Hirshhorn Museum

United States — Art Museum

Independence Ave SW and 7th St SW
Washington, DC 20560

Email: hirshhornexperience@si.edu

Instagram: @hirshhorn

The Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden stands as a beacon of modern and contemporary art in the heart of Washington, D.C. Located on the National Mall, the museum has, for over five decades, connected global audiences with some of the most significant artistic voices of our time. With free admission and a commitment to accessibility, the Hirshhorn serves as a vibrant public space where art, ideas, and people come together.

Established by Congress in 1966 and opened to the public in 1974, the museum owes its origin to the vision and generosity of Joseph H. Hirshhorn, an immigrant, financier, and passionate collector. His donation of more than 6,000 works formed the core of what has become one of the most important postwar art collections in the world. Early leadership, notably under Founding Director Abram Lerner, focused on preserving and showcasing this remarkable gift. Over time, the Hirshhorn has evolved into an institution known for bold exhibitions, innovative programming, and a deep commitment to artists..

Today, the museum continues to expand its collection, embracing experimental practices and new media including video, performance, digital art, and immersive technology. Through acclaimed exhibitions and installations, the Hirshhorn spotlights internationally celebrated artists while also providing a platform for emerging voices that challenge conventions and ignite critical conversations..

The iconic circular building, designed by architect Gordon Bunshaft, and its adjacent outdoor sculpture garden, offer visitors a unique architectural and sensory experience. Whether exploring monumental sculptures, engaging with interactive media, or attending one of the museum’s many talks, screenings, or performances, visitors encounter art that is both provocative and transformative..

As a Smithsonian institution, the Hirshhorn reflects the nation's promise to foster creativity, innovation, and inclusion through art. It remains a vital force in shaping contemporary culture and inspiring future generations..

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Upcoming at the Museum

Carlotta Corpron: Light Is a Plastic Medium

event_upcomingOpening on October 16, 2026
Hirshhorn Museum
Washington, DC

Carlotta Corpron: Light Is a Plastic Medium, presented at the Smithsonian’s Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden from February 27, 2026 to January 31, 2027, offers a long-overdue survey of a pioneering figure in American abstract photography. Spanning work produced primarily in Texas between the late 1930s and early 1950s, the exhibition traces Corpron’s sustained inquiry into light as both subject and material. Through six major bodies of work, the show reveals an artist who treated photograph

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