With 79 museums and countless exhibits in Washington, DC, it can be hard to decide which to visit. Here’s my choice for the 5 Washington, DC exhibits you must see now at Hirshhorn, Renwick Gallery, Artechouse, and the National Building Museum.
Disclosure: My visits to these exhibits were courtesy of the Washington, D.C. Tourism Board and Artechouse as part of #BloggersTaketheCity. All opinions are 100% mine.
You get free admission to all exhibits except at the Artechouse and the National Building Museum.
5 Washington DC Exhibits You Must See Now
XYZT: Abstract Landscapes at Artechouse
If you only have time to see one museum when you visit Washington, DC, you should pick the XYZT: Abstract Landscapes at Artechouse.
Artechouse offers immersive art experiences for all ages. Blending art, science, and technology, Artechouse delivers a unique, unforgettable experience.
Once you start playing with each of the ten interactive light sculptures, you will never want to leave. They’ll have to drag you kicking and screaming from Artechouse.
Our favorite was the moving screen. Picture a funhouse mirror where your body changes shapes.
Missed out? See the XYZT: Abstract Landscapes October 14, 2017 through April 22, 2018 at the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, MA.
Artechouse
1238 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024
The Hive at the National Building Museum
Visit the National Building Museum to see a 60-foot hive shaped structure made from 2,700 industrial sized paper tubes. The three interlocking chambers create an unusual sound and light display. The Hive is in on exhibit through September 4, 2017.
The National Building Museum
401 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
202-272-2448
The Parallax Gap at the Renwick Gallery
Don’t think you like modern art? Think again. The exhibits at the Renwick Gallery will change your perception of modern art.
A visit to the Renwick Gallery is a trip for the mind, each installation will surprise and amuse you.
Upon entering, your eyes focus on the Parallax Gap, a suspended ceiling made of fabric using a 3D printer.
Strolling through the gallery you’ll discover Yuken Teruya’s Notice – Forest, a tree made from a McDonald’s Happy Meal bag.
Parallax Gap exhibit ends on February 11, 2018.
Renwick Gallery
1661 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20006
Ai WeiWei’s Trace at the Hirshhorn
Check out Trace at the Hirshhorn. Political artist Ai WeiWei used 1.2 million Legos to create mosaic portraits of 176 “prisoners of conscience and political exiles.” You’ll recognize familiar faces like Nelson Mandela, Edward Snowden, and Martin Luther King.
Trace is WeiWei’s way to honor those who have suffered imprisonment or death for expressing their opinions. He chose Legos because it’s one of the most popular toys.
Be sure to look up and check out the walls. The WeiWei designed wallpaper “The Plain Version of the Animal That Looks Like a Llama but Is Really an Alpaca” features handcuffs, security cameras, and the Twitter logo. Trace runs through January 1, 2018.
Hirshhorn Museum
Independence Ave, Washington, DC 20024
202-633-1000
Yoko Ono Wish Tree
Pay a visit to the Hirshhorn Sculpture Garden and add your wish to the Yoko Ono Wish Tree. The live exhibit has been on permanent display for 10 years. Write down your wish and attach it to the tree. Wishes are gathered nightly for burial at the Iceland Imagine Peace Tower.
Hirshhorn Sculpture Garden
Independence Ave, Washington, DC 20024
What are your 5 Washington, DC exhibits that you must see?
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Cathy
Thursday 31st of August 2017
I never saw the tree made of Happy Meal wrappers! A return trip to Washington is in order for us to hit more of the museums and revisit some of these favorites!