Five Hours to Discover DC

GLENSTONE
12100 Glen Road Potomac, MD 20854
https://www.glenstone.org/

With the plethora of institutions peppered throughout the District, it goes without saying that DC is rich in arts and culture. But the incredible offerings that the city bestows on residents and visitors alike extend beyond the border of the four quadrants. Case in point: Glenstone – an overwhelming collection of art, architecture, and landscape just outside of DC.

Glenstone isn’t technically in Washington DC but being that it’s only 15 miles from downtown DC, its beauty can’t be overlooked. Established in 2006, the museum has since had many expansions that have only added to its magnificence. Formerly a fox hunting club, the Glenstone currently houses about 1,300 post-World War II art pieces including single-artist installations, paintings, sound installations, and both indoor and outdoor sculptures. With a rotating collection, only artists who have exhibited for a minimum of 15 years may have their work displayed. Some of the artists on display include Jackson Pollock, Cy Twombly, Pipilotti Rist, On Kawara, Alighiero Boetti, Roni Horn, and Ruth Asawa.

Stretching over 200 acres, Glenstone will surely have something to offer to everyone. Open Thursday-Sunday from 10am to 5pm, the institute is 100% free, but you do have to make a reservation online to guarantee admission and be at least 12 years old to enter due to the delicate nature of some of the art pieces. Photography is allowed in the outside exhibits but unfortunately prohibited indoors. While no outside food and drinks are allowed, Glenstone does have two cashless cafes that offer seasonal favorites.