Hirshhorn Museum

This was a spectacular place to visit. The building itself is impressive. The only disappointment during this visit was the fountain in the center wasn't working. The one video that was playing with 3 different screens really hit the senses. Overall would definitely go back when new additions are added.

The Hirschhorn is described as a leading world voice of contemporary art that provides a national platform for the art and artists of today and tomorrow. With thousands of art exhibits in its collection, this multi storied modern architectural marvel is brimming with art and stories awaiting your discovery. Plenty of seating, a cafe, souvenir shop, good wifi and even places to charge your phone - this is a good place to spiritually and literally recharge your batteries. Download the Hirschhorn eye, an app that, with a simple scan, provides background and interesting information about the art you are admiring. Definitely a must see!

Excellent exhibits focused on more unique mediums than just painting

The exhibit on photography and self expression in China was AMAZING

Good descriptions and context given for a lot of the work to help interpret

Unique circular layout makes for interesting exhibit setups

Amazing experience ! The art work is incredible. I am not a geek about art nor I understand art. But it was an amazing experience. The contemporary photographer was like never seen before. The four talk room was an eye opener, there were so many messages to the new world that we live in and portrayed in such a beautiful way. A must visit museum in DC and it’s free. We missed the show because we didn’t know we had to buy the tickets - which is free though. Next time we will make sure we get the tickets and see the show.

We had a truly unique experience in this walk-through of the wonderfully weird and I would easily rank it amongst my favorite of the DC museums. The curved layout creates an even further sense of wonderment for each exhibit and leaves guests wondering just what on Earth might be around the next corner.

Though many of the pieces are undeniably thought-provoking, others are so abstract that it makes you wonder if YOU are the one on display. I just imagine a focus group watching me to see if I fall for their joke.

The highlight was undoubtedly the Yayoi Kusama collection. Those gnarly orbs are an attraction in itself, but overall offer an interactive experience that makes you feel as if you're walking through her mind.

TIP: Grab your tickets to the Kusama exhibit BEFORE walking through the museum and grab your coffee or tea AFTER walking through, as food & drink aren't allowed. You wouldn't believe how many people we saw make that mistake.

A fun museum of modern art, smaller than the other Smithsonians. Visiting probably takes less than a day. Like all the others, it is free. Just a warning, the collection is entirely, relentlessly modern, so if that isn't an aesthetic you enjoy, you might want to consider some other destination. It probably also won't be high on the list if you're trying to do the standard dc patriotic circuit. The architecture of the building and the surrounding gardens and sculptures contribute wonderfully to the impact of a visit. Too bad the main sculpture garden has been under repair for so long.

Beautiful place, well maintained and decent customer service. Major chunk of the museum was under renovation but the other part is worth visiting. Loved the art work. My favourite is the entire room by Laurie Anderson’s work FOUR TALK. It is awe inspiring. The museum is small than the other DC museums but I would still put this museum in my itinerary. The cafe inside is okay so good to have your breakfast before visiting the museum. Highly recommended.

The staff are very nice, professional and friendly.
The guards do not shout at people, which is awesome (other museums in DC, guards shout at you for random rules of the museum which is extremely unprofessional).
The kids activities the museum has every couple moths are really entertaining and keep the kids busy for at least 20~25 mins.
The exhibits are few but some are interactive, well laid out and interesting.
There’s a small coffee shop with a few pastries on the first floor as well.
Will def be back!

This museum itself looks like a work of art. Even though it appears quite large from the outside, I managed to finish viewing all the exhibitions in about 1 hour. The artworks on display mostly leaned towards modern styles, and as someone without much artistic background, I didn't fully understand some pieces, but overall, it was a great experience.

I think all museums should be built as big circles like this or the Guggenheim -- it just makes them so pleasant and easy to navigate.

Building aside, this museum was fantastic. The galleries were very well curated and thematically organized, with a nice range of pieces.

The facade is currently under construction but the museum is open, though when I visited the second floor was closed for installations. The kusama exhibition currently on the first floor is awesome, though it's definitely best to show up early or at a weird time to avoid lines, and you only get about a minute in the mirror rooms (it's still worth it!).

very nice museum!! the building is really beautiful and you can even see the Capitol!

Great (and free!!) modern art museum with an interesting "cylindric" architecture and a sculpture garden. While the building is very big, the visit doesn't take that much time: the different art pieces are not close to each others which enables the visitor to appreciate each piece for itself, unlike certain other museums where you are overwhelmed by the quantity of exhibitions to visit and art pieces to look at. It makes the art "breathe" which is highly appreciated.

This museum is incredible. So many cutting edge artists throughout the building. However, be prepared for a mall walk. They had a Mark Bradford installation on the top floor, and getting around it is like walking a full-scale track!!! But it's worth it!

Amazing art gallery. The outside sculpture gardens are worth the visit alone. The architecture of the building is so unique and leads to interesting displays. We caught the last day of the Yayoi Kusama infinite displays for 2023 and it was so cool especially the dark one with the lights. Rest of the gallery had some cool stuff especially Laurie Anderson's Four Talks.

I had always wanted to visit the Yayoi Kusama exhibit. This time I had my chance. I have some mobility issues, but this venue is handicap accessible, with ramps, escalators, and elevators. You will need to check any bags that you bring in. The staff is very friendly and helpful. And that was just having my bag checked on the entrance. The exhibit was exquisite. There are other exhibits as well. Some of these have a grey stripe on the floor. Do not pass these stripes, because it is an alarm. It's for the protection of the artwork, but the grey stripes are hard to see. (My husband stepped on one by accident). I really enjoyed the flow of this museum. You can easily move from one display to another. The only thing I wish it that there were more bathrooms. I had to leave from the top floor to get to the bathroom in the basement.

Tips: If you have timed tickets, get there 15-30 minutes ahead of time. Leave the snacks in the car. L'Enfant Plaza has plenty of parking and is nearby, but it's expensive ($30 on a Sunday). Be prepares to spend a lot of time (so comfy shoes). Have a great time and remember, if you have kids, ask them how they feel/what they are thinking about what they see. I will take my niece and nephew here one day.

My favorite museum in DC! I love that the exhibits change out and you can revisit it months later and it can be whole new art. It was pretty crowded though for a Saturday, so plan accordingly. I used to work nearby and used to go there on my lunch sometimes and enjoyed eating my lunch in the court yard. It's big but not overwhelming. It's such a diverse group of eclectic thought provoking art from varioua artists.

We love it here, this was the first time bringing our kids, 2 toddlers and the place was manageable with one stroller for the 2 year old. We did have to leave it out for the Kusama exhibit but there was a hall with reserved stroller parking. We reserved our timed entry passes for the exhibit the day before and that was a seamless easy process. Also the beanbag chairs in the exhibit with the projection screens going were a life saver, our kids loved them which gave us adults time to actually process the art. Thanks!

An amazing art museum that really made you *feel* the art and the emotions they bring up. I recommend the 12.30 free tour as you learn a lot more than just personally viewing. The special exhibits require free tickets do to space. They are released the day before at 12pm online. So plan in advance or you'll have to come another day foe the special exhibit, like me. There's a simple cafe and great gift shop and some kids activities as well.

Absolutely incredible, the Hirshhorn Museum in Washington DC is an incredible institution that is definitely worth a visit. We visited as a family in 2023 spring break time with a family of four.
The museum boasts a wide range of exhibits, from contemporary art to sculpture, that are sure to captivate visitors of all ages and backgrounds.
The Hirshhorn is home to an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art, including works by some of the most important artists of the 20th and 21st centuries.
The museum's unique architecture and design make for a truly memorable experience, with spacious galleries and natural light that create a sense of openness and tranquility.
As soon as you visit you feel the museum's exhibitions are expertly curated, showcasing a diverse array of artists and styles that provide a thought-provoking and enriching experience for all who visit.
Whether you're a seasoned art lover or a curious newcomer, the Hirshhorn offers a wealth of educational opportunities, including guided tours, lectures, and workshops, that are sure to enhance your understanding and appreciation of contemporary art.

A visit to the Hirshhorn Museum is definitely a day well spent. With its engaging exhibits, unforgettable artwork, and inspiring atmosphere, the museum offers a truly enriching experience that will stay with you long after your visit.

Great museum of modern art, covering mostly contemporary works of artists in 20th century.
Staff is helpful and courteous. Free admission. One can find oneself get lost in this round building for at least two hours.