Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden

Overview

The Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden is the Smithsonian's museum of modern and contemporary art. Its distinctive cylindrical building, elevated on four massive piers, was designed by Gordon Bunshaft of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill.

Highlights

• Sculpture Garden: Sunken garden featuring works by Rodin, Calder, and Yoko Ono.
• Rotating Exhibitions: Major contemporary installations from international artists.
• Third Floor Collection: Paintings by de Kooning, Bacon, Warhol, and Kusama.

History

Opened in 1974 with the donated collection of Latvian-American entrepreneur Joseph Hirshhorn, who amassed nearly 6,000 works of modern art. The brutalist circular building remains one of the most architecturally distinctive museums on the Mall.

Visitor Tips

• Tip 1: The outdoor sculpture garden is free and accessible even when the museum is closed.
• Tip 2: Check the website for Artlab+ teen programs and evening events.
• Duration: 1–1.5 hours.