Atrium of National Building Museum
The National Building Museum is a private institution devoted to building and design. It tells stories of architecture, engineering, and construction. One of the exhibits features a kaleidoscopic array of photographs, objects, models, and firms that resurrected memories both familiar and surprising as displays revealed American home life and residential architecture.
Smithsonian Castle
The Smithsonian Castle was built in 1855 and designed by a 28 year old architect, James Renwick, Jr., for whom an art gallery is named in the city. It functions as the Visitor’s Center so for tourists who’ve never visited our capital before, this is an excellent place to begin their visit.
This is a huge piece and intricately woven from stands of stainless steel
My view from 3 floor above this sparking fountain on the ground level.
The Smithsonian Castle was built in 1855 and designed by a 28 year old architect, James Renwick, Jr., for whom an art gallery is named in the city. It functions as the Visitor’s Center so for tourists who’ve never visited our capital before, this is an excellent place to begin their visit.
Adjacent to the Castle and flowing into its own building is the National Museum of African Art where spectacular pieces are on exhibit.
My view from 3 floor above this sparking fountain on the ground level.
The exterior appearance of the African-American History Museum alludes to an upside down pyramid and is made of these rectangles giving it an airy feel
Barely a year old, the African American History and Culture Museum is, by far, one of the very best in the district. It’s the only national museum devoted exclusively to the documentation of African American life, art, history, and culture. One of the 5 levels is dedicated to history of slavery and freedom from 1400-1877. I wasn’t even aware of slavery in the 1400’s. The next level covered 1876-1968, the era of segregation and defending/defining freedom.
These reminders of how it used to be back in my high school and college days make me sad.
Up more stairs is 1968 and beyond—a changing America. I loved the Center for African American Media Arts. It made me grin—extensively! Yet another level was Making A Way out of No Way showcasing athletes and the African American military experience. My favorite was Visual Arts and the American Experience featuring musical crossroads. Many old memories were resurrected and Level 4 was just a fun floor to me. This can be at least a full day’s experience so enjoy lunch in the Sweet home Cafe. This museum is a definite “must see”.
It was disappointing that the Freer/Sackler Museum is closed till mid October but there’s certainly an abundance to other sights and sounds to keep us occupied and out of trouble. I especially enjoyed the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden. I’ve visited this several times since we’ve been here. I commented to a guard that he surely has a stunning place to come to work each day. He agreed and said he’d retired as a prison guard and how he loves his new job. Well! I guess so!!!
Time for a sip of wine and a time to reflect on the gifts of today.
Bill and Laura
Gangplank Marina
Washington, DC
Bill and Laura
Gangplank Marina
Washington, DC
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