photo by Pablo Raw
From the National Gallery of Art:
“The beloved winter tradition returns! The 2023–2024 Sculpture Garden Ice Rink season will run from Monday, November 20, through March 3, 2024 (weather permitting).
Managed by Guest Services, Inc., the ice rink invites visitors to skate among the museums on the National Mall. Skaters will be surrounded by monumental sculptures from modern and contemporary artists including Louise Bourgeois, Alexander Calder, Tony Smith, Roy Lichtenstein, and Roxy Paine.
To celebrate the start of the skating season, the ice rink will host figure skaters from Team USA for pop-up performances at 6:00 and 7:00 p.m. on opening day, November 20.
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. It is located in the Sculpture Garden on the National Mall between 7th and 9th Streets along Constitution Avenue NW. 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 back-to-back sessions cost $12 for adults and children 13 and over. Adults 60 and over, children 12 and under, military servicemembers, and students with a valid school ID pay $10. Skaters can buy season passes for $250 to lock in a unique winter workout. Skate rentals cost $6, and free lockers are available first come, first served.
The ice rink will close when it rains or snows heavily 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. You can also call 202.216.9397 beginning November 20.
Skating Lessons and Group Packages
Guest Services, Inc. offers skating lessons for all ages and abilities. Skaters can choose from group lessons, private lessons, and group packages for schools or special events.
Emme Porter, Bruce Porter Jr., and their Washington Elite Skating School team of instructors direct and teach lessons. 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 taught hockey, ice dancing, and field moves for more than 10 years.
Washington Elite Skating School offers three group sessions per season. Each session is $150 for four 30-minute lessons or $295 for four 45-minute lessons. Walk-in sessions depend on availability.
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
The Pavilion Café is a perfect complement to any ice rink visit. Enjoy panoramic views of the Sculpture Garden and a seasonal menu of freshly made soups, salads, sandwiches, flatbreads, and desserts. Beverages include coffee, tea, hot chocolate, wine, beer, and specialty coffee drinks. The café also offers seasonal delights such as hot cider, mulled wine, and pumpkin spice lattes with flavored whipped cream. A children’s menu is available for ages 12 and under. During the ice rink season, Pavilion Café hours are Sunday through Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.”
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