Mark it!! “The National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden Ice Rink will reopen on November 26”

photo by Pablo Raw

From the National Gallery of Art:

“The National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden Ice Rink will reopen for the season on Saturday, November 26, and remain open through March 5, 2023, weather permitting. The ice rink is located on the National Mall between 7th and 9th Streets along Constitution Avenue NW.

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.

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 need to use the entrances at Constitution Avenue and Madison Drive near 9th Street to access the ice rink.

Skating sessions begin on the hour and last 45 minutes, leaving a 15-minute break for ice maintenance. Two consecutive sessions cost $12 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 to lock in a unique winter workout. Skate rentals cost $6, and lockers are available on a first-come, first-served basis for $1.

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 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. At nga.gov/skating, visitors can find more details and register starting on November 1. Visitors can also sign up for email reminders about lesson registration and ice rink promotions.

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 lattes with flavored whipped cream. A children’s menu is also available for ages 12 and under.”