Well, well, well. Once again, I have been lacking in my ability to update my blog in a timely manner. I've been thinking about it, I have. I just somehow haven't found the time to sit and write up a proper post. I know, I know. Excuses, excuses.
So, I guess I'll just jump right in. A few weeks ago, I took Diggory to the Phillips Collection to see the exhibition Snapshot: Painters and Photography, Bonnard to Vuillard. It closed last weekend, so I'm sorry I didn't get this written up in time for you to go. It was quite good, and I'm glad I went. I've had an interest in early photography since taking a few American studies classes in graduate school, so I felt like I was getting a bit of some much needed intellectual stimulation. Hopefully my brain isn't getting too mushy from baby talk overload. (I often find myself shaking my head when I hear myself say things like, "Diggory. Do you see the round blue ball? Bring Momma the ball. Bounce the ball. Yeah!") We took the metro to Dupont Circle and exited via elevator on the north end. From there, follow the signs to the Phillips Collection, just a few blocks west and north (turn left out of the elevator.) We headed straight up to the third floor (of the new building) to see the special exhibition, and then worked our way back down. I love, love, love the Phillips Collection, but it is NOT a particularly child friendly place. Diggory loved making his voice echo, and even got "shushed" once by a probably, well-intentioned older lady. Also, the special exhibition starts on the third floor, but ends on 2U (whatever that stands for), so you need to take a "lift" between floors. The staff will help you. In fact, I was told that they HAVE to help you use the lift. It's a bit of an inconvenience, so my suggestion would be to NOT take your stroller. Carry the baby, and you'll get around much quicker.
I know that the exhibition is closed, but I just want to point out one striking thing among the myriad compliments I could pay to the show. There were a ton of photographs of children! Turns out, parents have been taking "too many" pictures of their kids since the very beginning!
Two elevator doors, and too many buttons make Diggory a confused little boy.
I tried to keep notes on where I was in the museum and how I got there. I thought I did a good job, but I can't make heads or tails of it now. I guess that's my punishment for waiting two weeks to actually write up our experience. Suffice it to say, that perhaps the best way to go through the Phillips, especially if you have a stroller, is to just wander around and ask for directions when you need them. Once you navigate your way through the older building (with it's own elevator) and permanent collection galleries, you'll eventually find yourself in the Music Room. If you have a stroller, you'll have to back track the way you came...which basically means you'll have to go through the special exhibition twice. Also, I should point out that there's only one changing table in the whole museum (unless I totally missed something). There's a large handicap accessible/family restroom on 2L with room for a stroller and a changing table. The bathrooms on G2 and L2 don't have one.
One more logistical note. Strollers are NOT allowed in the Rothko Room. I completely understand why, of course, but it's sort of a shame because I think Diggory would really like the bright colors. (Though I suppose I could have taken him out of the stroller. See, mushy brain.) Also, speaking of things you can't do. You can't wear your backpack diaper bags on your back. Again, I get it, but still, good to know.
No strollers allowed in the Rothko Room. Diggory is sad.
Once we thoroughly explored the older part of the museum, we retraced our steps and took the elevator in the new part of the museum all the way down to L2, the level with the classrooms and young artists exhibition. I have to say, I loved the modern day tortoise and hare collage triptych by Ms. Daniel's 1st-2nd Grade Class at Tyler Elementary School. (See below.) Their parents should be very proud.
Also, if you're looking for a quiet place to feed your baby...try the gallery at the back of L2, past the seminar room. The whole time we were on this level, we didn't see a single soul. The bathroom on L2 doesn't have a changing table, but there's lots and lots of counter space. The courtyard and adjoining cafe, which you can access one level up, might be a good place for a bit of a break too, if you need to feed or otherwise entertain your babbling child.
Our final stop was the gallery of large scale contemporary art. Bright colors and open space - I love it! All in all we had a great time...but next time, I'm not bringing the stroller.
Mommy captured too much floor in this one!
Our latest museum outing was to the Kreeger Museum in northwest Washington, DC. Momma still needed an art fix, so we did two art museums in a row. We invited our dear friend Julie to meet up with Rachel and Max - our museum going mother/son pair, of which you are, by now, very familiar. The Kreeger Museum is in a fancy pants residential neighboorhood and was once the private home and collection of David (chairman and CEO of GEICO in the 1960s and 1970s) and Carmen Kreeger. It's best to drive here, and parking, as described by the receptionist, is a "free for all." There is a small lot on the right side of the building, and if that's full, "park in the circle driveway, just make sure other cars can get around you." I love that. We ended up with the most awesome parking spot, right in front of the front door.
Strollers aren't allowed in the museum, which is just as well, because you have to take a long flight of stairs to the lower level, where the temporary exhibition is located, and there isn't an elevator. But, you can park your stroller inside, behind the reception desk and near the restrooms. There's also a big coat closet for your diaper bag if you don't want to lug it around. And, speaking of restrooms. There are two, and they're huge. No changing tables, but lots of counter space and there's a padded stool in each, which might come in handy for those nursing moms among us.
You can take a guided tour or wander about on your own. Oh, and Diggory learned how to walk (!) between our Phillips visit and our Kreeger visit, so he enjoyed walking around (mostly while holding my hand) too. While you're wandering, take a moment to visualize attending a private party here. The Great Hall is filled with some of the best of the best...Van Gogh, Monet, Miro...and there's a Calder mobile above the staircase. The temporary exhibition of works by Joan Miro was fantastic.
Take some time to enjoy the outdoor spaces as well. The terrace off of what I assume is probably the dining room overlooks the fountain below, and the gardens, to the left of the house, have several works of outdoor sculpture. The current installation in and around the tennis court is pretty intriguing. Oh, and if you notice the "Do Not Enter" sign in the background in the image below...it's because there's a really steep incline in the terrain.
The boys had a picnic on the lawn, and then tried to eat leaves later on the tennis court. You're free to wander the grounds...though a sign will tell you to be aware of the urban deer. We didn't see any.
I really liked the Kreeger, and I'll definitely be back. Also, I can't wait for Diggory to be a few years older. They have an awesome-looking story time program for ages 3-5, including a craft! They seem to be pretty popular, as dates into June are already full. Maybe I can get my name on the list NOW!
Max and Diggory being cute.
