Looking and Legos

We took advantage of Daddy's day off for Presidents' Day and traveled downtown to the National Building Museum. Traffic wasn't as light as I expected it would be, but we managed to find a pretty fabulous parking spot only about a block and a half from the museum. And, better yet, parking enforcement was suspended yesterday...meaning no feeding the meter! Woot! If you'd rather take the metro, the Judiciary Square metro station is directly across the street from the museum's F Street entrance. Wheelchair and stroller accessible entrances are located on G Street and 4th Street, though if you find yourself at the F Street entrance (like we did) there really aren't that many stairs, and they are shallow. With a little caution, I could have probably wheeled or carried the stroller up the stairs myself...but Daddy to the rescue!


The building itself is a marvel. It was designed by architect Montgomery Cunningham Meigs and constructed between 1882 and 1887 as the U.S. Pension Bureau. The building's most stunning elements are the terra cotta frieze around the exterior designed by Caspar Buberl and the soaring Great Hall, with its arcaded columns and lively fountain. Access to the Great Hall is free, and you might even be able to catch a free docent-led tour of the historic building. Admission to the exhibitions is $8.00 for adults and $5.00 for children over the age of three. If you have an active child over the age of two, consider checking out the Buidling Zone. Access to the Building Zone is included in your regular admission or can be purchased separately for $3.00 per person.

If Diggory was older, I would have let him play with the foam arch building blocks and the items on the Discovery Carts in the Great Hall. But, as it was, he was perfectly content crawling around on the floor...and investigating the fountain.

After you purchase your exhibition tickets at the information desk, pick up a visitor guide, events calendar, self-guided tour brochure, and the drawing guide titled "Drawing Big," written by artist and author David Macaulay. It's a fun activity for older kids and adults on how to draw architecture, explaining one-point perspective, horizon lines, vanishing points, and perspective lines. There's also ample space for creating your own drawing.

We explored the first floor exhibition galleries first, starting with the temporary exhibition Unbuilt Washington, on view through May 28th. As the introductory text suggested, seeing models and drawings of "what could have been," often made me appreciate what actually exists even more. The exhibition begins with a more big picture view of the plans for the layout of the city itself, and moves into plans for the National Mall and other neighborhoods, before displaying plans for individual buildings and monument projects. The floating aquarium in the Anacostia River and the Dolphin America Hotel were particularly befuddling.

Before heading up to the LEGO exhibition, we peeked into the two long-term exhibitions of items from the museum's permanent collection. Cityscapes Revealed presents architectural fragments, photographs, and drawings of historically important buildings from across the country. Washington: Symbol and City explores the capital as both the hub of the federal government and a home to more than 600,000 people. In addition to federal buildings and monuments, the galleries also address residental structures and transportation infrastructure.

Take one of the two elevators to the second floor. Onview through September 3rd, LEGO Architecture: Towering Ambition displays fifteen large-scale models of famous buildings built entirely from LEGO bricks by LEGO certified professional Adam Reed Tucker. (I didn't know you could build with LEGOs as a profession.) I enjoyed seeing the several buildings from the Chicago skyline, including the "Corn Cobs." You can't take strollers inside the gallery, but there is clearly marked stroller parking just outside the entrance. After you explore the building models, try your hand at building your own architectural wonder. There are tables and thousands of LEGO bricks for your creative pleasures.

Nathan and I both wondered, "How many germs are on these things?" and "How do they clean this up every night?" Well, at least one of our questions was answered by seeing the gentleman with the large broom sweeping up piles of LEGOs. Diggory is, of course, too young to play with LEGOs. He would just eat them. But Daddy can't wait for him to be old enough to at least play with Duplos...maybe Nana will bring Daddy's bucket of LEGOs the next time she comes to visit.

Two quick points before closing out this entry. The restrooms on the first and second floors have changing tables, and there's a small cafe run by Firehook Bakery on the first floor. Also, don't forget to admire the Great Hall from the second floor balcony while you're up there. It's quite a lovely view.

Studios and Sunshine

Thwarted. That's the best way to describe my efforts to visit any museum over the past few weeks. Thwarted by nasty weather, a nasty cold, and a nasty stomach bug and "general malaise," as the symptoms were described on WebMD. But, at long last, we're all feeling better, and I decided it was high time to take advantage of the sunshine and mild temperatures and head to Old Town Alexandria to visit the Torpedo Factory Art Center and the Alexandria Archaeology Museum.

Our afternoon began with lunch with Daddy in Rossyln/Courthouse at the Bayou Bakery. With Mardi Gras coming up, we thought it was an appropriate venue. And we couldn't quite resist the lure of beignets covered in copious quantities of powdered sugar. After lunch, Diggory and I took the Parkway to Old Town, found an awesome parking spot on King Street, and strolled toward the waterfront. The Torpedo Factory is located on Union Street, between Cameron Street and King Street. The main entrance is located on Union, but the handicapped and stroller-friendly entrance is on the Potomac River side of the building. Follow King Street just past Union Street and hang a left. Walk along the "back" of the building with the water, sailboats, and ducks to your right. The automatic door is at the center of the building. Before or after your visit, take some time to enjoy the sights and people watching on the waterfront. In better weather, you could even hop on the water taxi (service resumes March 1st) and travel to Georgetown or even National Harbor, if you so desire.

Once inside the buidling, take note of the location of the elevator...directly in front of you. You'll need it to travel between the three floors of artists' studios and to get to the Alexandria Archaeology Museum, in room 327 on the third floor. Also, the ONLY changing tables in the building are in the third floor restrooms, located near the elevator.

The building is immense and filled to the brim with active studios and art galleries. The building itself is open daily from 10am to 6pm, and until 9pm on Thursdays, though individual studio hours may vary. There is an information desk and gift shop on the first floor. Pick up a visitor's guide and directory when you come in. The floor plan in the directory is color-coded by medium. Glass is pink, collage and mixed media is light blue, sculpture is green, etc. Also, take a moment to glance at the detailed timeline on the first floor near where you came in. There's a lot of information there and photographs of the building in it's torpedo-making heyday. And, if little hands need something to do, grab a piece of chalk and make your own art on the giant chalkboard opposite the timeline. (Also, I've never done this, but there are guided tours at 1pm on Fridays. Inquire at the information desk.)

The Target Gallery, located on the first floor behind the spiral staircase, is the dedicated exhibition space for the art center. Currently on view through tomorrow (February 19th), Fears and Phobias presents works that are both "introspective and personal" and express the themes within a larger social context. The subject matter isn't terribly appropriate for wee babes, but I'm not sure Diggory was actually paying attention. He was pretty much enthralled with his Cheerios at that point. Next up on the gallery's calendar is March Madness, an exhibition fundraiser benefiting the March of Dimes.

As you explore the studios, really take your time and don't be affraid to ask questions. The artists are usually really eager to engage in converstation about their work. My guess is that they wouldn't set up in a public art space if they weren't. Don't forget to check out the Art League Gallery too. This exhibition space (with works available for purchase) features works by local artists and students. The Art League offers classes in a wide range of media for all ages and skill levels. Pick up a course catalogue from the school's office on the second floor. (Mommy's currently enrolled in an oil painting class! See my latest creation below.) The painting studios aren't open to the public, but if you happen to stroll by during a class, you might get a sneak peak of some works in progress.

When you've had your fill of art (if that could ever happen), venture over to the Alexandria Archaeology Museum, tucked into the corner of the third floor. The oldest item on view is the 13,000-year old Clovis point. There is also a variety of other artifacts excavated from the city's many digs and sites over the years. The friendly volunteer staff will be eager to share their insight, and to give your kid a sticker..."I dig Alexandria Archaeology." Too cute. Pick up a scavenger hunt and word find too. Even the older "kids at heart" can learn something from these kid-focused didactic materials.

The museum is open Tuesday-Friday from 10am to 3pm, Saturday from 10am to 5pm, and Sunday from 1pm to 5pm. The 3pm closing time is a bit tricky, but at least it gets you out of the building and on the road well before the evening rush hour. The main exhibit, Archaeologist's at Work: The Lee Street Site, is displayed along the perimeter of the room and describes the city's efforts to explore its past through the objects uncovered during archaeological excavations in one city block. Smaller, table top displays and hands-on activities, such as putting a broken ceramic plate back together, fill the center of the room.

As I mentioned earlier, the waterfront area is great for loitering and people watching. And if you're lucky, you might come across a musician or two. Our favorite is the lovely, older gentleman who plays the water glasses. He's great fun, very talented, and he'll probably play a recognizable diddy for your little one. We got a symphonic version of Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star. Diggory loved it, and clapped his little hands in appreciation without Mommy even asking him too.

So, as always, we had a great outing. We had a few minutes left on our meter (I just can't not use it all up since you have to prepay now), so we walked up to Paper Source and the new Anthropologie store on King Street. Yes, it's a dangerous place...but I just can't help myself.

Where shall we go next?! The possibilities are nearly endless!

Tote Bags!

We went to two museums this weekend! But, alas, I am just now sitting down to write about the second of our two adventures. And, unfortunately, I only have a brief moment to write this post. I have a bit of a cleaning "to do" list before my mother-in-law arrives tomorrow! So, here we go. This past Sunday afternoon, my very awesome friend Julie and I took Diggory to the Donald W. Reynolds Center for American Art and Portraiture, the home of the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the National Portrait Gallery. The handicap/stroller entrance is at 8th and G Streets NW. You will NOT have to have your bags checked by security, a new policy instituted a few years back. Just FYI. But they won't let you use back carry baby carriers or wear your diaper bag on you back, lest you accidentally back into a painting. Gasp!

Our main motivation for heading downtown was the opportunity to make our very own silkscreened tote bag. The Luce Foundation Center (my former workplace) hosted an artist talk and silk-screening workshop as part of their Art+Coffee series, and we just couldn't pass it up. (Note: The Luce Center can be a little tricky to find. It's on the third floor of the museum, on the west side of the building. There are three levels of art work, on 3, 3 mezz, and 4. The information desk is on 3 mezz...take the tiny elevator between floors in the Luce Center if you have a stroller. The Luce Center staff and volunteers are a wealth of knowledge, and you can ask them any question you want. Believe me, when I was there, we got some great ones. You can also pick up the latest scavenger hunt, always a favorite for kids and kids at heart.)


The talk was given by Kristina Bilonick, a Washington, DC native and current resident artist at Pleasant Plains Workshop. She described her work, methods, and inspiration and led a hands-on silkscreening workshop where participants (including me!) were able to print our own tote bags with an image of the Luce Center's unofficial mascot, the Black Hawk Horse Weathervane. Diggory was a pretty good sport about the whole, "Please be quiet while mommy and Julie listen to this nice lady talk"-thing, until the end where he was squealing with delight (at something) and I was trying to shush him. (My guess is that he was making lovey eyes with Mary, the Luce Center staff behind the camera and creator of the image below. Thanks for sending me the photo!)

Diggory needed lunch, so while the first batch of tote bag makers took their turn with the silk screen and ink, Julie and I took a coffee break and the babe got some snacks. I asked my friend Bridget, and former co-worker at the Luce Center (and my former intern at the Society of the Cincinnati - Anderson House), if I was allowed to feed Diggory in the Luce Center space. The last thing I'd want to do is be "that mom" and "that museum person" who breaks the rules. She said, "Yes, we allow mothers and babies to eat in here." Awesome. You can't take food up to 3 mezz or the 4th Floor, but you can find a nice quiet nook on the benches between the display cases if your baby needs a cat nap.

The silk screening process was fun, and our bags turned out great. Here's a few photos of Julie and me making our bags, just to prove we actually did it.

While we waited for the ink to dry, we explored the rest of the museum, starting on the third floor and working down. There are two museums in one building, the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the National Portrait Gallery. You can pretty much walk through the entire museum without noticing that you're in a different museum, unless you read the signs (which, let's face it, not many museum goers do) or really know where you are or where you want to be. It's a big building, and there's lots and lots to see. I won't go on and on. I encourage you to check out the museums' websites and calendars, or, better yet, just show up and explore on your own, with no particular agenda in mind.

First, we walked through the modern and contemporary galleries on the third floor. Big, colorful installations, sculpture, and paintings. Perfect for the wee ones. For all you breastfeeding moms out there, there is a bench inside David Hockney's Snails Space. Plus, it's really quiet and really dark, so dark, in fact, that you could practically sit on someone if you don't let your eyes adjust properly. Next, we took a moment to gaze at Electronic Superhighway by Nam June Paik. What's not to love about a neon map of the United States and hundreds of TVs showing images or videos reminiscent of each state. I especially like the seven TVs with videos of only potatoes. For Idaho, you see?! We made our way to the smaller gallery of video and time-based artwork, appropriately named Watch This! New Directions in the Art of the Moving Image. We were particularly drawn to the interactive nature of Kota Ezawa's LYAM 3D, which the viewer can watch with a pair of 3D glasses available in the gallery. When the time comes, March 16th, to be exact, these galleries will be an excellent transition to the upcoming temporary exhibition, The Art of Video Games. Shout out to my former boss and dear friend Georgina Goodlander, the exhibition's coordinator!

After a thorough review of the third floor, we ventured down to the second floor and made our first stop in the temporary exhibition, Annie Leibovitz: Pilgrimage, on view through May 20th. The grouping of photographs here is certainly a different approach than her usually carefully composed and dramatic portraits. There isn't a single portrait, and the artist lets the objects and places captured in her photographs speak for themselves as the things, places, and memories that have shaped her understanding of her self and cultural inheritance. I would have loved to linger and read each and every label, but the fact remains that the gallery was very crowded, I had a stroller, and Diggory was squealing. Needless to say, we moved on quickly. We made our way through some of my favorite spaces in the museum, the Early Republic, Impressionism, and Gilded Age galleries, then buzzed through the Portrait Gallery's temporary exhibitions and the America's Presidents gallery. Ah yes, and then we went back up to the Luce Center to pick up our now dry tote bags, and then all the way down to the first floor to the Folk Art galleries. Diggory was pretty impressed by the giant wooden animals.

No trip to the these two museums would be complete without spending a moment in the stunning Kogod Courtyard. The mix of modern and historic architecture is breathtaking, and the people watching is fantastic. Grab a snack at the cafe or just find a spot to sit and enjoy the scene. The children running through the ground level water feature is pretty entertaining too. And yes, I dipped Diggory's toes in, I just couldn't resist.

We quickly covered the rest of the museum's first floor, stopping to browse the gift shop and poke our heads into the small, but always exquisite temporary exhibition in the Archives of American Art gallery. Currently on view through May 15, 2012, the exhibition Memories Arrested in Space: a centennial tribute to Jackson Pollock celebrates the artist's achievements and legacy with over fifty photographs, letters and other documents. Fascinating, truly.

With our whirlwind tour complete, we decided that, yes, we were hungry and thirsty, so we ventured forth into the relative chaos of Gallery Place/Chinatown and settled on happy hour at Ella's. (Yes, they have happy hour on Sundays!) Diggory is great with these sorts of things, and he always makes friends with our server/the hostess/the bartender/etc. Plus, Julie and mommy needed more time to chat, for old times sake.