Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum — Attraction in Washington

"A Captivating Oasis of Contemporary Craft"

The Renwick Gallery is a true gem hidden within the Smithsonian's impressive portfolio of museums in the nation's capital. As the sole Smithsonian museum dedicated to contemporary American craft and design, it offers visitors an immersive and thought-provoking experience.

Housed in a stunning 19th-century Beaux-Arts building just steps from the White House, the Renwick's grand architecture provides the perfect canvas for its innovative and visually captivating exhibitions. From the moment you step inside, you're struck by the museum's ability to seamlessly blend the historic with the contemporary.

The permanent collection is a true delight, showcasing an impressive range of media including glass, ceramics, fiber, wood, and more. Highlights include the mesmerizing kinetic sculptures of artist Anthony Howe, the whimsical paper insects of Jennifer Angus, and the breathtaking glass installations of Dale Chihuly. Each work demonstrates the remarkable skill and creativity of America's finest craft artists.

In addition to the permanent displays, the Renwick also hosts a rotating schedule of special exhibitions that consistently push the boundaries of what defines "craft." These thought-provoking shows never fail to inspire and challenge visitors' perceptions of art, design, and the creative process.

What I love most about the Renwick is its ability to transport you to a world of wonder and imagination. The museum's serene, light-filled galleries provide the perfect backdrop to get lost in the intricacies and ingenuity of the works on display.

Whether you're an art enthusiast or simply appreciate the beauty of expertly crafted objects, a visit to the Renwick Gallery is an absolute must. It's a true hidden gem that deserves far more recognition, and I can't recommend it...

The gallery was lovely however my experience was ruined by a member of staff security of older south Asian is my guess descent (I am a south Asian woman) . I went on 06/17 between 4.30-5.30pm. I felt followed by him and peered at and he was closely behind me when I was about to walk back and my boyfriend noted to me someone was behind me. After that happened the person working said that he was just trying to listen to our conversation in a scurried tone which was 1st red flag. Then went onto say what could have been facts or just quick cover about the piece of embroidery art we were looking at including topics on nudity which was second red flag. Then he went onto talk about how lovers should stay together and be sure and how my partner is handsome and might be affectionately kissing me but to make sure he is good to me because he would ofcourse kiss me due to my beauty?? Which retrospectively can be defined as anything but creepy ... both my boyfriend and I navigated the situation as politely as possible but I was very very uncomfortable to even bend down as this man was always closely behind me particularly if my boyfriend and I were the only other people in the space. My bf and I went to the gift shop where the woman working there was very kind and friendly and he did not follow us there but when we were leaving the gift store and then the museum he was standing right outside the gift store and tried to speak to us again. I don't mind talking to people at all but the creepiness of the situation I felt was real. He could have been minimum 20 years older than I am and came off both paternalistic and sexual harassment-y. Only making this review here as I tried to call but it's automated message and think it should be brought to attention for any other visitor of the gallery to feel safe especially if they are...

The Smithsonian Renwick Gallery (free entry) is located in the registered National Historic Landmark building on Pennsylvania Ave. just a couple minutes from the White House. Here you can enjoy a delightful 19th century architecture as well as interesting contemporary craft and decorative art installations and exhibitions. Opening Hours are 10am to 5.30pm daily.

This building was constructed during the late 1850s to early 1860s and was to be America's first art museum. Unfortunately the American Civil War broke out and it was to be used for military administration purposes for nearly a decade before returning to its original intent. Not long after, it would be referred to as America's Louvre and to this day, the building is considered one of the finest examples of Second Empire architecture in North America.

Within the building, you will find two floors which make up the Renwick Gallery. There are decorative crafts and pieces to see as well as large scale installations which are clever in their design and intriguing to view.

I particularly enjoyed Patrick Dougherty's 'Shindig' on the ground floor a couple years back. Here Dougherty crisscrossed sticks to create structures that fit into their surrounds, making something of a community of hive like units. These were delightful constructs that were very interesting to see and look around.

Overall, the Renwick Gallery is a nice change of pace for art fans who want to see something interesting and different. The location of the gallery convenient if you intend to visit attractions near the White House and well worth 30-45 minutes of your time if not more if you enjoy this type of sightseeing during...