Glenstone Museum
“Split Rocker”, Jeff Koons, 2000
In the outskirts of Montgomery County we can find a real love story through the passion for art, architecture and nature together.
Glenstone Museum was founded by Mitchell Rales and his wife Emily Wey Rales, whom he met in New York City at an event of art on which she was the curator. That is how the love story began.
The museum is located in an idyllic scenario of 230 acres in Potomac-MD, surrounded by contemplative landscapes full of works of contemporary artists.
A visit to this place is something remarkable. You can see at first, Jeff Koons huge sculpture-garden entitled “Split Rocker”, on which now is being installed 24.000 flowers for the season! Unfortunately, not at the time of our visit couple of weeks ago, but check the installation process here on its Instagram account. “Split Rocker” has one side of a dog face and the other half is a horse.
Woodland trail sign.
Don’t skip, the magical and sensory experience of a sound sculpture on the Woodland Trail called “Forest”, a must feel experience.
There are a lot to explore, so go prepared!
Schedule a visit in advance. It is hard to get a spot, but if you get lucky, don’t miss it!
Check the weather before going.
Sneakers for the long walk between the two pavilions other than a very nice sight-seeing on the property, including the couple residency when in town.
“Anyone can fly, only you need is somewhere to go” Faith Ringgold, Tar Beach book, 1988.
“Tar Beach”, 1988 by Faith Ringgold
In one pavilion you will find current exhibitions - featuring now Faith Ringgold International Monographic Exhibition, an American pluralist artist, author and activist born in 1930. Her work with quilt and written poetry on the surface of textiles is absolutely inspiring.
In the second pavilion is where the permanent collection stays, surrounded by a very modern architecture which reminds Oscar Niemeyer’s style. Ample concreted spaces with lots of glass to allow integration with nature.
Permanent collection includes works of Andy Warhol, Yves Klein, Jean Michel-Basquiat, Henri Matisse among many other modern and contemporary artists.
Don’t hesitate going there! It worth every minute.