Exploring Washington DC with your family…Amazing art and inspired volunteer experiences

Introducing the Power of Art to Your Children

The Top 20 Works of Art to Experience in DC

WRITTEN BY Rip Farris

One of the most visually stunning urban spaces today can be found in the heart of Washington, DC. The Mall, designed by the French-American architect and engineer Pierre Charles L’Enfant, presents an urban design that rivals old European capital cities. In 1791, President George Washington appointed L’Enfant to design the 10-mile federal territory that became the nation’s capital. Amid the north–south and east–west grid sequence of streets, he designed grand avenues along with circles and plazas to celebrate the open space. The centerpiece of the plan envisioned one “exquisite grand avenue” that stretches between the Capitol building and the equestrian statue of George Washington south of the White House (where the Washington Monument now stands). Here we find the museums to begin our quest.

To walk within this celebrated open space and to sense the ordered logic and visual corridors speaks to the genius of L’Enfant’s plan. The open space makes sense and feels timeless. It is here where your family can begin to have a conversation about art: what it is, why it is important, how art can speak to many different people regardless of language, and how it can be so different. Within the 20 works highlighted here, an entirely new world can be found and shared, a world which promises to forever change how your children consider expression. The best part of all? The cost is free—the museums do not charge admission.

Douglas Darden, an award-winning educator, writer and teacher, once said that the best way to share the gift of experiencing powerful art is through anticipation. That is, to preview the art subject matter ahead of the visit, to know what you are going to visit and to have a basic awareness of the art piece as to recognize it in person, to know it. Some museums provide treasure maps to tease the kids into hunting for specific art elements. The real magic happens when young minds experience the art for the first time and connect the pre-learned concept of the art that they imagined. Seeing powerful art in person indelibly touches one’s soul. Witnessing your children experience this is priceless.

The tour begins at the National Gallery of Art where most of these pieces are found. The Garden Café (lunch and essential chardonnay) can be found between the East and West buildings. Next stop: cross the Mall and visit the modern Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden. Finally make your way to the National Air and Space Museum to see an entirely different class of art: high science-infused sculpture.

On the following pages are the art works in sequential order. The links below will provide a printable handouts for your family to review prior to the visit.

National Gallery of Art Family Guides

National Gallery of Art Self-Guided Tours

Finding ways to do GOOD with your family in DC

WRITTEN BY Jessica Young, VolunteerSpot.org

At the heart of the nation’s capital lives the spirit of what makes our country great—inspired service to others. Washington, DC, is chock full of fun, meaningful volunteer experiences and ways for your family to give back while visiting. To get started, use free volunteer matching websites like Create the Good or ServeDC to search for volunteer opportunities specifically in the DC area—filter your search by zip code, date, volunteer interests and more.

If you know what type of volunteer experiences your family, especially the kids, might enjoy, connect directly with affiliated organizations in the DC metro area.

Are you all pet lovers? Check out available ways to help with the Washington Animal Rescue League. Adore the outdoors? Connect with the Arlington Parks and Recreation service for volunteer opportunities. Want to honor America’s veterans? Contact the US Dept. of Veterans Affairs about giving back to our service men and women while you are in DC.

And finally, if a full-day volunteer excursion simply isn’t in the books during your visit, consider attending a community or cultural event where registration fees and admissions proceeds go towards a GOOD cause! For example, register for the “Color Me Rad 5K” in May 2015 to support Special Olympics, or check out the “6th Annual Pink Hat Tea” which supports a college scholarship program. For more ideas, visit Eventbrite.