"Zoom out. What’s this place all about? While the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden is stately enough to feel at home on the National Mall, it still stands out from its neighbors. Designed in a hollow drum lifted 14 feet off the ground and surrounded by sculpture-filled gardens, the Hirshhorn is an ideal space for contemporary art. Galleries follow the museum’s circular architecture across two upper floors; lower levels host more exhibition space, a gift shop, and a coffee-bar-slash-gelateria. What's in the permanent collection? Nothing is off limits at the Hirshhorn, whose vast permanent collection boasts a fine range of pioneering sculpture, digital media, photography, video, performance-based pieces, and more, from 21st-century innovators. On our most recent visit, a seismic new commission of abstract paintings by Mark Bradford encircled the entire Third Level inner-circle galleries, while an exhibit by Yayoi Kusama complete with two Infinity Mirror Rooms will soon open. Outside, a permanent set of sculptures can be viewed in the garden, which is popular during warm-weather months, and hosts regular events like live music. And what about the temporary exhibits? The Hirshhorn welcomes boundary-pushing contemporary artists whose work will make you look at the world, and perhaps yourself, differently. When Yayoi Kusama’s "Infinity Mirror Rooms" took temporary residence here in 2017, it ushered visitors on an immersive and transportive journey through modern life. More recently, the Hirshhorn has welcomed Manifesto: Art x Agency, a group exhibition examining how artists have taken on the political issues of their times. Don’t miss the film installation of Julian Rosefeldt’s “Manifesto,” starring Cate Blanchett. What did you make of the crowd? You’re going to have people of all kinds at a museum on the National Mall, but the Hirshhorn in particular invites the curious, the creative, and the trend-chasers. The white-washed galleries are spacious, though, so crowding isn’t an issue aside from insanely popular exhibitions like Kusama's. On the practical tip, how were the facilities? You can forge your own path through the two circular gallery levels; rooms are connected to each other and to the hallway along an inner perimeter. Any guided tours worth trying? Free tours take place twice a day, and the space is staffed with clipboard-toting gallery guides ready to impart details about whatever you're seeing. Gift shop: obligatory, inspiring—or skip it? In addition to quirky art supplies, toys, and books, the gift shop also contains a greatest-hits of contemporary-artist swag with small sections dedicated to Andy Warhol, the Guerrilla Girls, Ai Weiwei, and, of course, Kusama. It's a favorite. Is the café worth a stop, or should we just plan on going elsewhere? Grab a legit cup of coffee—including ModBar espresso—at Dolcezza, a locally owned café and gelateria that recently opened a location in the Hirshhorn’s sophisticated lobby. Dolcezza also has a small selection of pastries and, in summer, gelato push-pops. Any advice for the time- or attention-challenged? There’s plenty to keep you occupied for hours, but the Hirshhorn is just as perfect for those who just want to take a quick tour of whatever the hot new exhibition happens to be. You can get through one of the circular gallery levels in an hour." - Amy McKeever
