The National Mall in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Public Art for a Modern Museum

Smithsonian National Museum of American History

— Kenneth E. Behring Center —

Public Art for a Modern Museum Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), December 15, 2017

1. Public Art for a Modern Museum Marker

Inscription. The Museum of History and Technology (later the National Museum of American History) was the first example of modernist architecture on the National Mall when it opened in 1964. Architect Walker Cain envisioned a landscape plan that would include abstract public art to highlight the building's modern aesthetic. The Constitution Avenue fountain was installed in 1967, as was Jose de Rivera's Infinity, Alexander Calder's Gwenfritz followed in 1969.

Erected by Smithsonian National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Arts, Letters, Music. A significant historical year for this entry is 1964.

Location. 38° 53.506′ N, 77° 1.817′ W. Marker is in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in The National Mall. Marker can be reached from Constitution Avenue Northwest (U.S. 50) east of 14th Street Northwest, on the right when traveling east. On the grounds of the National Museum of American History. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1300 Constitution Avenue Northwest, Washington DC 20560, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Renovating the Fountain (a few steps from this marker); Legacy of War (a few steps from this marker); A National Museum

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Making A Modern Museum (within shouting distance of this marker); From Workers to Environment (within shouting distance of this marker); Common Ground (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Ingenuity (about 300 feet away); Discovery (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Northwest Washington.

More about this marker.
Captions for images on marker:
Infinity by Jose de Rivera (left) on the south terrace and Alexander Calder's Gwenfritz (right) on the Museum's west side, 1970s.

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), December 15, 2017

2. Public Art for a Modern Museum Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 15, 2017, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 190 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 15, 2017, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.