🇺🇸 The Museum That Makes Me Want to Return Every Year: Glenstone ✨

Ever since discovering Glenstone on a trip to DC, the museums inside the city just couldn’t compare! 🏛️💫 Glenstone is a private museum featuring the incredible personal collection of Mitchell Rales and his wife Emily Wei Rales. 🌿 Known for its seamless blend of natural landscapes, architectural beauty, and installation art, Glenstone invites you to wander through gardens dotted with pavilions, outdoor sculptures, and a cozy café. It’s like a walking art journey—take a break with coffee whenever you like! 🚶♀️☕️ 🏢 The star of the show is the Pavilions building, designed by architect Thomas Phifer. It’s currently under renovation and will reopen in early 2025 🛠️📅 (but trust me—the interior and atrium garden are breathtaking! My friend and I spent ages admiring every architectural detail. Highly recommend visiting once it reopens!). 🦖 Then there’s the unmissable "Split-Rocker" by Jeff Koons (the balloon dog artist!)—a giant floral sculpture half horse, half dinosaur! 🌸🦖 It has a sophisticated irrigation system keeping all those flowers vibrant. Fun fact: This piece was first displayed at Rockefeller Center, toured Europe, and now lives here! ❤️ My favorite part this time? An outdoor sound installation hidden in the woods: "FOREST (for a thousand years…)" 🌳🎧 For over 20 minutes, you’re immersed in a soundscape of battle—from rustling footsteps and tanks rumbling to explosions and haunting chants. It reminded me of the forest singing scene in 1917 🎬—so powerful, it felt like it was happening around me. Soul-stirring, yet eerie enough to make you glance over your shoulder! 🎟️ Admission is free, but reservations are required—book at least a week in advance on their website. Closed Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays. Have you been to Glenstone? What was your favorite installation? Share your experience below! 👇 #Glenstone #AroundDC #MarylandFun #WashingtonDCMuseums #NearWashington #MuseumLove #ArtExhibition #MustVisitMuseums #JeffKoons #ArtShow #SculptureGarden #OutdoorArt #SoundInstallation #NatureAndArt #PrivateCollection #ArchitectureLovers #DayTrip #ArtWalk #HiddenGem #ContemporaryArt