Within the Smithsonian Museum of American Art is the Luce Foundation Center for American Art. The Center is described in the brochure as "the first visible art storage and study center in Washington."It is housed in this gorgeous three-story section of the museum. You walk up narrow stairways with nouveau railings and go from one tiny corridor to the next that is just packed with art.
The art is arranged more like bookshelves in a library than your typical museum setup. They pack an enormous number of works into this space. A person could spend years in there.
On the bottom floor is a coffee shop, so if you do spend years in there, you won't starve to death.
Thanks for the lovely post, Melanie! The coffee shop on the bottom floor you mention is actually part of our Art+Coffee program. We invite visitors to join us on a short tour or talk in the Center and then they can enjoy a complimentary tea or coffee in the space. Beverages are only served in the Luce Foundation Center from 1:30 to 3:30pm, Wednesdays through Sundays. Please stop by our information desk the next time you come and say hello!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comment Bridget. I'll be sure to take the tour next time I'm there.
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