The Hirshhorn is the Smithsonian's dedicated modern and contemporary art museum, housed in a striking cylindrical building designed by Gordon Bunshaft that opened in 1974. Where the other Smithsonian museums tend toward permanent collections displayed in familiar arrangements, the Hirshhorn rotates its exhibitions frequently, so repeat visits rarely feel the same.
The collection spans from the late nineteenth century to the present, with particular strengths in postwar American and European art. You will find work by Picasso, Giacometti, de Kooning, Warhol, and many others. The building itself is a landmark — a massive concrete drum elevated on pillars, with a central fountain courtyard that shoots water higher than the roofline.
Across the Mall, the sunken Sculpture Garden is one of the quieter spots on the National Mall. Pieces by Rodin, Calder, and other major sculptors are arranged around a reflecting pool. It is a good place to sit and decompress after a long day of museum-hopping. Admission is free.