museum

“Catholic University Architecture Students Build Soaring Spaceframe in the National Building Museum’s Great Hall”

By Prince Of Petworth


rendering via National Building Museum

From the National Building Museum (401 F Street, NW):

“Architecture students from The Catholic University of America will build a massive floating spaceframe in the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C., using sustainable materials and new technology that was designed in part by a student and professor at the University.

This new approach could revolutionize spaceframe design and construction to be more sustainable, efficient, flexible, and affordable. Spaceframes appear in everything from geodesic domes and long-span roofs to solar arrays, aerospace systems, stadiums, and entertainment venues like The Sphere in Las Vegas.

The Catholic University students will build The Wave, a soaring 180-by-55-foot, 4,300-pound recycled aluminum spaceframe in the National Building Museum’s Great Hall from Dec. 18 to 19, 2025. The completed installation will be on view from Dec. 27, 2025 through Feb. 8, 2026. (more…)

“The National Building Museum is delighted to welcome back the Winter Skate Spectacular”

By Prince Of Petworth

From the National Building Museum:

“This season, the National Building Museum is delighted to welcome back the Winter Skate Spectacular—returning for its second year in an even bigger, better, and brighter form.

This one of a kind, indoor synthetic ice-skating experience transforms the Museum’s Great Hall into a winter wonderland where visitors of all ages can skate beneath the soaring Corinthian columns. Events will include early hours for younger skaters, themed nights, festive snacks and drinks, and more!

From lively after-hours events for adults to joyful moments for families, there’s plenty to keep the spirit of the holidays alive well into the new year.

WHEN: (more…)

Alert, Alert, Alert – Zoo Reopens Saturday!! Plus More Museum Reopening Updates

By Prince Of Petworth


photo by LaTur

From the Smithsonian:

“Smithsonian museums, research centers, and the National Zoo are reopening on a rolling basis by Monday, Nov. 17. We look forward to seeing you! More info below.

Reopening on Friday, Nov. 14
National Museum of American History
National Air and Space Museum and the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center

Reopening on Saturday, Nov. 15
National Museum of African American History and Culture
National Museum of African Art
National Museum of Asian Art
National Zoo

Reopening on Saturday, Nov. 15 at 12 p.m. ET
National Museum of Natural History

All museums, with the exception of our National Museum of Natural History, are reopening at their regular times. Please note, museums will have limited food service offerings.”

Smithsonian Museums (and Zoo) Reopening Update!!

By Prince Of Petworth

From the Smithsonian:

“The Smithsonian will reopen the National Museum of American History, the National Air and Space Museum, and the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center on Friday, Nov. 14. All other museums, research centers, and the National Zoo will reopen on a rolling basis by Monday, Nov. 17. (more…)

“The Watergate Museum Corporation Opens Pop-up Portrait Gallery”

By Prince Of Petworth


“Picture of Laurie Munn standing before her paintings in the Watergate Museum “pop-up” gallery.”

From the Watergate Museum (2542 Virginia Ave, NW):

“The Watergate Museum Corporation is pleased to announce that it recently opened a “pop-up” portrait gallery of the individuals associated with the Watergate scandal. Painted by artist Laurie Munn, these 82 original portraits feature key players in the 1972 break-in and cover up, the Nixon administration, and the 1970’s. This is the only time that all of the portraits have been exhibited together. The location is the Watergate Retail Plaza (lower level), 2542 Virginia Ave NW. The hours are: (more…)

National Gallery of Art already closed and “If the government shutdown continues past Oct. 11, Smithsonian locations will be closed beginning on Sunday, Oct. 12.”

By Prince Of Petworth

Thanks to Yariv for passing on from NGA:

“The National Gallery of Art is temporarily closed and all programs are canceled until further notice. Check back for more updates.”

And an update from the Smithsonian National Zoo:

“Smithsonian museums, research centers, and the National Zoo are open today and will remain open through our scheduled closing time on Saturday, Oct. 11. (more…)

Speaking of Museums – “National Museum of Women in the Arts open during shutdown, free for federal employees”

By Prince Of Petworth


“National Museum of Women in the Arts, 13th Street and New York Avenue, NW Photo by John Mannarino”

From the National Museum of Women in the Arts:

“During the current federal government shutdown, the collection and exhibitions at the National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA) remain open.

We recognize the challenges many in our community may face during this time. As a gesture of solidarity and support, for the duration of the shutdown, NMWA will offer free admission to any furloughed federal government employees. (more…)

“National Gallery Nights Returns to the East Building This Fall”

By Prince Of Petworth


photo courtesy National Gallery of Art

Good news from the National Gallery of Art:

“The National Gallery of Art’s popular National Gallery Nights after-hours program returns to the East Building in fall 2025 with three vibrant evenings of art, music, and creative exploration. Join us on the second Thursday of September, October, and November from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. for a new season of free, themed events.

This season’s programs Back to School, Strike a Pose, and Art Under the Stars invite visitors to explore the National Gallery through the lens of self-expression, learning, and community. Enjoy after-hours access to exhibitions, hands-on activities, pop-up performances, and unexpected surprises throughout the night.

As with all National Gallery programs, (more…)

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