Hirshhorn Museum
Washington, District of Columbia, US

The Hirshhorn Museum, a Smithsonian institution on the National Mall, showcases modern and contemporary art inside a striking cylindrical building. Its rotating exhibitions and outdoor sculpture garden make it a focal point for travelers seeking cutting‑edge creativity in Washington, D.C.
Why choose Hirshhorn Museum
You’ll walk through a space where architecture and art intersect, offering a fresh perspective that larger, more traditional museums can’t match. The ever‑changing installations mean each visit feels unique, inviting you to linger longer than a quick gallery hop.
Best for: Art · Architecture · Photography · Couples · First-timers
Start your Museum Mile morning here
Begin at the Hirshhorn to see cutting‑edge art, then walk to nearby museums for a balanced half‑day.
- Morning — Hirshhorn Museum
- 11:00 — Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum
- Afternoon — Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
Visit tips
- Enter through the lower lobby to skip the main queue.
- Spend time in the outdoor sculpture garden for fresh air and photo ops.
- Arrive early; lines build after 12 pm.
- Allow 2–3 hours to explore indoor galleries and the sculpture garden.
Plan your visit
- Recommended duration: 2–3 hours — includes indoor galleries and garden
- Best time of day: Early morning, before 10:30 — helps avoid the midday line
- Hours: 10:00–17:30
- Booking: not required — tickets at the gate
- Category: museum
- Rated 4.5 by 6262 reviewers
- Tags: modern art, sculpture garden, architecture, museum
Nearby attractions
- Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum — museum, 3 min walk
- Old Ebbitt Grill — restaurant, 18 min walk
- The Wharf DC — neighborhood, 14 min walk
- Museum of the Bible — museum, 8 min walk
- National Portrait Gallery — gallery, 13 min walk
- Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History — museum, 5 min walk
More things to do in Washington
- National World War II Memorial
- Lincoln Memorial
- Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum
- Founding Farmers DC
- Old Ebbitt Grill
- The Wharf DC
See all things to do in Washington or plan a full Washington itinerary with Next Getaway.