Reimagined Hirshhorn Sculpture Garden to Reopen This Fall

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, August 5, 2026

The Hirshhorn Museum’s sculpture garden in Washington, D.C., will reopen on October 31 after a major renovation that nearly doubles its sculpture collection and improves accessibility and visitor experience. The project restores original design elements like an underground passageway and widens the entrance to attract more visitors, supporting the museum’s broader campus revitalization efforts ahead of further interior upgrades.

The Hirshhorn Museum’s sculpture garden in Washington, D.C., is set to reopen on October 31 following an extensive renovation aimed at enhancing accessibility, expanding exhibition capacity, and creating new spaces for performances and reflection. The refurbishment is part of a broader, multi-phase renovation of the Hirshhorn campus, which has already seen the replacement of the museum’s concrete exterior and will include further interior upgrades in an upcoming phase.

The redesign of the sculpture garden was led by artist and architect Hiroshi Sugimoto. His plans nearly double the number of sculptures on display, increasing the collection from about 30 to 60 works. In addition, the renovation introduces a dedicated changing exhibition area for large-scale sculptures, providing more dynamic and varied programming opportunities.

One significant improvement is the widening of the garden’s entryway facing the National Mall, which was previously limited to only 20 feet in width during a past renovation. This expansion aims to draw more visitors into the garden by increasing its visibility and welcoming atmosphere. Additionally, the project reopens an underground passageway linking the garden directly to the museum’s plaza. This tunnel, which had been part of architect Gordon Bunshaft’s original 1974 design for the Hirshhorn but was closed off over time, allows visitors to avoid crossing the busy Jefferson Drive, thereby improving safety and ease of movement.

The 1.3-acre sunken garden had faced challenges related to water seepage, which contributed to accessibility and maintenance issues. The renovation addresses these concerns to better preserve the outdoor space and its art installations.

Melissa Chiu, the Hirshhorn Museum director who has overseen the campus revitalization, is preparing to depart at the end of August to take on the directorship of the Guggenheim Museum in New York. The sculpture garden project is one of the key undertakings during her tenure.

The reopening of the Hirshhorn’s sculpture garden marks an important milestone in its ongoing efforts to revitalize the museum and enhance public engagement with modern and contemporary art in the heart of the nation’s capital.

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