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Kreeger Museum
Designed by Philip Johnson as a residence and a museum, David and
Carmen Kreeger’s travertine mansion has amply filled both roles.
Completed in 1967, Johnson's design achieved the goal of furthering
the Kreegers dual interests in art collecting and musical
performance. For example, as amateur musicians, the Kreegers
delighted in opening their home to visiting musicians. They were
famous for the concerts held in the Great Hall, a splendid space
whose 25 foot domed ceiling allows superb acoustics. Mr. and Mrs.
Kreeger’s approach to collecting was an unusual one; they never made
a purchase without consulting each other, and their purchases were
made simply for the love of the work, never for the investment
value. The result is an eclectic collection of art from the
traditional to the whimsical that is sure to appeal to a wide
audience of art lovers. The Kreeger Museum opened to the public in
1994, and in recent years has expanded its family programs.
Storytelling and hands-on workshops are available on a monthly
basis, so phone ahead to find out what it available around the time
you’d like to visit. Your children may enjoy learning about the
family behind the Museum. David Kreeger was born in New York City in
1909 to immigrant parents. He played the violin as a boy and worked
his way through college by playing the piano at resorts along the
New Jersey shore. The collection includes pieces from the 1850’s to
the 1970’s and includes Impressionist painters like Monet, Renior
and Picasso. European artists Edward Munch, Max Bechmann and John
Miro are represented as well, and some American favorites such as
Alexander Calder and James Resenquist complete this wonderful
collection. In addition, traditional pieces from west and central
Africa and some Indian and pre-Columbian works of art can be found
in the museum’s permanent collection.
Ages 5-7 Take out finger paints or watercolors. Point out that paint
thinly applied will look very different from thick layers of paint.
Ask you child to create a painting that has different textures. Talk
about which texture he likes the best, and why. Ages 8 and up Ask
your child to design a house that must have three purposes. A family
should be able to live comfortably within the house, and it must
allow space to display a growing art collection and to perform
musical recitals. What factors should an architect take into account
in designing a house for these purposes? As a young boy, David
Kreeger loved to play his violin. He also liked to practice. Talk
about how this served him well, as later in life he was able to
invite such musicians as Isaac Stern, Pinchas Zuckerman, and Pablo
Casals to his home to perform concerts and duets with him! After
parking and paying at the reception area, take a moment to enjoy the
ambiance of the Great Hall. Here, in the past, famous musicians
entertained the Kreegers and their guests, and now, the space is
used for the Museums impressive concert offerings as well as for
gallery space. Point out the great domed ceiling, which allows fine
acoustics, and the tall windows, which admit light to view the
collection of art. Ages 5-7 The two van Gogh paintings in the Great
Hall employ varying brushwork and achieve different textures.
Compare those to the finger paints or watercolors your child painted
at home. Younger children may also like Brancusis bronze sculpture
of a sleeping child. Ages 8 and up How well does the design of the
Great Hall showcase the art collection and support musical
performance? In the Impressionist Room, where the Monets are
displayed, notice the lower ceiling and the large windows. Do you
agree with the architects choice to drop the ceiling by 15 feet in
this room? Does it create a different mood for our viewing of the
paintings?
Consider attending one of the story times for young children held on
the third Tuesday of every month except August. Saturday workshops
for children are also available. Call the museum for details.
Location: 2401 Foxhall Road, N.W. Washington, DC Web site:
www.kreegermuseum.org
Admission: Suggested donation: adults, $8; seniors/students, $5;
members and children under 12, free. Children under 12 are admitted
only during Saturday Open Hours and for other special events. Time
needed: One and one-half to two hours. Food: No. Restrooms: Yes.
Hours: Reservations required except for Saturday. Open Hours on
Saturdays are from 10AM to 4PM. The museum is closed the month of
August. Advance reservations can be made by calling (202) 338-3552.
Docent-led tours are available Tuesday through Friday at 10:30AM and
1:30PM. The museum is closed in August. Phone: (202) 337-3050 To get
there: The Kreeger is located in the District on the east side of
Foxhall Road, north of Reservoir Road and south of Loughboro Road.
The museum is not located near bus or Metro lines, but free parking
is available on site. Your kids will really like: the antique double
music stand with brass candleholders next to the concert grand piano
in the Great Hall.
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