Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Smithsonian

Description

A free, one-hour guided tour exploring selected works from the Hirshhorn’s current exhibitions. A Gallery Guide leads visitors through close looking, discussion, and connections between the artworks, artists, and ideas behind contemporary art.

The tour is connected to the Big Things for Big Rooms exhibition, which is on view through July 4, 2027.

Why families may like it

• 🎨 Free and relatively short—easy to combine with another DC activity.
• 👀 Encourages children and teens to look closely at art and discuss what they see, rather than simply walking through a museum.
• 💬 The format emphasizes conversation and making connections between different artworks.
• 🧒 The museum also provides Hirshhorn Kids’ Self-Guides for a small suggested donation, which could make the museum visit more engaging for children.

Good to know

• Registration is not required. Simply meet the Gallery Guide in the Hirshhorn Lobby.
• The tour lasts 30–60 minutes, with this specific session scheduled for one hour.
• The museum and public programs are accessible.
• If you’re bringing a younger child, the tour involves looking, listening, and discussion, rather than hands-on crafts or physical activities.

Best For

Older children, tweens, and teens who enjoy art, museums, or discussion-based activities. For younger children who need more hands-on activities, this may be less engaging.

Cost: FREE