Washington, D.C. boasts a remarkable amount of tourist attractions, especially in the art realm. However, once becoming an AU student, the task of distinguishing oneself as anything but a tourist can sometimes be difficult. It takes time to get used to the area and find the best-kept secrets in the city, but that task just got a little easier - just make a visit to the Kreeger Museum.
Named after David and Carmen Kreeger, the museum holds an impressive collection of art that spans a variety of movements from the 1850s to the 1970s. The Kreeger's passion for art, which is quite clear since most of the museum's pieces are from their personal collection, helped to transform their former home into the current museum.
"The Kreeger Museum's collection includes an exquisite collection of masks from sub-Saharan Africa as well as master works of western and Asian sculpture," said Molly McMullen, the head of marketing and public relations for the museum.
Other than myriad Monets and Picassos that fill the structure, the architecture of the museum itself is reason enough to visit. Architect Philip Johnson worked to create a structure that could work as a home as well as a showcase for art. By combining elements from the past, the building draws inspiration from a variety of styles, such as Byzantine and Roman architecture.
The beauty of the museum does not remain within its outstanding structure, for there is also a sculpture garden outside that would impress any visitor.
Music was also a passion of the Kreegers so the museum houses a great hall that is still used for concerts hosted by the museum throughout the year. The architecture of the building was even designed to help amplify the sounds, which makes the experience of a musical performance in the museum unbeatable.
The fact that the museum was once a home makes it fascinating to walk through the building and see how the previous dining room or living room has been transformed. While viewing the art, visitors are able to see into the lives of the previous inhabitants, which is a unique experience.
Located less than two miles away from AU's main campus, the museum is close and convenient. Kreeger even offers free parking for visitors who decide to drive.
A major advantage of Kreeger that allows it to stand out from other D.C. museums is its private and intimate setting to enjoy art.
"While still being a large space with numerous art works, the museum is a manageable size," McMullen said. "This allows visitors the opportunity to see the entire museum at a leisurely pace and 'commune' with individual works, rather than feeling rushed or facing the all too common sense of information-overload that is often encountered in cultural institutions."
McMullen said that visitors can tour the museum with a knowledgeable docent, so even if patrons are not art experts they can still learn and enjoy what the museum has to offer.
Another bonus for students is that the museum offers a discount to those with a valid student ID. The museum also has a variety of events that happen throughout the year including "evening concerts, artist talks, lectures, classes and artist studio visits," McMullen said.
Rather than being bombarded with tourists running after their children and people annoyingly holding up their maps of other D.C. destinations, the Kreeger is a completely different type of museum experience. It allows for a fun and knowledgeable trip for any visitor. Since it is so close to AU, there is no excuse not to explore this D.C. gem again and again.
You can reach this writer at thescene@theeagleonline.com.
