Hirshhorn Museum drops new sculptures for its updated garden, opening this October

Get ready, D.C.! The Hirshhorn Museum is about to unveil its revamped sculpture garden this October, and they're bringing some seriously cool new art with it. This isn't just a fresh coat of paint; it's the biggest change to the garden since it first opened way back in 1974.

They're adding pieces from eight artists, mixing things up in a big way. Think ancient traditions meeting modern street art, all in one place. It's like the museum is saying, "Hey, we love our history, but we're also looking way forward."

Everyday Objects, Monumental Ideas

Some of the new sculptures are pretty wild. Woody De Othello took a crumpled box fan — yep, a fan — and turned it into a massive bronze monument. It makes you think about things like summer heat and old memories in a totally new light. Then there's Mark Grotjahn, who usually paints, but here he's got a bronze "mask" made from a discarded box. It's about finding art in the things we throw away.

Lauren Halsey's piece is a column covered with signs from South Central Los Angeles, even featuring a portrait of her grandmother. It's a fresh take on what a monument can be, especially in a city full of traditional statues.

Other artists are diving deep into cultural stories. Raven Halfmoon's stacked stone figure pulls from Caddo traditions, while Izumi Kato's painted aluminum form tells old animist tales. Pedro Reyes even carved a volcanic stone sculpture that nods to pre-Columbian beliefs. It’s all about blending the past and present in ways that make you stop and look closer.

This whole garden makeover, led by artist Hiroshi Sugimoto, isn't just about the art. They're also making the entrances wider, adding more shady spots and places to sit, and generally making it easier to wander through. It’s all designed to make your next visit feel like discovering a hidden gem, right in the heart of the city.