Inspiring Art for Everyone
“Traditionally, art has been for the select few. We have been brainwashed to believe that Michelangelo had to pat you on the head at birth.
Well, we show people that anybody can paint a picture that they’re proud of. It may never hang in the Smithsonian, but it will certainly be something that they’ll hang in their home and be proud of. And that’s what it’s all about. “
Bob Ross, 1990
Bob Ross inferred that “the Smithsonian” is one of the places where “real” art is viewed.
Indeed. As Bob Ross pointed out, a very few of us may end up having our art or invention in a Smithsonian. They are a place for “real” exhibits. (Which is a debate subject for another time.) A national treasure trove of talented people over the decades have curated the pieces in Smithsonian galleries and museums and made them accessible to all. Everyday.
Art is for everyone. Art is also our experience of life. A visit to Washington DC is an entrance into humanity’s existence with closeup views of our earth, our non-human counterparts, our history and our future. Art is the icing on humanity’s cake, the billboard signs along our journey of existence. Smithsonian makes it handy, a vast amount is contained within walking distance. Today, eleven Smithsonian museum and galleries frame the National Mall park.
One quick but critical correction in the description of “the” Smithsonian is that it’s not a singular building, gallery or museum. It’s many. In fact, there are over two million square feet of interior space to cover. The most common question I received when visiting Washington DC was: Did you go to the Smithsonian? The answers: Yes. Which one?
There are literally millions of pieces of art, artifacts, exhibits, specimens, educational kiosks, rockets, bones, plants, collections, and currencies. Not to mention Dorothy’s Ruby Slippers from the Wizard of Oz. There’s Van Gogh’s original paint and canvases. And, the Hope Diamond. A bit of earth’s blingy art. The buildings in which all this is housed are also architectural marvels. Did we mention that you can view the large model Enterprise from Star Trek at the Air & Space Museum?
There are twenty Smithsonian entities in Washington DC. The primary Smithsonian anchors in the National Mall area include the American History Museum, American Art Museum, Natural History Museum, American Indian Museum, Hirshhorn, Air & Space Museum, and African American Museum and Art Museum. Outlying areas include Portrait Gallery, Postal Museum and National Zoo.
When planning a visit, bring plenty of energy and curiosity. Plan to wear great walking shoes and schedule your browsing time during the day. Non-walkers can take advantage of accessible elevators, sidewalks and ramps to get most everywhere. Most of the museums are open from 10am to 5:30pm every day (except Christmas and where otherwise noted). Prices for the Smithsonian galleries and museums are highly competitive. As in, FREE.
Each of the Smithsonian’s are no charge. The freedom of a no cost, zero entrance fee is a delightful feature. It’s the freedom to pause when and where you want, knowing you can come back again anytime for everything or just one thing. There’s no need to rush to make sure you see and experience everything to get full ticket value.
The exhibits are indoor and outdoor. Look up, then down. And, all around. Art hangs on the walls, up above on the ceiling and covers the floors.
Let’s start with us. The humans. Artist interpretations of humans abound. Untitled (Big Man), a shockingly real and naked hairless man who sits in a corner of the Hirshhorn lounges (and watches you). Stepping back to ancient times at the Natural History Museum is an opportunity to visit with life sized Neanderthals and uncanny facial reconstructions. The paintings and art throughout the galleries celebrate simple human figures and beauty. Artists take on the subjects of emotion, daily tasks, the human struggles and our propensity for light and dark, good and evil. Oh, and our pets: dogs and cats!
Our advancing society and cultures are organized through timelines, artifacts and exhibits at the African American Museum and the American Indian Museum. Standing side by side with people of every race, age, religion and economic background is humbling as you look, read, listen and dive deeper into the history and stories of where we are today. Every person processes the experience differently and undoubtedly leave with heightened emotion and appreciation of our history. Every visitor exits freshly seasoned with stories of immeasurable triumph and suffering.