Donald W. Reynolds Center for American Art and Portraiture — Attraction in Washington

Such a special place. I couldn't help but feel some ambivalence in my emotions, though, pulled in two directions by a perplexing mixture of simultaneous gratitude for the opportunity to come here with such good people (those I came here with were attending a conference devoted to quality improvement in care for those living with a rare terminal illness that my daughters have) while also wishing that life had afforded us any alternative, less-traumatic context or reasons for having become acquainted in the first place.

I'm reminded of a term I learned as a student--I think it was Heidegger--who used a fancy German word that is roughly translated into English as "thrownness," to describe the state in which we so often find ourselves in life, cast into situations which we neither chose nor consented to. But, we are here, regardless, and tasked with the matter of finding the most authentic and useful way forward we can. The art in this building had such authentic energy behind it. Beauty and authenticity. I looked at the faces of so many notable historic figures. My medical service animal, Penny, posed in front of a lot of people. Good, bad, all a mixture of both, really. Like me. But this was a space that provided the right lighting to view each of them. I wish I had had more time with each work, really. That's my advice. Give yourself more time here. This place is underrated.

During a break between conferemcw sessions we were able to visit and I had that Smiths song from the museum scene in Ferris Beuller's Day Off playing in my head as Penny and I tried to let the art there whisper something to us.  I thought a lot about the luck our families had had, setting aside the Smiths' questions of whether our luck in life had made us good or bad--a question therapy has helped me realise isn't well-formed or useful. Rather, 'time and chance happen to [us] all.'

But several of the pieces of art seemed to convey themes of lives lived despite of and in the face of tremendous hardship. Of grace under fire. These were concepts that I really found healing and inspiring at a time when I...

The Donald W. Reynolds Center for American Art offers a diverse collection that showcases the richness of American art.

One of the standout features i got to see on my visit was a nice array of feminist art. The exhibitions highlight powerful works that challenge traditional narratives and celebrate women's voices in the art world. It's refreshing to see artists like Judy Chicago and Faith Ringgold represented, as their pieces provoke thought and invite dialogue about gender and representation.

The center also excels in its commitment to diversity, featuring works from a wide range of artists and cultural backgrounds. This inclusivity enriches the overall experience, allowing visitors to engage with a broader spectrum of American art.

The front courtyard is another highlight. It's a lovely space to relax and reflect on the art after exploring the galleries. With its inviting atmosphere, it makes for a cool spot to take in the surroundings, perhaps even enjoy a small picnic or a moment of quiet contemplation.

However, I found the inclusion of contemporary elements, such as the piece associated with Jeff Bezos, a bit perplexing. While it's interesting to see modern figures and their influence on art, the work felt disconnected from the overarching themes of the other collections.

Overall, I'd recommend a visit, especially for those interested in art and looking for a vibrant, diverse art experience. The center is a cool place to visit if you enjoy art...

Nice museum to get away from the bustle and heat on the DC streets. There are 3 stories to this building with multiple galleries to look through and places to sit. If you're into art, it's a lot of fun, although it is more for adults than kids. The portrait gallery of the presidents was our favorite part of the museum. If you're only casually into art, it'll probably take you an hour or less to walk through the place.

My only complaint is that they have old style TVs (CRT TV) throughout many exibits which is cool, but emits a consistent high pitch frequency that pierces into my ears, so if you're sensitive to these noises, bring ear plugs...