Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden

The Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden consists of a circular concrete building that houses contemporary painting, photography, and installations. The surrounding garden displays large-scale sculptures in the open air along maintained pathways.

Joseph Hirshhorn transferred his extensive art collection to the Smithsonian Institution in 1966, which planned a museum for it. The building designed by Gordon Bunshaft opened to the public in 1974.

The name honors Joseph Hirshhorn, a collector who devoted his life to contemporary art. Visitors today see how his vision made works by artists such as Picasso and Matisse accessible to everyone.

The museum sits between the Washington Monument and the Capitol and is open daily with free admission. The sculpture garden offers shaded seating areas and remains accessible beyond building hours.

The cylindrical building rests on four massive concrete pillars, leaving the center open to form a plaza. A fountain sits in the courtyard where visitors can walk around it.

Location: Washington, D.C.

Inception: 1974

Founders: Joseph Hirshhorn

Architects: Gordon Bunshaft

Operator: Smithsonian Institution

Part of: Smithsonian Institution

Address: Independence Ave and 7th St, Washington, DC

Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 07:30-17:30

Phone: +12026331000

Website: http://hirshhorn.si.edu

GPS coordinates: 38.88819,-77.02296

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:22