August 06, 2004
DC Museums
I hope Chicago has some good museums that are reasonable (at least for a student). One of the best things about DC is the Smithsonian, a collection of museums - not just the red brick castle that most people think of when they hear the word "Smithsonian."
Over my remaining week in DC, I'll be taking a lot of pictures at most of the following locations and hopefully posting them here. Some of my favorite museums (only the first is really a Smithsonian museum) include:
Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery - Asian and a specialized collection of American art Washington, D.C.
National Gallery of Art - I prefer the West Building (Classical) over the East Building (Modern), but the East Building does have a very cool Islamic Art exhibition. Below is an image of a painting by Claude Monet from the NGA site.
United States Botanic Garden - This is a great place to escape for lunch if you work near Capitol Hill (website was down as of 8/06/04).
Bonsai Collection at the United State National Arboretum - I've only been to this collection once, but it was amazing. They have a very nice online virtual tour including this nearly 400-year-old bonsai.
National Museum of the American Indian - Due to be completed in September 2004, I won't be able to visit this museum until a return visit to DC. I think this museum would be my favorite if it was open...
Posted by Jeremy Showalter at August 6, 2004 08:54 AM
When I visited the Art Institute last October, they said their "suggested donation" was $10. When I told them I was unemployed and about to become a student, they said it was only a suggestion and would gladly accept any amount.
That sounds great. I'm hoping student ids will get a discount at the museums if it's not just a donation.
Posted by: Jeremy at August 6, 2004 09:58 AMActually the Art Institute of Chicago is free on Tuesdays (thanks to Ford). I am currently researching when the other museums in the area have a "free" day.
That barn raising looks like fun. Does your family have farm animals?
Posted by: chris at August 13, 2004 01:17 AMThanks for the info Chris. Hope to make it there in early Sept. Do they allow photography there?
We're building a much smaller version of a real barn - I'll be posting progress pictures before too long. The only 'real' animals that they have are chickens, about a dozen - some that lay bluish eggs. Actually one variety lay a greenish egg, Green Eggs and Ham. :)
Posted by: Jeremy at August 16, 2004 10:16 PM