Corcoran Gallery of Art

This last weekend we took advantage of the Corcoran's free summer Saturdays which runs through September 4th. As loyal readers know, J and I are strong advocates of the Smithsonian Institution (see here, here, here, and here), partially because we're even stronger advocates of the concept of "free." I've often wondered how museums in this town are able to charge admission when patrons have world-class alternatives for no cost at all.

Still, J and I have been known to pony up the cash for the right to explore the Spy Museum and the Newseum, or for a special exhibit at the National Geographic Museum (see here), just to name a few.

But of all the options that DC has for purchase, the one we've returned to most often is the Corcoran Gallery of Art (see here). Whether this means it is our favorite, or just a byproduct of an annual pass that was given to us a few years ago, it is hard to say. But for those of you who believe that actions speak louder than words... dem da facts.

Regardless, the Corcoran should be on every DC resident's list, if for no other reason than to see first-rate art in a beautiful building that is usually not decorated by hoards of tourists. And what's better, it is free on Saturdays this summer!

So to further whet your appetite (and hopefully prepare you for your next visit), here are a few more of the museum highlights from a recent photo safari:

The House of Representatives by Samuel Finley Breese Morse

The Veiled Nun by Giuseppe Croff

One of Gilbert Stuart's famous portraits of George Washington

J Says

We've seen some fantastic exhibitions at the Corcorcan including photographer Annie Leibovitz and Vietnam Memorial designer Maya Lin. Since I'm not the art museum junkie in our marriage, I love the Corcoran because it packs a lot of interesting items into an accessible size. Some people might think bigger is better when it comes to art museums, but I disagree. I'm much more likely to appreciate the art if I can tackle it in manageable doses with a stop in a good gift shop after. If you've been meaning to see what the Corcoran has to offer but have balked at the $10 admission fee, hurry in during the free Saturdays in August and let us know what you think.