture Services Division
(walk-in; outside, in Ripley Garden, between Hirshhorn Museum and Arts and Industries Building; meet at sign near fountain)
Tours offered April 1 - October 28, 2008:
• Every Tues., 2 PM, weather permitting
Except
• Federal holidays, no tour
(walk-in; in the exhibition)
Museum docents welcome visitors, discuss the exhibition, and answer questions.
Part I is on view May 11, 2008
Subject to docent availability:
• Daily, 2-5 PM
Except
• Tuesdays and federal holidays, no explainers
The Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden store has a large selection of books, exhibition catalogs, postcards and posters on modern and contemporary art. The store also carries CDs, tapes, artist-crafted jewelry, design items and toys.
Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden's outdoor café is open late spring-summer when weather permits.
