(Photo by cb nworks)

With Yayoi Kusama’s whimsical, otherworldly works drawing such interest that the Hirshhorn introduced timed passes for the first time in its history, the modern art museum has seen more than one million visitors this year.

It is the first time in 30 years that the Hirshhorn has crossed that threshold, and it more than doubles attendance rates from three years ago.

“This remarkable achievement underscores the Hirshhorn’s well-earned reputation for innovative programming and world-class exhibitions from visionary artists,” said Smithsonian Secretary David Skorton in a release.

Ambitious plans for the Hirshhorn’s future nearly literally deflated before Melissa Chiu came on board as director three years ago. Her early tenure was marked by criticism over her continued ties and seeming preference for the New York art world, but it is clear that she has presided over a remarkable turnaround at the museum.

In addition to the Kusama exhibit, crowds have flocked to the Brutalist doughnut to see Ragnar Kjartansson’s Woman in E and meditative video works, Ai Weiwei’s provocative and hilarious Trace (which is still on view), and a summer-long exhibition of Yoko Ono’s work (50,000 people added handwritten notes to one piece).

The Hirshhorn will have a community party to celebrate the accomplishment every Saturday in December between 10 a.m. and noon. Kids (of all ages) can make their own artwork out of LEGOs and digital tools, join a 3-D portrait challenge, and other activities.