National Gallery of Art, America's Treasure of Paintings, Sculpture and More
Written: Jan 27 '04 (Updated Jun 01 '04)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: It has an abundance of art and very quiet. The best part is it's FREE!!!
Cons: Parking is a problem here as in much of DC
The Bottom Line: Whether in DC for a day or making some time of it, you must stop in.
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| popsrocks's Full Review: National Gallery of Art |
I have been fortunate enough to visit the National Gallery of Art about once a year for the last ten to fifteen years.
It was my wife, an art educator and artist who first introduced me to some of it's fine works. Business brings me down to DC from NY once or twice per year on my own. At these times I still try to make a visit.
TWO MAIN BUILDINGS and MORE
The National Art Gallery is basically comprised of two building. The West Building that opened in 1941 holds many art works from the 13th to the 20th century. The other building is the East Building that holds modern art. It was built more recently in 1978. Both buildings, though constructed years apart, and having very different architectural styles, have the same lavender/pink Tennessee Marble for all its outside structure. I had even read that the marble was from the same quarry.
West Building
The building and many of its first contributed works were made possible by Andrew Mellon a philanthropist that earned his fortune through our nations industrial growth.
The building was designed by architect John Pope who used domes in many of his creations. The Jefferson Memorial and the National Archives Building are two other examples of his work in DC.
Just a side note, the Archives building has just reopened after going through a two years renovation that included a wheelchair accessible ramp and the resetting of the Three Charters of Freedom. That includes The Declaration of Independence, The Constitution of the United States, and The Bill of Rights.
I had a bit of time to see it last week and the domed room now has these great documents displayed where everyone can see them. Children and those confined to wheelchairs now have an excellent view of these treasures. This was not possible with the prior layout.
The West Building of the art gallery is immense. The domed building best shows it's grandeur from the Mall side entrance, not the Constitution Ave side. The grand stairs and columns of polished marble are beautifully lighted by the afternoon sun behind you as you enter.
If you study the building you may notice there are no windows. That is to keep the suns harmful rays away from the works inside. There is indirect lighting upstairs through skylights.
This building holds many paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, and graphic arts of which all were private contributions. It is considered one of the best museums in the world holding American and European Art. The building, security and maintenance are run by the government.
At the Mall entrance area you can rent audio tours for $5.00. Over the years I have learned that this is the best way to be introduced to works of art if live tours are not available.
Most of the American and European art can be seen on the main floor. Italian, Flemish, Greek, and Spanish art are located in over 100 rooms, halls and galleries.
I like this museum as compared to New York's MET, Metropolitan Museum of Art for it's peaceful atmosphere. Never have I been to this museum when it feels "busy".
I believe this make the experience of looking at and studying the works of masters like Rembrant, Leonardo da Vinci, Peter Paul Rubens, Monet, Degas, Dali, and Renoir among others, even more satisfying.
I haven't noticed school field trips here as in NYC. This is good if you like a quiet visit, at the same time, I love the fact that many students in NYC do have the opportunity to experience great art within the walls of the magnificent MET.
It could take days, even weeks, to study all the pieces going from room to room.
Every year, besides business taking me to DC, my wife and I, along with one or two of our five children, join the Right to Life March in January. We go down with a group from our church. Midway through the march we have used the gallery as a "rest stop". When you enter the Constitution Ave entrance, the march goes along this avenue, you come in on the ground floor. This is also where wheelchair access to the building is.
If you go straight ahead you would find the Garden Cafe. This is a wonderful place to sit down and have a light lunch. Unfortunately it is closed right now due to renovation on other parts of the building.
The museum does have three other cafe's to stop by. There are clean restrooms here and throughout the museum. This area also has some benches for those with weary feet from touring all day.
Another note I would like to make is that for the next two years different parts of the museum will be closed from time to time due to renovation. I suggest you call ahead if there are any particular works or wings you would like to visit.
This ground level also has much in the history of art on paper and holds most of the museums sculptures. The rooms are large with a lot of space for each piece.
Going east through the same ground level takes you through the gift shop. It is one of the finest looking, well organized and inviting museum stores I have ever seen. Again, even when the mall is busy there is a sense of tranquility throughout the building. Be sure to check out some of the books, prints, framed works, and beautiful jewelry that they offer. What I like is that nothing is any higher than waist high. You can look through the shop to the outside walls with nothing hindering the open view.
One other stop we always make in the building on this anniversary day of the Roe vs. Wade decision is a stop to see Salvador Dali's Last Supper. This painting always amazes me! I could study it for hours.
Be sure to see the gallery on the east wing of the West Building on the ground floor. This is near the museum store. They have a display of black and white photos showing the construction of the museum. This interested me, perhaps it may interest you too.
The East Building
The other building that is part of the National Art Gallery is the East building. This building also donated by the Mellon family and other personal funds holds the modern art of the National Art Gallery.
This building can be approached from the west building by an underground moving walkway with sky lighting from the street level. This concourse is perfect during inclement weather. It is a gallery of sorts in its own way. Though it is very interesting I must say you have to see the open area between the two buildings that has some sculptures but more importantly a great view of the of the East Building. It was constructed in 1978 and is really quite a wonder of architecture.
This look into the future continues inside. It is quite grand with its triangular shapes that move under, around and above you. The escalator, one of the longest I've seen and open to view by all, takes you to the top levels and all that the museum has to offer there. There is also a bridge. It's is an exciting room to be in.
The main lobby with it's high and wide atrium ceilings and huge hanging mobile is truly tribute to fine modern art.
I have not spent a lot of time in the galleries of this part of the museum however let me suggest that if you are touring the mall area even for just a day, be sure to at least stop in the lobby area. It is a short walking distance from the Capitol Building and is on the way to The National Museum of American History, Natural History, and the Washington Monument area. It's well worth a stop in!!
As with all the entrances large bags, pocketbooks and backpacks are screened. Backpacks may not be worn on the back while in the museum. They can be checked. You can also check your coat. The museum is at a comfortable climate controlled temperature to protect the art. I prefer walking around without the burden of a heavy coat. There is no charge.
Photos may be taken throughout the museum, flash or not, unless specifically noted. Cell phones and food are not permitted in the galleries.
Strollers and wheel chairs have access throughout the building. The museum even has some that are available on a first come first served basis.
As I mentioned earlier, all the art in the museum was donated or purchased with private funds. The East Wings Modern Art is continually growing in its collection. There is a committee that decides what art they feel is representative of the best, rated in many different ways, of our time.
I don't believe I mentioned that unlike most NYC museums, there is no charge to enter and enjoy all the museums have to offer. Yes, they are FREE!
Special Exhibits
This museum is constantly bringing in works of art. The shows usually last a month or two. Please see the web site for more information about them.
http://www.nga.gov/ginfo/geninfo.htm
This is an excellent site and you can take a tour to see more specifically the different art pieces that are on display throughout the two wings of the museum.
Sculpture Garden and Skating Rink
On the west side of the west wing is the sculpture garden. This is worth a look at any time of year. In the summer it is a delightful area to stroll around and see the fountain. You can also get some good views of the Washington Monument from there.
In the colder winter months the fountain area makes way for an ice skating rink. I have notice many people enjoying the brisk air with a little skating exercise over the years. Most just skate in circles but at times you may see some real figure skating. I have yet to do it myself. They do rent skates for a nominal fee and do charge for ice time. They have outside music too.
Other DC reviews by popsrocks
The Washington Monument
Lincoln Memorial
The Vietnam Memorial
The Korean War Memorial
The National World War II Memorial This is a new major memorial that will be dedicated this May 2004
The National Archives This has just reopened and it's bigger and better!!
The National Air and Space Museum
Washington DC
Fairmont Washington Hotel
The Old Ebbit Grill Good Eats near the White House
Passport to your National Parks
Recommended:
Yes
Best Time to Travel Here: Anytime
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