Background

The Museum Project represents my most ambitious New Year's resolution of 2010. I moved to Northern Virginia two years ago and, after the initial post-move binge of sightseeing, found that there was still so much of DC that I hadn't taken in. So this is it...I plan to visit all of the museums, monuments, and historical sites in the city over the coming year with a few select spots oustide the district added in for good measure.

Twyla Tharp said "Art is the only way of running away without leaving home"...with the exceptions of tequila and my current obsession with LOST, I think that she was right on the money. My hope is that running away with the Smithsonian will have fewer repercussions than a bottle of Patron.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Art Museum of the Americas / OAS


The Art Museum of the Americas (http://museum.oas.org/index1.html) was founded in 1976 by the Organization of American States.    Housed in the original home for OAS secretaries general, just behind the OAS building, the museum's mission is to broaden awareness of art from OAS member states.  The permanent collection focuses primarily on art from Central America and the Caribbean.  I had expected my visit today to be a foray into paintings and sculpture of the Americas, but the buildings themselves, rather than the permanent collection, are the gems of the collection.


         Supersticion                                         Estudiante Muerto
   Enrique Tabara-1963                          Alejandro Obregon-1956

The back room of the Art Museum is a spectacular tiled room with a prominent Central American theme. 















The OAS building, the Art Museum, and surrounding gardens are studded with statues of prominent historical figures from the Americas.  My favorite bust was of Miguel Larreynaga, a Nicaraguan philosopher who petitioned Spain for Nicaraguan independence in the 1818. Who knew that Elvis had relatives in Nicaragua?



The OAS building, completed in 1910, is the focus of the current exhibition at the museum.  Both buildings were designed by architect Paul Cret.  The OAS building design was chosen from six entries in a building competition.  It is open to the public although it still functions as OAS headquarters.  The architecture of both buildings is breathtaking and well worth the trip to 19th St and Constitution.












Peace Tree in the OAS Interior Courtyard

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1 comment:

  1. Thomas HogglestockMay 20, 2010 at 7:13 AM

    I had no idea this one existed. How intereting and good to know. It goes on the must see list.

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