Ice skaters at the National Gallery of Art's Sculpture Garden Ice Rink at 7th and Constitution, seen under the legs of Alexander Calder's (American, 1898-1976) Cheval Rouge (Red Horse) 1974. Painted sheet metal. Courtesy, Calder Foundation, NY. 2002 Estate of Alexander Calder. Artists Rights Society, NY/Patricia Leslie“Weather permitting,” the National Gallery of Art’s Sculpture Garden ice rink will be open through mid-March unless the daffodils and blades of grass burst through warm ice and interfere.
On three visits (lunchtime, one weekday evening, a weekend), there was plenty of room to “bust a few,” enjoy laughs and outdoor winter exercise, while gliding effortlessly across the ice to music. (Not all glide “effortlessly." Some rail-huggers never let go of their support and hug the rail constantly. Oh, dear. How boooorrring. Rink guards ensure that speed demons do not plow down those less dedicated.)
At the National Gallery of Art's Sculpture Garden Ice Rink looking towards the dome of the Gallery's West Building. Can you find the full moon just over the tree tops?/Patricia Leslie
At the National Gallery of Art's Sculpture Garden Ice Rink looking towards the dome of the Gallery's West Building. Can you find the full moon just over the tree tops?/Patricia LeslieCameras are not allowed on the rink (because it would require stopping?), however, rail-huggers do stop, of course, but there are no fines. Oh, and the backward skaters and fancy flingers? Forgetabutit. On a weekday with fewer skaters, one may be able to take flight (?). Here are the rules.
The skater is about to take flight. Seen through the legs of Louise Bourgeois's (American, 1911-2010) Spider, 1996. Cast, 1997. Gift of Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation/Patricia Leslie
The skater is about to take flight. Seen through the legs of Louise Bourgeois's (American, 1911-2010) Spider, 1996. Cast, 1997. Gift of Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation/Patricia LeslieIce skating is great fun for all ages and skill levels, and there are plenty of skates for rent at the ice rink. Visitors will find warm and cold refreshments available for purchase in a nearby heated tent which has chairs and tables so skaters may sit, rest a spell and massage broken limbs.
Taking off between the legs of Louise Bourgeois's (American, 1911-2010) Spider, 1996. Cast, 1997. Gift of Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation/Patricia Leslie
A totally delightful experience!
What: Ice skating
When: Now through mid-March, Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. - 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. - 11 p.m., Sunday, 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Where: The National Gallery's Sculpture Garden at 7th Avenue and Constitution
How much: Skate for two hours on the hour for $7 (children and seniors) to $8 (adults). Skate rentals are $3, and lockers are 50 cents.
Metro: Federal Triangle, Smithsonian, or Archives-Navy Memorial
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