Page 209 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - USA

W ASHINGT ON , DC  207

brightly colored kente textiles collection is an amazing piece
from Ghana, and photographs. of visionary art called Throne of
the Third Heaven of the Nations’
Millennium (c.1950–64), cre ated
8 National out of light bulbs, silver and
Museum of gold foil, and old furniture by a
American History Washington janitor by the name
of James Hampton. Among the
Map D4. 14th St & Constitution Ave. 19th- and early 20th-century
Tel (202) 633-1000 (recorded works, the Western landscapes
message outside opening hours). by Albert Bierstadt stand out.
q Smithsonian–Federal Triangle. Especially dramatic is his
@ 32, 34, 36. Open 10am–5:30pm painting Among the Sierra
daily. Closed Dec 25. 8 7 = 0 Ford’s Model T, in the National Museum of Nevada, California, which
- d ∑ americanhistory.si.edu
American History captures the vastness of the
American West. Another
This museum showcases and offices of the presidency, outstanding work from this
America’s past. A dramatic, to American popular culture period is Achelous and Hercules
central five-story atrium is exhibits, such as the ruby slippers by Thomas Hart Benton (1889–
surrounded by displays of worn by Judy Garland in The 1975). In this mythical analogy
artifacts representing the Wizard of Oz. Spark!Lab and of early American life, Hercules
breadth of the museum’s Wonderplace are two interactive symbolizes man taming the
collection. Fascinating and exhibits designed to encourage wild and then enjoying the
diverse exhibits cover the USA’s children to create and invent fruits of his labor. Works by
cultural, social, technological, (closed Tuesday). Modernists Jasper Johns,
and political history. Andy Warhol, and Robert
The first floor’s east wing Rauschenberg are among the
is devoted to America’s history 9 Smithsonian other treasures of this museum.
of transportation and tech- American Art The National Portrait Gallery is
nology. Displays range from Museum & National America’s family album, featuring
steam locomotives to ancient paintings, sculptures, etchings,
gold coins. Another popular Portrait Gallery and photographs of thousands of
exhibit is a Model T Ford. This Map D4. Smithsonian American famous Americans. Assembled
vehicle was an engi neering Art Museum: 8th & G Sts NW. here are such diverse works as
landmark that her alded the Tel (202) 633-1000. Open 11:30am– Gilbert Stuart’s famous portrait
beginning of the motor age. 7pm daily. Closed Dec 25. of George Washington (which
Popular exhibits elsewhere ∑ americanart.si.edu features on the one-dollar bill),
include the actual kitchen of National Portrait Gallery: 8th & busts of Dr. Martin Luther King
famous American cook and F Sts NW. Tel (202) 633-1000. Jr. and the poet T.S. Eliot, and
beloved figure Julia Child q Gallery Place–Chinatown. some photographs of actress
(1912–2004), which she used in Open 11:30am–7pm daily. Marilyn Monroe.
her house in Cambridge, Closed Dec 25. 8 7 =
Massachusetts. 0 - d ∑ npg.si.edu
First ladies’ gowns worn
to the presidents’ inaugural Nowhere in Washington
balls are also a memorable is the city’s penchant
exhibit. Jackie Kennedy’s and for copying Greek and
Nancy Reagan’s haute couture Roman architecture
gowns are all kept at the more obvious than in the
museum – as well as Rosalynn former US Patent Office
Carter’s “off the rack” one. building, now the home
Of great historical and cultural of the Smithsonian
significance is the Star-Spangled American Art Museum
Banner that flew over Fort and the National Portrait
McHenry in 1814, and which Gallery. The Patent Office
inspired the Francis Scott Key was converted into the
poem that later became the US twin museums in 1968.
national anthem. The fragile flag The art museum contains
is dramatically displayed in an a wealth of works by
environmentally controlled American artists,
exhibit on the second floor. reflecting the history and
The extent of the museum’s culture of the country.
collection is huge, from science The highlight of the
to objects that represent the lives American folk art George Washington by Gilbert Stuart

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