Hirshhorn Museum to Host World Architecture Day Celebrations, Oct. 6

The Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden will host a week's worth of events around World Architecture Day, running October 6-13. From self-guided tours and readings of architecture-themed children's books to digital drawing workshops and Bauhaus discussions, the Hirshhorn boasts a full slate of building-related activities on World Architecture Day (October 7) with additional events rounding out the week.

While there, be sure to stop by the Sculpture Garden to see mockups of proposed replacement walls, now on display as part of the Hirshhorn's Section 106 process for its Sculpture Garden revitalization project.

From the Hirshhorn:

For World Architecture Day, the Hirshhorn will embrace its unique building—as well as the art inside its walls—with an entire week of architecture-themed programming for all ages.

Lovingly nicknamed the “Brutalist donut,” the Hirshhorn is a celebrated example of an architectural style known as Brutalism, which reached its height in the 1970’s and is now experiencing a resurgence in popularity. Designed by Gordon Bunshaft as a functional sculpture, the Hirshhorn is one of DC’s most striking buildings, standing out among its classical neighbors on the National Mall. Celebrate and discover the genius of this rebellious modern design with expert-led tours, thought-provoking talks, hands-on activities for kids (and adults too!), and more.

SCHEDULE

Sunday, October 6

World Architecture Day at the National Building Museum 11 am–3 pm | National Building Museum Take a fifteen-minute walk to the National Building Museum as they celebrate their dedication to the understanding of architecture and design with a free, all-ages community day.

Monday, October 7

TECH TOUR: Digital Drawing + Architecture 9–10 am | Meet in the Lobby Learn how to make digital drawing of the Hirshhorn’s unique architecture. Get free tickets

Pop-up PLAYTIME: Architecture 10 am–2 pm | Plaza Drop in and celebrate World Architecture Day with fun building challenges and play activities.

Mid-Day Art Break: Architecture and Art 12:30 pm | Meet in the Lobby Gallery Guide Nancy Hirshbein will lead a tour of works on view to discover the surprising and innovative ways that art and architecture can be linked.

Hirshhorn/DRAW:Architecture 2 pm | Lower Level Come by the galleries for a sketching session to explore the architectural qualities of Alicja Kwade’s installation WeltenLinie, on view in Feel the Sun in Your Mouth: Recent Acquisitions.

Tour: Architecture + Materials 3:30–4:30 pm | Meet in Lobby Brutalist DC founder Deane Madsen leads a hands-on tour of the Hirshhorn, exploring the architectural elements that make the building a unique example of Brutalist architecture.

Wednesday, October 9

STORYTIME: Iggy Peck Architect 10–11 am | Meet in the Lobby Explore architecture through a read-aloud of Iggy Peck, Architect. Then, investigate the building and create your own architectural structure.

Thursday, October 10

In Conversation: Bauhaus, 100 Years Later 6:30-7:30 pm | Ring Auditorium Revisit the Bauhaus one hundred years later with a discussion on the interesting, complex, and sometimes problematic ways the Bauhaus ideals still infiltrate our culture across the world today. This program is part of Wunderbar Together: The Year of German-American Friendship 2018/19.

Get free tickets

Friday, October 11

Autumn Evenings 5–8:30 pm For the final Autumn Evening of the season, kick back with a drink on the Hirshhorn’s Plaza and revel in the Brutalist beauty. Kids ages birth–preschool are invited to explore architecture through a read-aloud of Iggy Peck, Architect, followed by hands-on activities.

Sunday, October 13

STORYTIME: Iggy Peck Architect 11–12 am | Meet in the Lobby Explore architecture through a read-aloud of Iggy Peck, Architect. Then, investigate the building and create your own architectural structure.

Daily

Hirshhorn Eye: Self-Guided Architecture Tour 10 am–5:30 pm Curated just for architecture-lovers (or the architecturally curious), this digital tour will bring you face-to-face with the artists and experts behind the Hirshhorn building, its recently redesigned Lobby by Hiroshi Sugimoto, and select works on view, all on your own smartphone.

All events are free. Visit the Hirshhorn for more information.