Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden

Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden

Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
4
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
About
Part of the Smithsonian Institution, the Hirshorn Museum features an exciting collection of 20th-century art and its companion scultpture garden is not to be missed.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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The area
Address
How to get there
  • L'Enfant Plaza • 4 min walk
  • Smithsonian • 7 min walk
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See what travellers are saying
  • Alejandro B
    Ottawa, Canada971 contributions
    Prefer sculpture garden to exhibits inside the museum
    Technically, the sculpture garden outside of the Hirshhorn is part of the modern art museum. For me, however, they feel like two different places, as the outdoor collection of statues are my favourite part of the museum by far. While I found the exhibits inside the museum to be uneven, I throughly enjoyed all of the sculptures in the garden. Overall, the garden is a wonderful place to enjoy art and go for a short stroll.
    Visited December 2022
    Travelled solo
    Written December 18, 2022
  • Eugene
    10 contributions
    Family of 5 in DC.
    We went as a family of 5 because of the Kusama exhibit and it was well worth it. Great museum that isn't too large and can easily be managed. Friendly staff helps with questions. The sculpture garden is wonderful and very enjoyable.
    Visited December 2022
    Travelled with family
    Written December 28, 2022
  • AggieJoe79
    Haymarket, Virginia1,001 contributions
    Should have been visiting years ago
    We've been in the DC area over five years now, visited many of the great Smithsonian museums, but somehow never made it here before. My son went to school at the Savannah College of Art and Design, so his visit was natural. I expected a variety of unique art on posted on the walls, but did not anticipate there would be huge colors taking over major sections. I did not know how much China's art would take a large role. The areas that took the most attention were huge 'movies' of painting on a wide range of topics. This will be worth more trips.
    Visited December 2022
    Written December 30, 2022
  • Joseph M
    East Sandwich, Massachusetts2,172 contributions
    Great Modern Art
    If you like modern art - don't miss the Hirshhorn. Interesting mix of art that includes some big installations and multi-media. Interesting building from another era, and the museum isn't as big as it looks. Always adding new works - so much of what we saw in the past was different from what we saw on this visit.
    Visited January 2023
    Written February 6, 2023
  • BRUCE H
    Green Valley, Arizona710 contributions
    Are we suckers?
    I find very little about "modern art" to be worthwhile, and much of it to be easily mocked. The most interesting exhibit to me was about women in art -- which, if expanded, gets at the underlying politics of what gets hyped and sold as "good" art. I understand pushing boundaries, but I question the value of public art that is so far removed from what one might display at home that it leads me to question whether some of this "art" is actually playing the viewer for a sucker. As an introduction to modern art, though, a visit to the Hirshhorn might be worthwhile if quickly followed by reading critical reviews.
    Visited March 2023
    Written April 1, 2023
  • Rachel
    Washington DC, District of Columbia23 contributions
    Weird and wonderful
    The Hirshhorn offers exhibitions that are a bit “other” but always inspire. I’ve seen the best new media art shows here and the building is the coolest. Walk for a long time and end up in the same place. #life!
    Visited March 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written April 20, 2023
  • Scott H
    11 contributions
    Nice if you have extra time and nothing else to do, worth a stop in.
    Been to DC many many times, but never went till this week. Had some times as my tickets were not right time for Air and Space center, so this was near it and I went. Mostly modern art and Asian photography and art in there. There's some sculpture outside. Outside not that pretty compared to most other museums and the building is a bit of an eye sore if you ask me, but the art was decent. You won't find European masterworks here etc but this is more contemplative art. A couple special exhibits were impactful. I think you could do this museum in an hour. Two if you are realllly into it. It's not a huge museum. Two floors is all I think it was.
    Visited June 2023
    Written June 14, 2023
  • Peace Girl
    Saint Augustine Beach, Florida18 contributions
    A lovely museum.
    This was smaller than I expected, but the trip advisor suggested time for the visit was exactly right. There were several exhibits that were designed for the space that were really fascinating. The round design of the building lends itself to function as it makes it very logical to travel thru the exhibits. And don't forget to check out the sculptures around the entrance.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written October 1, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions

4.0
910 reviews
Excellent
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272
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121
Poor
51
Terrible
36

knowsnyc
113 contributions
Nov. 2023 • Couples
The third floor Simone Leigh exhibit is excellent and expansive. Highly recommend it. Tremendous views of the rest of the mall, too.
Written November 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

federico l
Milan, Italy6 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Solo
Fascinating exhibition center, with multiple, thought-provoking installations and a beautiful garden of sculpture.
Only disappointment the cafeteria which is a unnecessary rip off ($9 for an almond croissant)
Written October 15, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Peace Girl
Saint Augustine Beach, FL18 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Friends
This was smaller than I expected, but the trip advisor suggested time for the visit was exactly right. There were several exhibits that were designed for the space that were really fascinating. The round design of the building lends itself to function as it makes it very logical to travel thru the exhibits. And don't forget to check out the sculptures around the entrance.
Written October 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Luckydriver
Reading, PA191 contributions
Aug. 2023 • Couples
There was an exhibit called purple which had a movie that had six big screens for you to look at and I think it was at least 45 minutes long. Very disturbing images and just things I was not expecting to see also in an adjacent gallery another exhibit was what I would just call some not so pleasant things to see. Although these things may be reality it is not what I prefer to see so my rating is based solely on those things. But if you like to see disturbing things i recommend the museum. There was one fun exhibit where somebody wrote All over the walls and the ceiling
Written August 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

S R
7 contributions
Aug. 2023 • Solo
This museum offers unique perspectives. I see it every time that I travel to Washington. It's a place that reminds you that art is limitless and requires the tenacity of the individual to bring a vision to completion.
Written August 11, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Anna I
Richmond11 contributions
Feb. 2023
Very unique art, and even the tables used by the museum lobby are remarkable. My children really enjoyed the souvenir shop as well, we got awesome mugs, pencils, and keychains.
Written July 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Scott H
Charlotte, United States11 contributions
Jun. 2023
Been to DC many many times, but never went till this week. Had some times as my tickets were not right time for Air and Space center, so this was near it and I went. Mostly modern art and Asian photography and art in there. There's some sculpture outside. Outside not that pretty compared to most other museums and the building is a bit of an eye sore if you ask me, but the art was decent. You won't find European masterworks here etc but this is more contemplative art. A couple special exhibits were impactful. I think you could do this museum in an hour. Two if you are realllly into it. It's not a huge museum. Two floors is all I think it was.
Written June 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Cammy L
2 contributions
May 2023
I'm sorry to say the Hirshhon Museum, in particular the Yayoi Kusama section, was one of the most disappointing museum experiences I've had.

Tickets were difficult to get as they only allow bookings from 12.00 the day before. We think that's red tape as no other museums nearby need to do this.

Inside, the staff looked tired and dark faced. The shop has a front display of a t-shirt selling at US$95! So we know, they only welcome the biggest spenders.

To our negative surprise, again, the Kusama exhibits were housed in two small enclosed rooms. Each group of visitors was only allowed in for 1 minute, and that was after being read a long list of rules, and told to leave all bags, including handbags, outside.

We barely had time to take one photo (not even two) in each of those little rooms, let alone any chance to appreciate the art works.

The worst came at the 2nd room. We were just in for seconds before a woman opened the door and popped in her blank face. She said "Times Up" and gestured for us to leave.

So we left immediately, no turning back. We only kept wondering what has made Hirshhorn such a commercial and disoriented place?

I hope Hirshhorn can find its way back to the three basic elements of true art - equity, inclusion and belonging.

***

Fortunately, our visits to the other museums and galleries along the Mall were very enjoyable. Bookings were a lot easier with them. We felt free and welcome to explore the place, and were supported by the very nice staff there. Thank you.
Written May 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Rachel
Washington DC, DC23 contributions
Mar. 2023 • Friends
The Hirshhorn offers exhibitions that are a bit “other” but always inspire. I’ve seen the best new media art shows here and the building is the coolest. Walk for a long time and end up in the same place. #life!
Written April 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

teknoge3k
Rocky Mount, VA1,493 contributions
Apr. 2023
Let me preface my review by stating, I have absolutely zero interest in art. It bores me to death, as well as my wife and kids.

We were in DC going around The Mall checking out the museums. We had some time to kill before going to the monument so we stopped at the Hirshhorn Museum to check it out. It had some pretty neat pieces in it. Especially the black and white room with the crow statue. That was really neat! There are some other cool art pieces in here that was worth seeing. This is a pretty good museum and if you're into art, then I would recommend going!
Written April 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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HIRSHHORN MUSEUM AND SCULPTURE GARDEN - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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