February Museum Roundup
Josef Albers's "Homage to the Square: Glow," 1966, from the Hirshhorn's collection
>> On Feb. 11, the Hirshhorn presents Josef Albers: Innovation and Inspiration. Expect Albers' signature geometric patterns and optical illusions pulled from the museum's collection along with pieces on loan from the Josef and Anni Albers Foundation on view for the first time.
>> For a peak into life in Afghanistan, the Library of Congress will display over 50 letters written to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. The letters come from all over the country and discuss living conditions, corrupt officials and prison reform. Some are illustrated with floral and animal designs reminiscent of an earlier tradition. Voices from Afghanistan opens Feb. 11 and will be on display on the first floor of the Library's Thomas Jefferson building.
>> It's all about the pheromones. Or is it? In The Odor of Love: Is Attraction All in the Nose? join scientist Johan Lundström to learn about the connections between the nose, the brain and attraction at the Koshland Science Museum. Feb. 11, 7 p.m. $30.
>> Timothy H. O'Sullivan was a photographer for two of the most ambitious geographical surveys of the nineteenth century. The collection of photographs he brought back went beyond documented landscapes and formed a style of what was the American West. In collaboration between the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the Library of Congress, Framing the West: The Survey Photographs of Timothy H. O'Sullivan opens at the American Art Museum Feb. 12.
>> Did you know that Time has put on its cover all incumbent presidents from Warren Harding to Barack Obama, with the exception of Herbert Hoover? In an exhibit opening Feb. 12 at the National Portrait Gallery, From FDR to Obama: Presidents on Time explores the modern presidency through the covers of America's oldest and most recognized weekly news magazine.
>> Also opening at the Portrait Gallery is the new permanent exhibit: The Struggle for Justice. This exhibit highlights major cultural and political figures in the civil rights movements, such as Frederick Douglass, Elizabeth Cady Stanton and César Chávez. Feb. 12.
>> The Art of Living: Textile Furnishings from the Permanent Collection opens at the Textile Museum Feb. 12. This exhibit will showcase rugs, cushions, wall hangings and chair covers from the late Roman Empire and colonial Peru to Edo-period Japan and Victorian Britain.
>> For you true American history buffs: the American History Museum puts on display a letter written by George Washington in November 1785, to David Stuart. The letter discusses, among other things, the future of the country under the Articles of Confederation. A Letter from George Washington, November 30, 1785 opens Feb. 13.
>> The National Museum of Women in the Arts opens two exhibits this month. On Friday, see Pomp and Power: Antoinette Bouzonnet Stella's Entrance of the Emperor Sigismond into Mantua, featuring a series of 25 engravings by French artist Antoinette Bouzonnet Stella. Then on Feb. 12, A Dream...but not Yours: Contemporary Art from Turkey opens, highlighting eleven artists working in the global art market.
>> New England architecture has a distinctive style that sets it apart. Drawing Toward Home: Designs for Domestic Architecture from Historic New England celebrates architectural drawing of two centuries and depicts the changing styles and design trends in New England. Opening Feb. 13 at the National Building Museum.