Smithsonian American Art Museum
Written: Mar 21 '07 (Updated Mar 28 '07)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: All schools of American art framed by an incredible building.
Cons: Nothing worth noting.
The Bottom Line: My tour of this museum has inspired me to return with my wife. The magnificent building with portico reflecting a feeling of the Parthenon is also one to see.
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| popsrocks's Full Review: Smithsonian American Art Museum |
Smithsonian American Art Museum is housed in a recently renovated and grand building constructed in 1842. The building was also the site of President Abraham Lincoln's second inaugural ball. That was of particular interest to me after earlier in the day visiting Ford's Theater where Lincoln was shot just a few short blocks away. More recently it was the Old Patent Office Building.
The museum is a collection of American Artists work. Some where not born in America but lived their lives as Americans in this country. Though all the work is by American Artists not all their work was that of America or Americans. I can say, after visiting the museum, that the great majority of the museum is of places and people in America.
A Tour
I had limited time and went on a one hour plus tour and then had a little time to myself. It was excellent! The guide first brought us to a hall with American landscapes. Many of the places I recognised or knew. Maine and Long Island, two places I love were depicted in paintings. She explained that the different styles and "schools" represented and would receive greater detail as the tour went on. It was good that the guide stuck to that plan as it helped understand what was in the artwork more clear. The tour was excellent giving much information in a pleasant and easy to understand manner.
Folk Art was touched on and explained as the collection there of artists that did not have formal training. This was worth a look even if I did feel some work could have been done by my children.
Going Through the American Experience
The collection on the second floor started with Colonial art and moves through the many changes and expressions of American art. This includes nineteenth-century landscape, American impressionism with the third floor dedicated to twentieth-century realism and abstraction. We did see some pieces that belonged to the Smithsonian Portrait Museum that also calls the massive building home.
We were then brought into just a few of the many rooms of American Art. I was particularly drawn to some of the Hudson School of Art pieces on display including Frederick Church and Thomas Cole. I am familiar with the Hudson river and many of their works depict its beauty.
There were many cultural expressions in art on display that showed the great diversity of this nation. I liked that.
I was struck by the many images of American Indians in the "George Catlin's Indian Gallery" that is displayed over a staircase. I wasn't happy that I couldn't get a closer look at the paintings though.
I enjoyed the time our guide shared in discussing the painting Cape Cod Morning by Edward Hopper. It's striking in its colour and mood. I saw but one of the Wyeth family paintings, Andrew Wyeth's Dodges Ridge.I don't know if there were others by him NC or Jamie. I couldn't find them in my brief visit.
The tour was able to take us through each of the styles of art with a bit of background given told. Though I don't "get" some modern art, the displays and art on the third floor was well worth a good look. That included a number of expressive art pieces using light.
Closing Thoughts
Both a Gift Shop and a Book Store were in the building. The elevators and clean restrooms made for a comfortable visit. I don't recall any restaurant or snack shops. I would call if need be but there are local restaurants nearby. I did think that the 11:30 opening a bit late but It worked well with an earlier visit to the nearby Ford's Theater and the International Spy Museum. All is within close walking distance. I also visited the nearby Navy Memorial just behind the Archives Building on Pennsylvania Ave.
I look forward to returning to this museum with my wife an artist and art educator. I'm not sure if she would want a tour or not. It was perfect for me.
The renovation of the building places the art in an inspired location. The lighting used to enhance the art was unobtrusive. I truly did like the way the building was used to frame the art. It's a must see if in DC.
Washington DC and all it has to Offer
Smithsonian Institution
Spy City Cafe
The National Archives This has just reopened and it's bigger and better!!
US Navy Memorial Just a block or two from the American Museum of Art
Recommended:
Yes
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