Hershone Museum’s Grand Remodeling: Transforming for 50th Anniversary

Hershone Museum of Art to Undergo 800 Billion Won Remodeling for 50th Anniversary

The Hershone Museum of Art, located in Washington, DC, is set to undergo an extensive remodeling project. With an investment of 800 billion won, the museum aims to commemorate its 50th anniversary in 2024 with significant changes and improvements. The remodeling plans include enhancing the sculpture garden, improving accessibility, and strengthening the outdoor gallery experience.

Remodeling Director Hiroshi Sugimoto Appointed

Hiroshi Sugimoto, a renowned Japanese contemporary artist, has been appointed as the remodeling director for the Hershone Museum. His vision for the project includes expanding the central pond in the sculpture garden and utilizing the museum’s facade to create a reflective effect. These enhancements will provide visitors with a sense of an expanded museum space and reinforce the role of the outdoor gallery.

Restoration of Museum-Garden Connection

As part of the remodeling plans, the Hershone Museum intends to restore the currently unused underground connection between the museum and the sculpture garden. This restoration will ensure a seamless transition for visitors between the indoor and outdoor spaces, enhancing the overall experience and accessibility.

A Subsidiary of the Smithsonian Institution

The Hershone Museum of Art operates as a subsidiary of the renowned Smithsonian Institution. Known as the world’s largest cultural, arts, and science education institution, the Smithsonian oversees various museums, libraries, zoos, observatories, and research centers. The Hershone Museum primarily focuses on exhibiting modern and contemporary art.

Improving Accessibility and Visitor Experience

One of the motivations behind the extensive remodeling project is to address the current lack of accessibility to the sculpture garden for museum visitors. Despite attracting over a million visitors annually, only a fraction of those visitors explore the sculpture garden, highlighting the need for improvements. By enhancing the garden’s accessibility, the Hershone Museum aims to provide more opportunities for visitors to engage with and appreciate the outdoor art installations.

Joseph H. Hershone’s Philanthropic Legacy

The Hershone Museum of Art was established through a generous donation from Joseph H. Hershone, a successful American businessman and collector. Coming from a challenging background, Hershone displayed a keen interest and talent in the stock market from a young age. His financial success allowed him to accumulate significant wealth through investments in mining and the petroleum industry.

Looking Ahead: 50th Anniversary Remodeling

In preparation for its 50th anniversary in 2024, the Hershone Museum of Art is planning a comprehensive remodeling project. The remodeling will focus on enhancing the sculpture garden and improving overall accessibility to the museum. With Hiroshi Sugimoto leading the project as the remodeling director, the museum aims to create a more immersive and engaging experience for visitors, reinforcing its status as a prominent institution within the Smithsonian family.

Part of the Smithsonian Institution

Operating as part of the Smithsonian Institution, the Hershone Museum of Art showcases modern and contemporary art. While not explicitly included in the official name of the Smithsonian, the Hershone Museum’s unique status is a result of its founders’ vision to create a public space where the sculpture garden and the outdoor museum installations could be accessible to all.

Sources: Newsis, Hershone Museum of Art