Image by R.C. Gorman, courtesy Museum of the American Indian.

>> On Jaunary 13, the Museum of the American Indian opens R.C. Gorman: Early Prints and Drawings, 1966-1974. This exhibit features Gorman’s early work with nude forms, highlighting 28 drawings and lithographs, including a rare self portrait.

>> On view for the first time since donation are nine photographs of the Kennedys taken by Richard Avedon for Harper’s Bazaar at the American History Museum. The photo session was held at a time between the 1960 election and the 1961 inauguration; the images are said to be the only photographs taken of the family during that time period. Also on view are Avedon’s contact sheets showing his editorial process. The Kennedys 50 Years Ago opened January 3.

>> Orchids turn up in two museum exhibits this month. Since the time of Confucius (551-479 BCE), the cymbidium orchid has been associated with principled, moral gentlemen and with attributes such as friendship, loyalty and patriotism. At the Sackler, see The Orchid in Chinese Painting expressed in 20 works created with ink and color. January 15.

>> Meanwhile, the Natural History Museum pays homage to the orchid in Chinese culture with Orchids — A View from the East. The exhibition showcases a variety of exotic live orchids that testify to the Chinese’s love for the diverse plant. January 29.

>> Listen up city planning geeks: on January 10, Witold Rybczynski discusses his latest book, Makeshift Metropolis: Ideas about Cities at the National Building Museum. In this presentation, Rybczynski will discuss the history of city planning and consider the kind of cities we want and the kind of cities we need. The lecture is the launch event for the Museum’s Intelligent Cities initiative, a multi-year effort that explores how data and information technology can improve the way our cities look, feel, and function. $12 members. $20 non-members.