ET125a – Modernism on the Mall: Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden Revitalization

Additional fee, registration required.

How can you preserve a mid-century modern icon on the National Mall while enabling it to support the evolving needs of a world-class museum focused on presenting contemporary art?

This tour will highlight the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, designed by Gordon Bunshaft and opened in 1974. Approaching 50 years since its initial construction, the National Museum of Modern Art is undergoing a three-phase revitalization.

The Smithsonian Facilities/Hirshhorn Team will lead a walking tour of the museum site, discussing the recently completed envelope repair project, the Sculpture Garden revitalization under construction, and the museum and plaza revitalization project currently in the design phase. Tour is not accessible

Learning Objectives

1. Identify design strategies developed to adapt a Modernist historic resource for a modern and contemporary art museum with a robust and active exhibition program.
2. Understand the rigorous external review processes that shape projects in D.C.
3. Consider the impacts of extensive material replacement on the integrity of an historic resource.
4. Assess the sequencing and site logistics of projects on an occupied campus to maximize public use.

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