Welcome to the Hirshhorn Museum's Plaza

Opened in 1974, the Hirshhorn's plaza displays recent sculptures by international artists and, along with the sculpture garden, draws more than 400,000 visitors each year. The sculptures are fragile: metal works are assembled from welded pieces whose connections can weaken and break under weight, bronze sculptures are hollow casts with thin surfaces that dent or scratch easily, and outdoor works are further damaged by urban air pollution. A delicate coating of clear wax protects them, but even light touching erodes this protectant and leaves the surface exposed, while fingernails and jewelry can cause permanent scratches. Climbing on, sitting on, or leaning against the sculptures is therefore not permitted in order to preserve them for future generations.

Washington, District of Columbia · United States