museum

“we will close to the public during this construction work on Monday, December 2, 2019 and reopen in March 2020”

By Prince Of Petworth


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…)

“After more than 11 years and nearly 10 million visitors, we will be closing Dec. 31, 2019”

By Prince Of Petworth


555 Pennsylvania Ave, NW. Photo by PoPville flickr user Tim Brown

Thanks to Hillary for sending:

“After more than 11 years and nearly 10 million visitors, we will be closing Dec. 31, 2019, but there is still time to visit.

You’re #OnDeadline to come and visit us for the FINAL time. Get 15% off tickets online!”

Ed. Note: In January we learned that Johns Hopkins University had acquired the property.

Last Chance for “Apollo 50: Go for the Moon” Projected on the Washington Monument Tonight

By Prince Of Petworth

“The public will be able to experience “Apollo 50: Go for the Moon” July 19 and 20 from viewing areas on the National Mall in front of the Smithsonian Castle between Ninth and 12th streets. The viewing area will be outfitted with full sound, projection screens and a 40-foot-wide recreation of the famous Kennedy Space Center countdown clock. The free show will run three times on both nights-9:30 p.m., 10:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. More information about the viewing area and show times can be found here, or text Apollo50GO to 888777 for live updates the day of the show.”

Thanks also to JJ for sharing some shots from last night: (more…)

“For three nights—July 16, 17 and 18—a full-sized, 363-foot Saturn V rocket will be projected onto the east face of the Washington Monument”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by Sarah Kane

Sarah writes last night: “Any idea what’s going on with the Washington Monument tonight??”

DC Boy writes us: “From this morning on my run into work. The picture doesn’t do it justice. It was very awe invoking.” (more…)

It’s Return of Blurbs from the Burbs!! Meet Glenstone “Smithsonian-level art and architecture, in a spectacular natural setting, at Smithsonian prices (free)”

By Prince Of Petworth

Blurbs from the ‘Burbs is written by Arlington resident Jeff Zeeman. After a brief six year sojourn, he’s back! You can see Jeff’s previous columns here.

Ed. Note: Thanks to commenters for clarifying public transit options – “Montgomery County Ride-On Bus 301 stops at Glenstone except on early morning trips before Glenstone is open.”

Glenstone is worth the journey (roughly 30 minutes from downtown D.C.) if you want to experience Smithsonian-level art and architecture, in a spectacular natural setting, at Smithsonian prices (free).  You must plan far in advance (visiting days are Thursday through Sunday, and tickets for July will be released on May 1st at 10:00 A.M. … I recommend logging on shortly thereafter), but it’s well worth it.  The art collection includes recognizable works from many of the most prominent contemporary artists – Warhol, Basquiat, Rothko, Jenny Holzer, Pollack, Jasper Johns, Rauschenberg, LeWitt, Ellsworth Kelly, Duchamp, De Kooning, Oldenburg, Hirst, Kusama, Bourgeois, Calder, Haring, and on and on – but also features some really interesting pieces from relatively obscure artists.  And the art collection is far from the only highlight, as the grounds, the staff, and in particular several dramatic outdoor works of art make any visit memorable and distinguishable from any other art viewing experience. (more…)

“Major Renovation Underway at National Air and Space Museum, Remains Open During Construction”

By Prince Of Petworth


via Air & Space

From the National Air & Space Museum:

“The Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum has begun the first major phase of the renovation of the building on the National Mall with the closure of nine galleries. Lane and sidewalk closures around the building on Jefferson Drive and Seventh Street began in early January and will remain in place for the next three years.

The exhibitions now closed are on the west side of the museum–“America by Air,” “Sea-Air Operations,” “Military Unmanned Aerial Vehicles,” “Golden Age of Flight,” “World War II Aviation,” “Jet Aviation” and “Legend, Memory and the Great War in the Air.” Some of the artifacts that are off display with these closures include the Douglas DC-3, Boeing 747 nose, Supermarine Spitfire Mk.VIII and the Hughes H1 Racer. The reopening of the west-wing galleries is scheduled for 2022.

On the east wing of the museum, “Apollo to the Moon” and “Looking at Earth” closed this past December.

The scope of the project requires the installation of barriers along the exterior perimeter, resulting in sidewalk and street lane closures. The following road and sidewalk segments are now in place: (more…)

“The Lawn will be an immersive installation taking up the entirety of the Museum’s Great Hall, and offer interactive experiences for all ages.”

By Prince Of Petworth

From the National Building Museum:

“July 4-September 2, 2019

The Museum is partnering with the LAB at Rockwell Group to present the 2019 Summer Block Party installation. The Lawn will be an immersive installation taking up the entirety of the Museum’s Great Hall, and offer interactive experiences for all ages. (more…)

We know how you feel.

By Prince Of Petworth

Intentional or unintentional? That is the question. Or does it even matter at this point…

Thanks to Jess for sending:

“I think the Newseum is flying the DC flag upside down? I mean, we are in distress, but…”

Fortunately the Newseum quickly replied:

“Whoops, you’re right. We are fixing it right now.”

Ed. Note: Don’t feet too bad it happens and happens to the best of ’em. (more…)

“The Second City is coming to the Smithsonian!”

By Prince Of Petworth

From an email:

“WHO: Smithsonian Associates Presents The Second City: Made in America (Some Assembly Required)

WHEN: Friday, Sept. 28
6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m.
tickets here.

WHERE: National Museum of Natural History

Baird Auditorium
10th St. & Constitution Ave., N.W.
Metro: Federal Triangle

The Secondy City is coming to the Smithsonian! A certified national comedy institution since 1959, (more…)

“Photograph of the Late Senator John S. McCain III by Steve Pyke On View at the National Portrait Gallery”

By Prince Of Petworth


Sen. John S. McCain III by Steve Pyke, 2005, inkjet print. National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution. © 2005, Steve Pyke.

From a press release:

“The Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery recognizes the life and legacy of late Senator and former presidential nominee John S. McCain III with a photograph by the British-born photographer Steve Pyke. The portrait will be installed this morning in the museum’s In Memoriam space on the first floor.

McCain, who was born in 1936, was an established politician and Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy. Before entering politics, he demonstrated great commitment to his country by enduring five-and-a-half years as a prisoner of war after his plane was shot down during the Vietnam War. Following his release from prison in 1973, he later relocated to Arizona where he began a career in politics. A long-time Republican, McCain was the winner of the party’s presidential nomination in 2008. His lifetime commitment to public service is marked by his two years in the House of Representatives and his work as a six-term elected Senator of Arizona. He also served as chairman of the Senate Committee on Armed Services. Despite his battle with brain cancer, McCain served in the Senate until his death. He is survived by his wife and seven children. (more…)

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