One of the most distinctive cultural attractions in Washington DC is about to become accessible to the public again. On Saturday, October 31, 2026, the Hirshhorn Sculpture Garden, the famous sculpture garden in the heart of the National Mall, will reopen after a major renovation project lasting about four years.
The project has completely revamped the outdoor exhibition spaces, introducing new pathways, green areas, and art installations. The reopening is one of the most important developments of the year for anyone planning to visit the capital of the United States.
How is the Hirshhorn Sculpture Garden changing?
The garden is part of the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, one of the Smithsonian museums dedicated to modern and contemporary art, easily recognized by its distinctive cylindrical building.
Closed in April 2023, the garden was transformed through a project by Japanese artist and architect Hiroshi Sugimoto, who reinterpreted the original spaces designed by Gordon Bunshaft in the 1970s.
Among the main new features of the reopening are:
- 60 works of art on display between the garden and the museum plaza, a 50% increase compared with the previous installation.
- Nearly 30,000 new plants and trees, designed to make the spaces greener and more welcoming.
- Five access points, including a wider entrance directly from the National Mall.
- New panoramic terraces and resting areas, for viewing the works and relaxing.
- Restoration of the underground passage connecting the garden to the museum plaza, which has been closed for decades.
One of the most recognizable changes involves the new stone walls assembled without mortar, which divide the garden into several exhibition areas.
What will you be able to see in the new garden?
The revitalized Sculpture Garden will feature works by some of the most important figures in modern and contemporary sculpture.
Among the artists represented are Auguste Rodin, Henri Matisse, Henry Moore, Pablo Picasso, Alberto Giacometti, and Joan Miró.
Some of Rodin’s famous works, such as The Burghers of Calais and the Monument to Balzac, will also be back on view, along with the large bronze reliefs from Matisse’s The Backs series.
Alongside the historic masterpieces, contemporary works will also have a place, including Yoko Ono’s Wish Tree for Washington, DC, a tree where visitors can hang messages and wishes for peace.
The reopening will also coincide with the inauguration of Yoshitomo Nara: Sentinels of Stillness, an exhibition of monumental sculptures by the Japanese artist that will remain on view through November 7, 2027.
Free admission and reopening celebrations
Like the other Smithsonian museums, the Hirshhorn Sculpture Garden will be open to visitors free of charge, with no need to buy tickets or reserve an entry time.
To celebrate the reopening, the museum has organized a special weekend, October 31 and November 1, with activities open to the public.
On Saturday, October 31, creative workshops, artist meet-and-greets, and activities for families are also planned. The celebrations will begin at 10:00 a.m., while the opening of the new garden is scheduled for 11:00 a.m.
Where it is and how to visit it
The Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden is located on the National Mall in Washington, DC, along Independence Avenue SW at the intersection with 7th Street.
The location is especially convenient for anyone visiting the main Smithsonian museums: the garden is in fact just a short distance from the National Air and Space Museum and the National Museum of Natural History.
The museum’s regular hours are:
- Tuesday through Sunday: 10:00–17:30.
- Monday: 12:00–17:30.
- Admission: free, no reservation required.
For more information about the visit, take a look at our guide to the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden.
With the reopening on October 31, Washington DC will once again regain one of its most interesting outdoor cultural spaces, a free attraction that makes it possible to admire some of the most important works of modern sculpture while strolling through the heart of the American capital.
Official source: Smithsonian – Press release on the October 31, 2026 reopening
