photo by Pablo Raw
From a press release:
“The National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden Ice Rink will reopen on November 19, marking the return of a beloved winter activity after last year’s season was canceled. Located on the National Mall between 7th and 9th Streets along Constitution Avenue NW, the ice rink will remain open through March 6, weather permitting.
Managed by Guest Services Inc., the Sculpture Garden Ice Rink invites visitors to skate surrounded by national museums as well as large-scale sculptures by modern and contemporary artists including Louise Bourgeois, Alexander Calder, Tony Smith, Roy Lichtenstein, and Roxy Paine.
To celebrate the return of ice skating at the National Gallery, visitors who purchase skating time on November 19, 20, or 21 will receive a complimentary cup of hot chocolate from the Pavilion Café.
courtesy National Gallery of Art
Ice Rink Hours and Fees
The ice rink will be open 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Once the National Gallery closes at 5:00 p.m., visitors will only be able to access the ice rink through the entrances at Constitution Avenue and Madison Drive near 9th Street.
Skating sessions begin on the hour. Two 45-minute sessions cost $10 for adults and children 13 and over or $9 for adults 60 and over, children 12 and under, military servicemembers, and students with a valid school ID. Skaters can buy season passes for $225 and lock in a unique winter workout.
Skate rentals cost $5, and lockers are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The ice rink will be closed when it rains or in extreme temperatures. The National Gallery and Sculpture Garden are closed on December 25 and January 1. For general information and announcements about ice rink openings and closings, visit nga.gov/skating or call (202) 216-9397.
Skating Lessons and Group Packages
As in years past, Guest Services, Inc. is offering skating lessons for all ages, directed and taught by Emme Porter, Bruce Porter Jr., and their Washington Elite Skating School team of instructors. Emme Porter has more than 20 years of skating and coaching experience in all disciplines of skating and is a national and international ice dancing competitor. Bruce Porter, also a national and international figure skating and ice dancing competitor, has more than 10 years of teaching experience in hockey, ice dancing, and field moves.
Group lessons are available for all ages and abilities, as are private lessons and group packages for schools or special events. Visitors can find more details and registration information on the Pavilion Café website or by calling (202) 216-9397 beginning November 19.
Pavilion Café
With panoramic views of the Sculpture Garden and a seasonal menu of freshly made soups, salads, sandwiches, flatbreads, and desserts, the Pavilion Café is a perfect complement to any ice rink visit. Beverages include coffee, tea, hot chocolate, wine, beer, and specialty coffee drinks as well as seasonal delights such as hot cider, mulled wine, and pumpkin spice lattés with flavored whipped cream. A children’s menu is also available for ages 12 and under.
For more information about the Pavilion Café, visit nga.gov/cafes or call (202) 289-3360.
Safety Protocols
Masks are not required in the outdoor Sculpture Garden or on the ice rink, but are required inside the Pavilion Café. Ice skates are sanitized after every use. The National Gallery and Guest Services Inc. will continue to monitor CDC guidance and recommendations from local and federal jurisdictions and may update visitor guidelines accordingly.
Ice Rink Hours
Friday, November 19, 2021-March 6, 2022 (weather permitting)
Sunday-Thursday, 11:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.
Friday- Saturday, 11:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m.
When the National Gallery closes at 5:00 p.m., access to the ice rink is restricted to the entrances at Constitution Avenue and Madison Drive near 9th Street.
The ice rink will be closed when it rains or in extreme temperatures. We are closed on December 25 and January 1. For general information and announcements about ice rink openings and closings, call (202) 216-9397.”
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