The Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden is an art museum located in Washington, DC on the National Mall and designed by architect Gordon Bunshaft. It is part of the Smithsonian Institution. Its collection focuses on contemporary and modern art. Outside the museum is a sculpture garden, featuring works by artists including Auguste Rodin and Alexander Calder.

The building itself is as much of an attraction as anything inside, likened by many to a large spacecraft parked on the National Mall. The building is essentially an open cylinder elevated by four massive "legs", with a large fountain occupying the central courtyard. The Smithsonian staff reportedly told Gordon Bunshaft, prior to designing the building, that if it did not provide a striking contrast to everything else in the city, then it would be unfit for housing a modern art collection.

Gallery

Image:Hirshhorn Museum (center).jpg|The museum's central courtyard Image:Hirshhorn Museum (inner gallery).jpg|The museum's upper-floor galleries curve with the shape of the building. Image:Hirshhorn Museum (basement gallery).jpg|The museum's basement-level gallery Image:Hirshhorn Museum (sculpture garden).jpg|Hirshhorn Sculpture Garden

External links

• Hirshhorn Museum official website

Museums in Washington, D.C. | Smithsonian Institution | National Mall | Sculpture gardens, trails and parks | Art museums and galleries in the United States

Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden | מוזיאון הירשורן | ハーシュホーン博物館と彫刻の庭