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Discover the National Gallery of Art East Building in Washington, DC
The I.M. Pei-designed East Building stands out in Washington, DC as a modern marvel, which sleekly contrasts with the Beaux Arts and Classical architecture seen throughout much of the nation’s capital. Architect I.M. Pei designed the museum based on an early sketch where the East Building is represented by two triangles. Featuring two sides of equal length, the isosceles triangle has been incorporated as a major feature of the building’s architecture. A peek over the railing of this staircase reveals two triangles placed end to end, forming a rhombus. This, and another set of stairs, connect museum-goers to all five levels of the East Building, improving the flow of foot traffic. A third set of stairs appears as if it converts 3D to 2D – as Instagram-worthy as it gets. The roof terrace, which concept architect Perry Chin likens to a “zen garden,” gives visitors a moment to pause and catch their breath in between visiting galleries. It comes with views of the Smithsonian Castle, the U.S. Capitol and some awesome sculptures, including Katharina Fritsch’s cobalt blue Hahn/Cock. In the Tower 1 gallery, colorful canvases from groundbreaking abstract expressionist Mark Rothko are a highlight. The works rotate through the Gallery’s vast collection of Rothkos. Check out even more Rothko paintings at The Phillips Collection. In Tower 2, Alexander Calder: A Survey boasts the largest display of works by the artist: 45 sculptures and paintings. The East Building’s wide-open atrium features a kinetic chandelier, a 76-foot-long mobile work that was the last sculpture Calder ever made. Unlike Calder’s other works, it remains Untitled because he passed away before he could name it. In the upper level, you can explore inventive and iconic works of modern art. Among the artists featured are members of the Washington Color School of the late 1950s and '60s, including Gene Davis and Kenneth Noland. Now that you’ve explored all there is to see in the East Building, venture through Leo Villareal’s Multiverse to the National Gallery of Art West Building. A preview of what you’ll see: early American artists, as well as European masters like Da Vinci, Van Gogh and Monet.
Everything You Need to Know About Washington Monument Tours & Tickets
If you’re looking to get tickets to the top or learn more, read below for some helpful tips for both groups and individuals to keep in mind when visiting the iconic monument built to honor George Washington, the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army and the first president of the United States. Where can I reserve tickets in advance? Advance reservation tickets can be reserved online through recreation.gov up to 30 days in advance (up to six tickets per transaction). While visiting the Washington Monument is free, a convenience fee of $1 USD will be charged for each ticket. This fee is non-refundable. There are also a limited number of tickets made available at 10 a.m. each day for the next day's visits (for example: On May 7 at 10 a.m., tickets will become available for visits on May 8). How do I acquire next-day tickets to the Washington Monument? Inventory for the next available day becomes available at 10 a.m. each morning. During peak season (March-August, late December-early January), demand for tickets is very high. Advance tickets may sell out within seconds. How do I acquire same-day tickets for the Washington Monument? Day-of walk-up tickets are distributed each morning at 8:45 a.m. at the Washington Monument Lodge, located on Madison Drive on the east side of the monument grounds. During peak season (March-August, late December-early January), demand for tickets is very high and the line begins forming as early as 7 a.m. Walk-up tickets are not available for groups. What are the ticketed time slots and how many tickets are available per time slot? The Washington Monument is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily except for Dec. 25, July 4 and part of July 3 and one day per month for scheduled maintenance. Tickets are scheduled every half hour from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. How will the tickets be delivered? Visitors can access purchased tickets via confirmation email. All visitors must print their tickets in advance or have their tickets available to view on a mobile device. Please ensure you have these tickets ready to present prior to your arrival at the Washington Monument. Can tickets be returned? Yes, tickets can be cancelled until 2 p.m. the day prior to the tour. The convenience fee for purchase is non-refundable. In the case that the Monument must close, tickets will not be exchanged or refunded. What time should visitors arrive before their ticketed time? Visitors must arrive by the time on their ticket. If late, National Park Service staff has discretion to limit/deny monument entry. What is security like at the Washington Monument? Recent Washington Monument renovations have led to adjustments in security procedures. Please keep in mind: It is best to bring as little to the Washington Monument as possible. Water is only allowed in clear plastic bottles. Individuals do need to pass through a security area similar to an airport. Park Rangers will direct you to the security screening area in small groups. All visitors are subject to security screening. Weapons, strollers and bulky items are prohibited. Wheelchairs are permitted. Check online for a full list of restricted items. What is the tour flow after security? Visitors will be directed to the Washington Monument's ground floor lobby. Approximately 15 people will be allowed onto the elevator from the hallway by a National Park Service Ranger. The express ascent to the top floor (500 feet above the ground) lasts approximately 70 seconds. Groups may remain on the Observation Level for as long as they like. At the end of the visit, a park ranger will help you board the elevator for the descent, during which some of the commemorative stones on the monument’s interior walls will be visible. Is there still a stairway tour? No, stairway tours are no longer available. Will the Washington Monument have extended hours during the busy season? Not at the moment. During peak season (March-July), demand for tickets is very high. Advance tickets may sell out within minutes. Continue discovering the history of our nation's capital by exploring DC's other monuments and memorials.