The Smithsonian American Art Museum (SAAM) in Washington, DC is reopening its renovated modern and contemporary art galleries today (22 September) after two years.
The third-floor galleries, which have been closed since 2021, were redesigned alongside Selldorf Architects and feature a new installation of the museum’s permanent collection.
This presents art by Black, Indigenous, Latinx, Asian American, LGBTQ+ and women artists, as part of the museum-wide initiative to offer a more diverse view of American art.
In a statement, the Smithsonian American Art Museum said 57 percent of the works on view are by artists of colour and 44 percent by women.
“It would be too simplistic to reduce the development of American art to a linear series of artistic movements since it is a messy, dynamic, ever-evolving history that reflects the American experience through a multitude of perspectives and geographies,” said Stephanie Stebich, the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s director.
“As the flagship museum for American art, the reinstallation of our modern and contemporary collection is an important marker in revisiting dominant narratives to illuminate often-overlooked contributions, something that will echo throughout the reinstallation of all our galleries over the coming years.”
The project is the first phase in a multi-year renewal and reinstallation of the museum’s permanent galleries, dubbed ‘American Voices and Visions’ and due to complete in 2026.
More diverse view of American art
“With a collection spanning the 18th century through the present, SAAM has a unique opportunity to reexamine 20th- and 21st-century artistic practices across a range of media and within a wider sweep of American history to tell a rich and deep story of art in the United States,” said Randall Griffey, head curator at the Smithsonian American Art Museum.
“The collection offers opportunities for connection and dialogue – between artists and ideas, between artworks and viewers, and among the artworks themselves.
“Our hope is that visitors are inspired to engage in this vibrant conversation as they explore our new and refreshed galleries.”
As well as the reinstallation, the Smithsonian museum is opening a new state-of-the-art gallery dedicated to time-based media on the third floor.
Images courtesy of The Smithsonian
