Recognizing that Hope belongs to the Portrait Gallery, on my last trip through the building it was actually physically hung in the American Art side. Has it been moved?

The Shepard Fairey collage belongs to the National Portrait Gallery, with which we share our historic landmark building.

The “Hall of Models” is actually the Luce Foundation Center–our visible storage facility, which allows us to put about 10% of our collection on view in glass cases, rather than the mere 3% that fits on our regular gallery walls.

The Lincoln Gallery on the 3rd floor is the space with contemporary art which you mention–those vaulted ceilings have been restored to their original grandeur.

The courtyard ceiling, although transforming the space into something different than it was before, makes for a much more comfortable museum visit in August (I’m sure you’ll agree with me 5 months from now!) Its construction included recycled denim for acoustical purposes, 864 unique glass panes, and hollow aluminum pylons that allow snow and rain to drain directly down to the sewer. Perhaps most importantly, it allows us to use the space for public programs on rainy days. Check out one of our family days (one Saturday a month) or Take Five!, the museum’s monthly jazz event on Third Thursdays from 5 – 8 p.m.

Okay, taking off my PR hat. Any questions, just email AmericanArtInfo@si.edu and we’ll get back to you!

Mandy Young
Public Affairs Assistant
Smithsonian American Art Museum

I figure we have lots of other outdoor spaces in DC. However, there are some pics of the renovation hidden away in one of the side rooms and it shows the evolution of the courtyard over many years.

I should also mention that these non-permanent shows are extremely hard to find in the building. We asked one of the guards where the show was and she had no idea what we were talking about. You have to actually go through the permanent collection of folk art (not a bad thing…love the tin foil church the guy built in his garage) and it’s at the very end through an obscure back door.

Disagree about the courtyard though. Admittedly it was less practical when it was open but it was way cooler (in the warmer months).

One of my favorite interior spaces in DC is in this museum. I absolutely love the hall that houses most of the contemporary work. Check out the ceilings if you are up there. They are a very unique modern version of Cathedral vaults. Also, I love just hanging out in the courtyard, which is a very peaceful place, kind of like an indoor park in winter.