1307 New Hampshire Avenue, NW

From The Heurich House:

“The Heurich House Museum’s historic Castle Garden opened on Tuesday, June 30th, in a new, socially distant format. [The museum itself still remains closed for now.]

Visitors can reserve a garden “pod” to enjoy the summer weather, hang out with friends, or use our free WiFi to get some work done. The garden will be open by reservation only every Tuesday through Thursday from 11am to 5pm.

A pod is a specific area of mowed lawn in the garden designated for your group only – we have measured them out so they are at least 6 feet from other pods and the common walkway. Some pods contain shade and some are in full sun. Size varies, with some pods accommodating up to 4 visitors, while others are large enough for 6 (refer to pod map below).

Reservations are available in 2 shifts: 11am-2pm and 2pm-5pm. Guests are welcome to reserve multiple shifts.

FAQs (more…)


Thanks to Becci for sending. Earlier today the Mayor announced that a full Phase Two reopening would start on Monday.

From the National Gallery of Art:

“The National Gallery of Art, Washington, announced today that the Sculpture Garden will reopen to the public on Saturday, June 20, with reduced daily hours (11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.), limited capacity, and one gate each for entry and exit. Visitors may enjoy the lush, 6.1-acre garden; meander along the curvilinear pathways; find shade and ample seating around the sprawling fountain; and discover 21 modern and contemporary outdoor sculptures. The Pavilion Café will offer prepackaged salads, sandwiches, and beverages for credit card-only purchase just outside the doors of the restaurant. The National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden is located between 9th and 7th Streets NW on the National Mall. (more…)



Photo by PoPville flickr user angela n.

From the Smithsonian:

“As a public health precaution due to COVID-19 (coronavirus), all Smithsonian museums in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area and in New York City, including the National Zoo, will temporarily close to the public starting Saturday, March 14. (more…)



401 F Street, NW via the National Building Museum

From the National Building Museum:

“On March 13, 2020, the National Building Museum will reopen to the public following the completion of renovations to the historic Great Hall. The three-month-long project involved replacing the concrete floor with a modern foundation and was executed by the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA). A new exhibition, Alan Karchmer: The Architects’ Photographer, will open at the same time, along with popular long-term exhibitions like House & Home and PLAY WORK BUILD. (more…)



Photo by PoPville flickr user angela n.

From Smithsonian Gardens:

“Covering over four acres, the Enid A. Haupt Garden is situated between the Smithsonian Castle and Independence Avenue and has provided a welcomed respite for Smithsonian visitors since it opened in 1987 as part of the redesigned Castle quadrangle. Composed of the Parterre, the Moongate Garden, and the Fountain Garden, the Haupt Garden’s design brings together the cultures and architecture of the surrounding museums and buildings.

Independence Avenue SW and L’Enfant Plaza SW, Washington, DC


Photo by PoPville flickr user Robert Lintott

More magic: (more…)



Courtesy of Ota Fine Arts ©YAYOI KUSAMA
Photo by Cathy Carver

From the Hirshhorn:

“One with Eternity: Yayoi Kusama in the Hirshhorn Collection is a tribute to the life and practice of Yayoi Kusama, a visionary artist whose revelatory practice has captivated audiences around the world. Building on the Hirshhorn’s blockbuster 2017 exhibition Yayoi Kusama: Infinity Mirrors, this new exhibition affirms Kusama’s legacy within the Museum’s collection and art history with three significant new acquisitions. (more…)



Photo by PoPville flickr user Pablo Raw

From a press release:

“The 2019-2020 ice-skating season at the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden Ice Rink will begin November 15 and continue through March 15, weather permitting. Located on the National Mall between 7th and 9th Streets along Constitution Avenue NW, the ice rink remains a favorite DC destination, attracting thousands of visitors each year. (more…)



courtesy U.S. Botanic Garden

From an email:

“After three weeks of weaving work, the Patrick Dougherty sculpture at U.S. Botanic Garden is complete. The sculpture, woven from thousands of plant saplings and branches, stands 15-feet-tall and 25-feet-wide. Dougherty has titled the sculpture “O Say Can You See.” (more…)



via National Building Museum

Thanks to Theresa for sending: “Total bummer – this place is a lifesaver in the winter”

From the National Building Museum:

“In 2020, the National Building Museum celebrates its 40th Anniversary–an exciting milestone in a remarkable trajectory of service since 1980. During this landmark year, we will reimagine how visitors experience our mission to inspire curiosity about the world we design and build in thrilling new ways.

As a valued Member of the National Building Museum, we want you to be among the first to know that the Museum will undergo an extensive restoration to the Great Hall’s 19th-century flooring. This means thatwe will close to the public during this construction work on Monday, December 2, 2019 and reopen in March 2020. (more…)


View More Stories