Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden: Complete Guide (2026)
The Smithsonian Hirshhorn Museum features modern and contemporary art. Located in an iconic round building on the National Mall, it is one of the most important collections of 20th century art.
Current exhibitions include Adam Pendleton: Love, Queen, Mark Bradford: Pickett’s Charge, Barbara Kruger: Belief+Doubt, and Laurie Anderson: Four Talks. And there is an adjacent world famous Sculpture Garden.
I have to be honest – I don’t know anything about art and I did not like the Hirshhorn. I only recommend going if you like modern art.
Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
Opening Hours: Open Daily 10:00am-5:30pm (Hirshhorn Museum) and 10:00am-4:30pm (Sculpture Garden). Closed December 25
Admission: Free
Location: Independence Ave at 7th St SW in Washington D.C.
Hirshhorn Museum Highlights
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning art lover, these museum highlights are must-sees during your visit:
- The Building Itself: The Hirshhorn’s iconic circular structure was designed by Gordon Bunshaft. When the museum hosts a new exhibition, they sometimes commission art or video art to cover its outside walls!
- Mark Bradford’s Pickett’s Charge: A powerful, 400-foot panoramic work inspired by the Gettysburg Cyclorama, reinterpreting a turning point in American history.
- Barbara Kruger’s Belief + Doubt: Step into an immersive text installation that challenges how we think about truth, media, and authority.
- Sculpture Garden: Home to works by Rodin, Bourgeois, and more. The garden is currently closed for renovation.
Art at the Hirshhorn Museum
The Hirshhorn has one of the world’s top collections of modern and contemporary art. It includes over 12,000 works – paintings, sculptures, videos, performances, and more. The art on view changes often, so check the Works on View page or ask a gallery guide.
Check out my National Portrait Gallery Highlights & Visitor Guide blog!
Tours at the Hirshhorn
Whether you’re here for a deep dive or a quick walk-through, the Hirshhorn offers several ways to explore. Choose from self-guided options, digital guides, or a scheduled tour to fit your visit.
Guided Tours
Join a free, expert led tour. No registration needed. Just show up and explore with a guide!
- Guided Tour: Revolutions – Art from the Hirshhorn Collection, 1860–1960 | 11:30am-12:30pm
- Guided Tour: Hirshhorn Highlights | 11:30am-12:30pm
- Guided Tour: Portraits and Modern Beginnings | 2:30pm-3:30pm
- Guided Tour: Hirshhorn Highlights | 11:30am-12:30pm
- Guided Tour: Art and Artists from the Hirshhorn Collection | 2:30pm-3:30pm
- Guided Tour: Revolutions – Art from the Hirshhorn Collection, 1860–1960 | 11:30am-12:30pm
Self-Guided Tours
- Hirshhorn Eye (Hi): A mobile in-gallery guide that uses image recognition to scan artworks and unlock exclusive artist videos and insights.
- Katy Hessel’s Museums Without Men Audio Tour: Explore nine works by women artists in Revolutions: Art from the Hirshhorn Collection, 1860-1960.
Check out my National Museum of Natural History: Complete Guide blog!
Printed Guides
- Printed Guides: Pick up fun, interactive guides for Mark Bradford: Pickett’s Charge and Revolutions: Art from the Hirshhorn Collection, 1860-1960 at the Welcome Desk in the Lobby (suggested donation: $2).
- Teacher Guides: Special resources designed to help teachers explore the Hirshhorn with their students, either during a museum visit or back in the classroom.
How to Visit the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
The Hirshhorn is a bold and unforgettable stop for modern art lovers. Public Transit is the way to go! Skip the parking stress and hop on the Metro or bus.
- Nearest Metro Stop: L’Enfant Plaza (Smithsonian Museums exit)
- Accessible Entrance: SW corner of the Department of Transportation courtyard
Parking Info
No Smithsonian museums offer public parking on the Mall, and metered city spots are limited. Book a nearby spot in advance via ParkWhiz.
Before You Go
Before you head out, be sure to pack light. Large bags and backpacks will be checked at the entrance, so traveling light will make your visit smoother. Check the Hirshhorn’s calendar to see what exhibitions and events are currently on view and reserve passes for select exhibitions.
While You Are There
Make the most of your visit by joining a free tour or drop-in program. Visit hi.si.edu on your phone for behind-the-scenes videos and artist stories as you walk through the galleries. You can take photos – Just no flash, selfie sticks, or tripods.
Accessibility
The Hirshhorn welcomes visitors of all abilities. Wheelchairs, folding stools, and elevators are available throughout the museum, and service animals are permitted. They offer ASL tours, visual description tours, and written transcripts for audio/video works. You can also use the free Aira app for real-time visual assistance while connected to Smithsonian Wi-Fi.
Dolcezza Coffee & Gelato
The Dolcezza features handmade seasonal gelato, specialty espresso drinks, and small batch pastries. It is run by one of DC’s most popular locally-owned coffee purveyors.
It is housed in a lobby coffee bar designed by celebrated artist and architect Hiroshi Sugimoto. The space also features furnishings created by Sugimoto and his studio, including tables from a 700-year-old Japanese nutmeg tree.
Dolcezza Coffee & Gelato is open Wednesday-Sunday from 10:00am-5:00pm.
The Museum Shop
The Hirshhorn Museum Shop sells modern, creative gifts for all ages. That includes art books, toys, jewelry, housewares, and art supplies, all with a unique, design-forward style. Members and Smithsonian Associates get 10% off.
Check out my How to Visit the 16 Smithsonian Museums in Washington D.C. blog!
FAQs: Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding “Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden” along with my answers.
What happens if I lose something in the museum?
Lost items go to the Museum Security office and then to the central Lost & Found at Capital Gallery (600 Maryland Ave SW, 4th Floor), where they’re held for 30 days.
How many objects are in the collection?
The museum houses approximately 11,500 works, including paintings, sculptures, photographs, film, and installation pieces.
How long should I plan for my visit?
Expect to spend at least 3 hours exploring the museum and sculpture garden.
Can anyone use the Hirshhorn Library?
Yes! It’s open by appointment and is located on the 4th floor of the museum. Materials must be used onsite. The collection includes exhibition catalogs, artist monographs, periodicals, and reference materials.
Check out my Top 21 Washington D.C. Landmarks blog!
Final Thoughts
The Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden is a bold stop on the National Mall that clearly caters to modern and contemporary art lovers. The building itself is worth seeing, and certain exhibitions, like large-scale installations and immersive text-based art, can be striking and thought-provoking.
For visitors planning to explore multiple Smithsonian museums, the Hirshhorn fits well as a short, focused visit rather than a full-day experience.
Check out my Smithsonian National Museum of American History | What to See + Visitor Tips blog!
