Today we drove to Potomac, MD and spent the morning visiting Glenstone Museum, a private contemporary art collection. Back in 2006, it was founded by an American businessman and billionaire Mitchell Rales and Emily Wei, his wife. There is no admission to tour the museums campus or walk on the woodland trails. However, you do need a ticket which you can get online.
The buildings were built to fit into their natural surroundings. They are made of zinc, granite, stainless steel and teak wood.
This bridge has small round lights on the floor boards.
The building quality is top of the line, with clean lines, and without excessive details. They believe the best way to view art is to take your time with minimal intervention.
The large windows provided good lighting to view the art works. When I looked out at the one center pond area, the glass almost became invisible.
Guides and Bathrooms
There are many guides on the campus to greet visitors and to answer any questions. They wear gray and have a plain bar pin on their clothing to indicate they are guides but no name tags.
When I used the ladies bathroom, I was initially a bit lost because all I noticed was the sinks. However, on closer examination, you pushed a white door open which actually looked like part of the wall. There were no bathroom stalls, only small rooms for each toilet. The whole art museum was immaculately clean and well thought out.
I asked one of the guides, if they place goldfish in the water feature area but she said the water is stocked with natural fish. The fish catch mosquitoes but are not active this time of year.
Some of the square box-like water features looks like they contain some type of water lilies which must be lovely when in bloom.
Woodland Trails
In particular, I enjoyed walking the woodland trail which began down a series of large stone steps.
As we walked through wooded and streamed areas, everything was so untouched and pristine. There was not a single piece of trash anywhere on the compound. You were not allowed to walk into the woods or meadows, and had to remain on the path. There was, also, benches to sit on if you needed a break during your walk or to reflect.
I love their wooden area since it only contains native species plants which provide a good food source for the wildlife. The trail also has outside sculptures occasionally interspaced.
I noticed the wooded area had planted lots of trees which have deer protection wire wrapped around the trunks. Walking up to the museum, a visitor ahead of us picked up two small snails and placed them on the other side of the trail so they wouldn’t get stepped on.
End Notes on Visiting Glenstone
I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to the Glenstone art museum.
Of course, photographs are not allowed in the museum but you are allowed to take photographs outside including some of the outdoor statues.
Everything is so peaceful, in tone with nature and the ecosystem. Would definitely recommend visiting this refreshing art museum and the lush green wooded grounds.
Notice the deer protection cylinders around the trees.
A Special Thank you to Mitchell Rales and Emily Wei for the outstanding art experience at the Glenstone. Also, thanks to all the Friendly Guides.