My Favorite Things: The National Mall
When it comes to winter in Washington, D.C., there is no better refuge
than a Smithsonian museum. The largest museum and research complex in the world, the Smithsonian Institution is based in the city; eleven of
its nineteen museums and galleries placed on the National Mall (no,
not a shopping mall…try Minneapolis!), making it a Mecca for
museum-lovers.
Of course, even the most ardent history nerds need a break from seeing
everything they "should" see. While other visitors flock to the "big
three" – the Air and Space, Natural History, and American History –
why not spend your downtime giving some love to the other,
lesser-known gems on the Mall? Here are a few of my favorite hidden
treasures:
1. Terrace in the Hirshhorn Museum
It may not seem like it, but walking from exhibit to exhibit can be
exhausting. Take a break in this round contemporary art gallery,
sandwiched between the Air and Space and the Smithsonian Castle, by
heading up to the third floor – therein lies your salvation. Sink into
the plush, black leather couch and enjoy amazing views of the Mall.
2. National Museum of the American Indian
The newest addition to the Smithsonian family (though not for long, as
the African American History and Culture is slated to open in 2015) is
vastly underrated, boasting thoughtful design and museum technology
that is not seen in the other, much older exhibits. It gives an
exciting taste of what future restorations may be in store for, oh,
say, the Air and Space. Most importantly, it houses the best lunch
spot on the Mall – the Mitsitam cafeteria, serving traditional and
updated American Indian cuisine. Try a Great Plains bison burger with
a side of Mesoamerican watermelon salsa.
3. Giant Squid in the National Museum of Natural History
Okay, so this is in one of the "big three" museums, but it often gets
overlooked by visitors scrambling to find the Hope Diamond. Walk past
the African elephant in the rotunda and into the Oceans exhibit, where
you will find a real, 8.62 meter-long giant squid, nicknamed Archie.
Though he is long dead, lying in a bed of preservatives, rest assured
that you will never want to go swimming again…at least, not off the
coast of Argentina!
4. Sculpture Garden of the National Gallery of Art
When the weather is warm, beat the heat by laying across the cool
stone benches of the gigantic fountain nestled inside the garden. Go
ahead and stick your feet in – this is one of the only fountains in
the city that allows it. If you really want to relax, grab a table at
the neighboring cafe and feast on a slightly more elevated snack, such
as olives and spinach quiche (adults, they also serve wine by the
glass!). All the pleasures of Paris, no flight needed. If it's cold
outside, no worries – the fountain gets transformed into an ice
skating rink in the winter.
5. Peacock Room in the Freer Gallery
The three little museums surrounding the Smithsonian Castle – the
Freer, Sackler, and African Art – are probably the most neglected, but
they hold plenty of treasures. Make a quick stop into the Freer and
ask a security guard to point you to the Peacock Room; otherwise, it's
a bit of a maze. Known for painting portraits, the eccentric James
McNeill Whistler occasionally dabbled in interior design for his upper
crust patrons; hence, the gilded dining room that now resides in the
museum. Fun fact: Whistler was originally asked for decorating advice,
and went completely overboard with the gold leaf while the owner was
out of town!
6. Starry Walkway and Basement of the National Gallery of Art's East Wing
A lot of visitors skip the art museums, which is not only a shame
culturally, but also because they hold some of the coolest stuff! The
National Gallery of Art is separated into two wings, West (classic
art) and East (modern art), which are connected by an underground,
LED-lit moving walkway. It looks like something straight out of Disney
World. The best part? It's bouncy! I do advise restraint (as in, a
bounce or two) and absolutely no running, as the security guards are
wise to the appeal of the walkway and will yell at you. And yes, I
speak from experience. While you're over there, check out the basement
of the East Wing, which displays the sometimes hilarious remnants of
60s and 70s modern art…this is your brain on mind-altering
substances, kids!
7. James Smithson's Crypt in the Smithsonian Castle
A little known fact about the origins of the Smithsonian: we owe it
all to a man who never stepped foot in the States. James Smithson,
born the illegitimate son of a duke and therefore prone to hating the
British class system, grew up admiring the democratic nature of a
newly-minted America. Of course, none of this mattered until Smithson
left his entire fortune to the United States, trusting that they would
form a free institution for the "increase and diffusion of knowledge."
In 1903, Smithson's body was finally moved to the very first
Smithsonian building, sealing his legacy.