museum

Museum Minute is written by Elle O’Flaherty. Elle lives in Mt. Pleasant and previously wrote about Alternative Museum Activities.

This is going to be a bit of an odd museum recommendation, it’s only a recommendation if you’re in the neighborhood and have ten minutes to kill. With that disclaimer in place I feel comfortable letting you in on the semi-secret that many federal agencies have mini museums that are cool in a very low expectations kind of way. Regrettably, the Forestry Service museum – which is awesome and has an animatronic Smokey Bear – is closed for renovations. However, the picture above is from just across the street at the Department of Agriculture (1400 Jefferson Drive, SW on the Mall) where they hand out free tomato seed packets, which makes a quick drop-in worthwhile. There’s also a neat model of the future China pavilion in the National Arboretum if you’re interested in their development plans.

Further down Independence Avenue just past 12th Street you’ll find the Department of Energy’s mini museum (1000 Independence Ave., SW). This one is clearly nicer and has some pretty neat explanations of the development of the atomic bomb. There’s also a full-size wind turbine and some interesting information on advancements in clean energy. All the federal building museums that I am aware of are accessible to the public during normal business hours. I’d love to hear about any others that are worth checking out.

Freer Courtyard

Museum Minute is written by Elle O’Flaherty. Elle lives in Mt. Pleasant and previously wrote about the Smithsonian Associates.

Sometimes I forget that, in addition to the typical walk-through museum experience, the Smithsonian provides tons of free space for quiet reflection, working, and socializing if you find the right spot.  I hadn’t been to the Freer in years, but recently a colleague suggested we have a meeting in the museum’s courtyard.  As you can see from the picture above, the courtyard is centered on a gorgeous fountain with chairs and benches surrounding it.  The sound of the water was incredibly soothing and it made a nice change from the typical depressing conference room.  It’d also make a great lunch spot if you work nearby.

Hirshhorn room

Although the Freer courtyard is quiet and shady, it’s probably a bit hot for this time of year. While looking for cooler options I came upon a room in the Hirshhorn with panoramic views of the Mall, a bank of comfy chairs, and two big conference tables.  In fact, there was someone working on his laptop at one of the tables.  It seemed like an ideal location if you’re the type who needs some noise to do work (although you’d probably have to provide your own hotspot if you need an internet connection).  A couple of other interesting spaces came to mind (specifically, the National Portrait Gallery’s enclosed courtyard, which is a great spot for a date and they serve wine).  I’d love to hear about any others I should check out in the comments.

Museum Minute is written by Elle O’Flaherty. Elle lives in Mt. Pleasant and previously wrote about the National Museum of Health and Medicine.

People were unexpectedly bitter about Pluto’s downgrade in planetary status. I learned this while attending a lecture by Mike Brown a few years back whose work led to Pluto’s change in stature. Part of the Smithsonian Associates program, lectures like this one, classes, and other events are held several times a week (prices vary from free to over $100). Upcoming events that look especially fun are a sleepover at the Museum of Natural History, cocktails based on literature, and behind the scenes with the FBI.  Lectures are often held at the Ripley Center, pictured above, which is just to the right of the Smithsonian Castle.  I like that many of the events are in the evening, which is easier for those of us coming from work than typical museum hours.  They have a little bit of everything and it’s a fun way to meet nerdy folks with similar interests.

Museum Minute is written by Elle O’Flaherty. Elle lives in Mt. Pleasant and previously wrote about the Hillwood Estate.

Situated on the grounds of Walter Reed Ft. Detrick, the National Museum of Health and Medicine is a strange jumble of anatomical oddities and battlefield medicine.  The small, free museum houses slides of Einstein’s brain, the bullet that killed Lincoln, a surgically removed hairball, skeletons of all types, an elephantiasis sufferer’s leg, and more Civil War era bone cutting saws than you can shake a stump at.  In addition to loads and loads of the macabre, right now they have an exhibit on traumatic brain injuries which covers both war related and civilian injuries, including the controversy of concussions in professional sports.

NMHM only takes an hour or two to explore, but the ability to say “you’ll never believe what I saw this weekend” is worth it alone.  The museum is suitable for hardy kids and adults alike, but be warned that there is a large viewing window tucked in the back where staff carry out their work on weekdays.  All of their work.  The museum also has virtual exhibits that’ll give you conversational fodder without even hauling your keister to Forest Glen.

From a press release:

On November 14, 2013, the Newseum, in partnership with Paramount Pictures, will open “Anchorman: The Exhibit,” featuring props, costumes and footage from the 2004 hit comedy “Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy,” prior to the release of its highly anticipated sequel “Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues” from Paramount Pictures on December 20.

The original film, written by Will Ferrell & Adam McKay, directed by McKay, and starring Ferrell, Christina Applegate, Paul Rudd, Steve Carell and David Koechner, takes a comic look at a 1970s-era television newsroom and the legendary local anchorman who ruled it until a female reporter arrived to challenge the all-male news team. “Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues” reunites Ferrell and McKay with the original cast.

Included in “Anchorman: The Exhibit” will be costumes worn by the Channel 4 Evening News team and a number of original props from the movie, including Ron Burgundy’s jazz flute and the whip used by rival anchorman Arturo Mendez during the film’s memorable fight scene between rival news teams. The exhibit also includes a re-creation of the KVWN-TV anchor desk and news set where visitors can pose for photo ops.

“For millions of viewers, the news anchor represents the authority and credibility of television news. But anchormen and women also are popular targets for pop culture laughs,” said Cathy Trost, vice president of exhibits and programs at the Newseum. “The exhibit explores the reality behind the humor of “Anchorman” and tracks the rise of personality-driven news formats in the 1970s.”

Visitors to the exhibit also will have an opportunity to step in front of the camera and participate in an Anchorman-themed TV spot at one of the Newseum’s Be a TV Reporter stations. With lead anchor Ron Burgundy providing a snappy introduction, budding reporters can find out if they have what it takes to become a member of the Channel 4 News team. The exhibit also will feature clips from the movie and special commentary by Will Ferrell.

“I’m literally trapped in a glass case of emotion,” said Ron Burgundy, commenting on his inclusion in the museum’s exhibit.

“Anchorman: The Exhibit” will be on display at the Newseum through Aug. 31, 2014.

From an email:

WHAT
This summer, the National Building Museum brings back its popular indoor Mini Golf exhibition. The expanded attraction features two nine-hole courses, with all new holes designed and built by leading Washington-area architects, landscape architects, and contractors. The courses explore the architects’ and designers’ ideas for “Building the Future,” with twists and turns sure to challenge golfers young and old.

WHERE
National Building Museum
401 F Street NW
Washington, DC 20001
(Judiciary Square Metro, Red Line)

WHEN
Memorial Day (May 27, 2013) to Labor Day (September 2, 2013) during Museum hours. The Museum will also feature six “Mini Golf Late Night” evenings throughout the summer during which Mini Golf will remain open until 9 pm: June 6, June 27, July 11, July 24, August 8, and August 22.

Photo by PoPville flickr user Rukasu1

From a press release:

This Saturday, May 18, the Corcoran Gallery of Art and College of Art + Design in Washington, D.C. [500 17th Street NW] will participate in Art Museum Day, an initiative of the Association of Art Museum directors by providing visitors FREE admission to the Corcoran, Washington’s oldest museum.

Additionally, the Corcoran will offer free admission on Saturdays starting Memorial Day weekend and lasting all summer long, as part of its Free Summer Saturday promotion.

AAMD’s Art Museum Day coincides with International Museum Day, organized annually around the world by the International Council of Museums (ICOM). Participation by AAMD member museums emphasizes the lasting impact art museums have on their communities, highlights the value of visual arts in society, and provides opportunities for audiences to participate in wide-ranging programs and share their encounters with works of art.

There are many reasons to love the Corcoran, and free admission this Saturday is just one of them.