National Mall Highlights

October 8, 2016

This week, I made a semi-impromptu trip to our nation’s capital to visit a brand new landmark and to see some old classics.

The National Museum of African American History and Culture officially opened on Sept. 24th after over a decade of planning and four years of construction.  The museum is currently experiencing  overwhelming crowds and general praise from the community.  I personally didn’t make it inside because I was only in town for about 36 hours and had a long list of things I wanted to see.

The experience from the outside, however, is uplifting and grand.  Hopefully when the crowds dissipate, the barricades out front will be removed and the “front porch” can be properly enjoyed.

 

National Museum of African American History and Culture by architect David Adjaye. Photograph by Jason R. Woods.

National Museum of African American History and Culture by architect David Adjaye.  Photograph by Jason R. Woods.

 

National Museum of African American History and Culture by architect David Adjaye. Photograph by Jason R. Woods.

National Museum of African American History and Culture by architect David Adjaye.  Photograph by Jason R. Woods.

 

National Museum of African American History and Culture by architect David Adjaye. Photograph by Jason R. Woods.

National Museum of African American History and Culture by architect David Adjaye.  Photograph by Jason R. Woods.

 

National Museum of African American History and Culture by architect David Adjaye. Photograph by Jason R. Woods.

National Museum of African American History and Culture by architect David Adjaye.  Photograph by Jason R. Woods.

 

Speaking of openings, the National Gallery of Art’s East Building by I.M. Pei recently received a three year long renovation and is once again open to the public.  I had only been to DC once before (on an 8th grade class trip), and had not yet experienced this treat of a design.  I was excited to photograph the geometric volume, but inside, the open atrium and general relaxed atmosphere was a joy to the senses.

 

National Gallery East Building in Washington DC by architect I.M. Pei. Photo by Jason R. Woods.

National Gallery East Building in Washington DC by architect I.M. Pei.  Photo by Jason R. Woods.

 

National Gallery East Building in Washington DC by architect I.M. Pei. Hahn/Cock sculpture by Katharina Fritsch. Photo by Jason R. Woods.

National Gallery East Building in Washington DC by architect I.M. Pei. Hahn/Cock sculpture by Katharina Fritsch.  Photo by Jason R. Woods.

 

National Gallery East Building in Washington DC by architect I.M. Pei. Photo by Jason R. Woods.

National Gallery East Building in Washington DC by architect I.M. Pei.  Photo by Jason R. Woods.

 

National Gallery East Building in Washington DC by architect I.M. Pei. Photo by Jason R. Woods.

National Gallery East Building in Washington DC by architect I.M. Pei.  Photo by Jason R. Woods.

 

National Gallery East Building in Washington DC by architect I.M. Pei. Photo by Jason R. Woods.

National Gallery East Building in Washington DC by architect I.M. Pei. Photo by Jason R. Woods.

 

National Gallery East Building in Washington DC by architect I.M. Pei. Color Panels for a Large Wall installation by Ellsworth Kelly. Photo by Jason R. Woods.

National Gallery East Building in Washington DC by architect I.M. Pei. Color Panels for a Large Wall installation by Ellsworth Kelly.  Photo by Jason R. Woods.