One of the many, many must see attractions in Washington DC is the beautiful Hirshhorn Museum which is part of the Smithsonian complex. Joseph H Hirshhorn endowed the museum during the 1960's with his vast collection of modern art. Today it is one of the "big five" modern art museums in the U.S.
The building itself is a modern work of art. It is shaped in a circle with the center open as a courtyard. The whole thing stands on four massive legs that hold it up from the ground level. It is said that the Smithsonian staff told the architects "that if it did not provide a striking contrast to everything else in the city, then it would be unfit for housing a modern art collection." I think they accomplished the task at hand.
6 comments:
It certainly does look very unique!
I have always liked this building.
What an interesting looking building that is.
Well, this is going on my "bucket" list! I remember Rodin's sculpture from the Rodin Museum in Paris. Very moving.
Such an unusual building!
I am really embarrassed. I have been to Washington many times, but I have never visited this museum. Maybe the fact that it is ugly influenced that decision.
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