National Building and Gallery of Art (East Building)

Ed claims that I am perpetually running late...'scurrying around last minute before going anywhere'.  I generally, adamantly disagree with his 'analysis' of me, but currently I am not.  There is nothing like realizing that I am out of time here to motivate me to get out and finish my DC list. Today, I wanted to go to the National Building Museum, and both wings of the National Gallery of Art...but I ran out of time.  

I started out at the National Building Museum.  I initially was somewhat interested in seeing the temporary Lego Architecture exhibit, but then I saw that military and their family members had free admission from Memorial Day to Labor Day, I then decided that I just had to go. I am glad that I did because the actual building that it is housed in is beautiful!   Sometimes, I wish I would have studied architecture but then I remember how much math is required (math is a weakness of mine, and not in a good way like maybe chocolate would be)  I guess that means I will just have to be an admirer of architecture.  

The Pension Building-built after the Civil War to house the U.S. Pension Bureau.  If interested, you can read more here as I have put too much boring information for one post.

 Speaking of architecture, did you know that the man who designed the jumping of point for the beginning of the U.S. Capitol was a doctor who was also was an amateur architect. He was possibly self-taught but I am not sure that is correct now.   When the location had been determined for the new capital of the United States, a contest was printed in newspapers calling for design submissions for the capitol. Grand Prize for winning (aside from seeing your work come off the page and into real life): $500. This actually could have been quite a bit considering the man that did the actual writing of the Constitution only made $30. I said his design was the jumping off point because his plans called for a much smaller dome.  In the end there were quite a few designers that contributed to the completed building.  Alrightly, this is getting boring even for me so moving right along--guess this museum is educational :)

 Along with the Lego exhibit, they also were hosting a "Canstruction" exhibit.  Had I known, I would have brought along some of the cans that will not be used before we leave.

Frank Lloyd Wright's "Falling Water" house. Pretty Amazing...

Canstruction Apple

Next, I headed over to the the East Building of the National Gallery of Art.  I was quite drawn to all the food art since it was around lunchtime. 

Yum

Really Yum!  Or should I say Yum-O!  ahh Rachel Ray is so annoying!  

Will this mobile fit over a baby crib?

 I really enjoyed myself today!  I loved seeing all the amazing works of art that were inspiration for many-a-art -lesson while I worked for Abrakadoodle.  As it is now my tradition, another picture of me today.  I am back to self-photography..this time in the reflection of "Black Plank",  Yes, it was a high gloss black plank leaning against the wall.  (Not all that different from the infamous "Red Stick" that Ed found at MOMA for those of you that know the story :)

See how empty the museum is--my recommendation for a DC vacation is right after school starts in the fall.  It's great!

I forgot to mention that we are moving to a hotel on Thursday.  I am still going to try to check another site off my list tomorrow though. Hopefully the Jefferson Memorial, and maybe the new MLK memorial if I have the energy to march around the Tidal Basin.  We'll see!