The Lichtenstein work, "Brushstroke," is a 32-foot-high-by-20-foot-wide sculpture of a dynamic brushstroke of paint, and it has been installed in the museum's main plaza.
"As the Hirshhorn begins the countdown to its 30th anniversary next year, we are very excited to bring this bold celebration of painting and sculpture by one of the 20th century's most important artists to the National Mall," said museum director Ned Rifkin. "This dramatic addition to the Hirshhorn grounds will link the Sculpture Garden to the museum's Plaza, and is sure to become an icon for visitors to our nation's capital."
The celebration will be ongoing from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Saturday, and admission is free. The museum will dedicate the sculpture at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 25. Other activities that day include an art treasure hunt, a hands-on comic strip workshop, music performances, face painting and refreshments. At 2 and 3 p.m., the Liz Lerman Dance Exchange will perform an interpretative dance based on the Gyroscope exhibit at various locations throughout the museum, and at 4 p.m., Jack Cowart, the Executive Director of the Roy Lichtenstein Foundation, will discuss the artist and his work.
The Gyroscope exhibit stretches throughout the museum, and features approximately 350 works created from the 19th Century through present day. The lower level of the museum focuses on contemporary painting, sculpture and mixed media. The second floor features modern and contemporary painting and sculpture, as well as exhibits on making and conserving art objects. More modern and contemporary painting and sculpture appears on the third floor. Some of the highlights include the 70-monitor video installation called "Video Flag," created by Nam June Paik, and works by Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning and Alexander Calder. Don't miss Ron Mueck's "Untitled (Big Man)" on the lower level—you'll know it when you see it.
Take a swing through the excellent gift shop, as well, before leaving the museum. It's a great place to pick up unique and quirky items that play on the contemporary art theme.
The Hirshhorn Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. seven days a week (except for Christmas Day). It is located at Independence Avenue and Seventh Street SW, near the L'Enfant Plaza Metro Stop on the Yellow, Green, Orange and Blue lines. Admission is always free.
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