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Had to book in advance on the first Wednesday of each month to get the spot. Only got to take photos outdoors and nothing indoors. Pretty entertaining works inside but lot of open space could be filled with other works. Nature walk was beautiful and enjoyed the outdoor arts. The courtyard lily was a highlight. Easy to find and be aware of street camera Corridor coming here
Beautiful collection across a large outdoor garden and indoor exhibits with really beautiful changing exhibits. Some artists featured when we went: On Kawara, Alex da Corte, Charles Ray, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Jenny Holzer. Of course the infamous Jeff Koons Split Rocker is always in the walking trail. Only note is the signage on the pathways outside on the trail could be improved so that you don't get lost towards the edge where the "sinks in grass" are. Some of the art can be missed because the signage isn't too big. Tickets book out very early in advance so make sure you book ahead! Must have a reservation to enter!! No photography indoors. Outdoors allowed everywhere. Two cafes and bathrooms throughout. If it's raining they even offer umbrellas! Free parking lots. Small gift shop. Looking forward to more blooms in spring!
Beyond words. Everything is exactly as it should be, and the care of the grounds is absolutely amazing. Everything everywhere is done with extreme care, and I was blown away at how nice this place was and today I was utterly impressed is an understatement. I've lived here 20 years and didn't know of its existence until last year. This is one of my all time favorites!!!
Holy concrete, glass and art! Glenstone is a canvas for adults' imagination. This retreat is if a minimalist billionaire and Mother Nature had a serene art child. Every turn of concrete and glass leads to a magical surprise. My favorite was the Alex Da Corte exhibits which were full of color and textures.
Amazing museum! I can't believe it was in my own back yard and I never knew about it. I only learned about it because the owner was in the news recently. The art doesn't have any interpretive explanation so you need to use your imagination on why they may have created it. I highly recommend going through the whole thing, it's a lot of walking, but worth it. I'm the gallery there's a lot of people working there, but they don't ever say anything, I'm not sure if I was supposed to ask them questions or if they were just making sure no one touched the art
I kept hearing about the place but never been in the 10+ years of living in DC. Absolutely loved the visit. Reservations are required to manage crowd control and no kids allowed which made it a very relaxing environment. It became a sweltering day so I'm glad I had a morning reservation. All the artwork is unique and the nature walks in between are pleasant. The cafe/patio is cute and has delicious food.
A unique modern art museum consisting of multiple buildings and outdoor sculptures on a sprawling estate - all free to the public! Reservations are required and available online, but if you're an educator you have guaranteed admission. It's a bit out-of-the-way, but definitely worth the trip, I've never been anywhere like it. DC was having a heat wave when I visited so some of the outdoor trails were closed, but we still got to see the indoor collections and some of the outdoor pieces. No photos are allowed in the indoor exhibits or spaces but it's a beautiful building and collection. They also have a restaurant and café on site which was a nice treat.
Glenstone is the perfect place to spend the day. It's an elegant space with stunning grounds and buildings. Because there's so much to see and experience, it's truly an all day visit. There's a small café where you can take a break and refuel with drinks and snacks. You have to book in advance, as tickets sell out quickly. There is no cost for tickets. You'll fall in love with every exhibition.
In general, Glenstone is a private contemporary museum that juxtapositions modern art and nature. While admission is free, it is highly recommended that you reserve tickets before arriving to the museum. Although we did not know that tidbit, we were fortunate enough to gain same-day admission. Also, please note that the museum take its age restrictions (12+) very seriously. I heard of some folks being turned away because they had a couple of young kids with them. Note that photography is forbidden inside of the museum. During our visit, we observed over seven or eight exhibitions. While some of the exhibits were a bit too avant-garde for my liking, which necessarily is not a bad thing. Although the exhibits were a bit out there for me, I was more fascinated by the architecture of the museum and the museum's integration with nature. In addition to viewing multiple exhibits, visitors can take a walk on the various nature trails, which are sprinkled with various sculptures. Since there is an outdoor component, I highly recommend visiting during the spring and fall months - especially if you are not a fan of extreme temperatures during winter and summer.
I've been to Glenstone several times. It is remarkable. The Rales created a magnificent institution. They provided it with an endowment that exceeds all but the wealthiest traditional museums. The collection is first rate. The architecture, including of the landscape, is itself worth looking at. In terms of places we take tourists, Glenstone is on the list, toward the top. The caveat, if you are not familiar with the area, is it is a good thirty minute drive from upper NW DC, and an hour from downtown if you are staying there. That raises the one issue. Tickets can be hard to come by. There is a workaround. You can ride the bus. They then will let you in "day of." That is deliberate, to encourage mass transit, and I am impressed, because such incentives should be more common. There is one another issue. I tell our guests most of the experience is outdoors, walking around. If you have mobility issues, they do have little EVs, and I'm not quite sure (since I don't have this concern) how the system works or how much they assist. I'd bet they are solicitous. For the majority of visitors, you want comfortable/sensible shoes and appropriate outwear for the weather -- it isn't strenuous; it's in the range of the step count people strive to put in. They have a couple of water dispensers out there, with paper cups and little in-ground recycling receptacles. All in all, Glenstone is one of the greatest collections of art, and I'd put it with the Menil Collection among those privately founded. Addendum. They allow photography outdoors. They are strict indoors.
Unique experience. We came here for the walking trails and have an added bonus of Big architectural displays on the way.
Probably one of the best museums I been to in the area! I like how it's a park with a lot of art sculptures everywhere! The art pieces can be outdoor or indoor but you have to move to get to them. There is a good amount of walking involved but it is definitely worth it. There are food areas / restaurants there as well in case you get hungry. You should definitely check this place out.
Lovely place to see some outside installations and also the indoor exhibit they had (can't take pics of those). It felt very peaceful walking through the grounds and it gave me a boost if that makes sense. The staff working were super nice, and the place itself wasn't very crowded. Immensely grateful for the people that set this up because it makes our community richer and allows people to experience art. I think my fav piece was the two ghosts. Glad to have checked them out after living in MoCo for a majority of my life.
11 months ago
2 years ago
Tickets are booked out 2 months in advanced from Fri to Sunday. However I was lucky and had the day off and went on a weekday. Less crowded anyways. I had a fantastic time. My favorite museum ever. It was so peaceful and beautiful. There's also two cafes on sight with food and drinks. Very clean bathrooms and helpful workers. Multiple parking areas and carts to pick you up from and to if you're at a lot not close to the entrance. I highly recommend this museum. read more
2 years ago
Absolutely amazing art exhibits!!! And the nature sound exhibit?! NUTS!!! Could feel it in my chest! Really amazing stuff and incredibly friendly staff. We plan to come back in March '25 when there's more on show :-) THAT BEING SAID! I wish there were more blurbs on the walls in regards to the pieces. But other than that everything is set up really nice :) I also wish the staff at each post had the option of seating. It is extremely tough on the body to stand in one space for extended periods of times... To offer a small kiosk with a little pamphlet about the artist and a stool to be sat on would look cool, or just the stool at least. The staff remained friendly all throughout and with adequate seating it would keep stamina better for longer. Speaking as someone with back issues :) No job is worth damaging your body over! read more
2 years ago
Beautiful indoor gallery spaces and outdoor trails with sculptures - if you can manage to navigate the nightmarish ticketing process and score a reservation (no small feat) then Glenstone is a wonderful, relaxing way to spend your afternoon. Be aware that while the museum's hours are until 5 PM, several of the installations & buildings (including the food pavilion) close at 4. read more
Had no idea what to expect at The Glenstone on a beautiful October day. The staff were all available for any question, but never engaged unless you asked. I loved the different levels of excitement they gave, sharing either the artist's actual description or their interpretation of the art. Most of the docents were excited to be asked and to give their ideas. The exhibits are mostly indoor, but art works dot the grounds of the beautiful 15 acre property and intriguing in their scope and subject matter. This museum is free and recommends reservations. It is worth your time to visit and enter the minds of these various artists! read more
2 years ago
Glenstone is a modern/contemporary museum that has amazing architectural designs and artwork outside. You can get tickets online for the indoor gallery exhibits ( no photography) w general admission or tickets only for the outdoor section. You will spend about two hours walking outside on a flat gravel trail around the grounds looking at beautiful artwork & bring running shoes for comfort. The scenery is beautiful w the flowers and tall trees on the trail. They have cafes and restrooms on the ground. It can be difficult to find employees on the grounds, but they have cameras everywhere instead. Overall, I was glad to check out this museum! read more
3 years ago
Spent a rainy afternoon enjoying the beauty and art at Glenstone, a hidden gem in Potomac. I was here as part of a group and we were warmly welcomed, given an overview of the buildings and grounds before we were invited to explore at our own pace. The galleries were well staffed and folks were eager to talk about the art. Photos aren't permitted inside, so that you can focus on the art. Highly recommend a visit when it's not raining so you can better enjoy the grounds, even with the rain this was a 5 experience. read more
3 years ago
A truly wonderful experience walking the grounds and touring the indoor exhibits. I anticipate returning in the spring/summer to see the outdoors in color. read more
3 years ago
I've been to a lot of museums, and Glenstone Museum is one of my favorites. Photos were not allowed inside the pavilions, but their art collections are modern and contemporary. Stunning. And Glenstone grounds are about 300 acres, so there's a lot to see outdoors. I didn't make it too far today, though, because the heat was brutal. I want to try their Cafe or Patio restaurants next time I'm here, because the menus looked good. I can't wait to come back when it's cooler. read more
If I lived close by, I think I'd go to Glenstone just for lunch! Oh, it's also a pretty good museum. Such an interesting place! The landscapes. The architecture. The entire experience was unique. Some of it is kind of "well, it's modern art, what can you say?" but even the modern art is not so far out there. It's such a quiet setting, I really enjoyed it. As you can tell from the pictures, we had lunch at the cafe. Be prepared: the menu is online but you're likely to not get a signal on your phone, and the wi-if was flaking out during our visit. And they don't accept cash. The prices were reasonable, although the turkey and Brie was the best option in our family's opinion. Since much of the museum is outside, it looks different at different times of the year. So, we'll likely be back soon. read more
There's a reason that the Glenstone is THE exclusive museum in the DMV area. Incredible docents, conversation-inspiring pieces, beautifully maintained walking trails, and a great overall environment... what more could you ask for? Make a reservation as soon as you can! read more
It seems like it's pretty tough to get tickets but luckily I started my masters at Georgia Tech this fall so I could do the walk up student option where we could bring a plus one. The registration took a little while especially since it seemed like they were training someone new in but the staff were generally pretty friendly. Before letting us go on our own they gave us a map of the grounds and thorough directions on where to find each exhibit and options like taking the golf cart if we wanted to bypass some walking. It was a nice day though so my partner and I decided to walk the outer circle and then branch out to see the other works. Parking was pretty easy as there was someone directing traffic when we pulled into the property. Everyone was good about social distancing and since the indoor exhibits were closed this was a good outdoor pandemic activity with about 1.5 miles of outdoor trail. Also the whole experience was free. What a nice weekend activity when the weather is cooperative! read more
10 months ago
3 years ago
This was a really interesting take on a museum. The outside sculptures specifically the Koons and the Smith were really cool. The walk itself was ~ 1.5 miles and it is very scenic, colorful, and relaxing. There are also water stations placed strategically along the path to stay hydrated. The Pavilions which encompass all the indoor sculptures was very avant-garde and worth seeing. I liked the Ellsworth Kelly exhibit the most as it was very minimalistic. Great for a date and art observers, I'm not a big art observer but felt it was laid out in such a way where a lot of context was provided to understand and appreciate it. Also, the indoor exhibit had a nice courtyard and glass walls to look outside. Did not get food here, but they do have a place called The Patio where the serve food. Just an FYI - pictures are not allowed indoors. A great place to go as admission is also free! read more
1 year ago
Admittedly I'm a museum lover. Take me to one and I'm in heaven. Glenstone is a very tasteful indoor/outdoor art installation. Not sure I've ever been to something like this before. Perhaps it could be compared to Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania or Shelburne Museum in Vermont, but it's just so unique that trying to find a basis of relative likeness does Glenstone a disservice. Getting an appointment requires a wait of sorts however admission is free. I was given a slot that was 6 weeks out. I recommend trying for a morning reservation. I got a late afternoon one and felt like I was pushing the whole time to get through all the sites before the place closed. Wear good walking shoes and be prepared to be outside. The inside museums are wonderful, but it's the outside treatment that gets my attention--and sets this arts space apart from others. If you have museum-haters in your world and you'd like to change that, Glenstone just might do the trick. I believe a visit here would be the perfect antidote for the "anti-museum" person. It's marvelously modern and well-thought through. It's expanding, too. Go. read more
If you're one of few people who were actually born and raised in the DMV, you probably pride yourself in knowing a little about some of the hidden gems. Well someone take away my Washingtonian card because I did NOT know about Glenstone until this past year. Yesterday marked our 3rd visit and we were committed to seeing it rotate through the seasons. It is a place that boasts the collaboration of Art, Architecture and Nature. It's Modern Art, which one definitely has to have some kind of affinity for to appreciate. But aside from seeing a glazed urinal that had sold for millions, I was really just taken aback by the beauty of the grounds, the collections and the ability to have wine and charcuterie on the patio. We saw Basquait, Wall, Jafa, Warhol... my favorite is the Jeff Koons "Splitrocker" which is a floral sculpture that is literally in bloom from April to October. The only other Koons I've seen is in front of the Guggenheim in Bilbao, Spain. There are gorgeous pathways to walk, there are two areas to get a drink or snack, and in addition to the 11 room main gallery that is constantly rotating it's collection, there is a separate gallery that will feature ONE main artist at a time in all their glory. We were lucky enough to catch the Faith Ringold in 2021 and it was just spectacular. The best part about all of this, is that it's FREE. The owners of the collection are committed to sharing their home to anyone who wants to see it. You DO need a ticket, and you can reserve your spot on the first of every month for the next two months. They fill up quick as it's only open a few days a week. Just go. It's too cool not to! read more
3 years ago
This is one of my favorite museums in the DMV. It's really fantastic and I love spending a day out here when I have a chance. I was surprised I had never heard of it, but luckily, one of my coworkers recommended I check it out. It typically takes me 45-60 minutes from DC, but it's worth the drive. It's really easy to navigate getting there and they have a free parking lot at the entrance. You do need tickets, but they are free! One of the best things about this museum is how it connects art and nature. Many of the exhibits are outdoors on their massive lot. I love walking on the pathways to get around and like that some of them are tucked away in the woods. I really love the zig-zag bridge area - it looks so cool and is fun to explore. The indoor exhibits are really cool too and I love the materials they use inside the buildings. It definitely looks and feels like you're in the center of a cool art space. I recently saw the Kara Walker pieces here and was blown away. In addition to the wonderful art, they have a couple of cafes that are really cool to hang out at and take it all in. I like the one with the outdoor patio - it's so peaceful and relaxing, and the food/drinks I've tried are really good. Also, the staff is great. Definitely worth a visit! read more
5 years ago
The best museum I've been to. My fiancé got us tickets to Glenstone, which is tough apparently. I didn't reserve the tickets, but glad he did! Only thing that sucked is we went during a really hot day, but it was worth it all! The museum is absolutely gorgeous inside. Modern and minimal - photography is not allowed inside the museum, which sucks because it would have been nice to capture the walls and floors, but on the other hand, it pushed me to actually enjoy the museum. There's definitely some walking involved, so make sure you're comfortable. You have to walk to the pavilion and the gallery. The walk is beautiful. There's a cafe - we stopped for drinks and desserts. The desserts could have been better, but that's not why we went! The Faith Ringgold exhibit was my favorite! read more
Cool museum! This is probably my favorite museum in the dmv area since it's a nice mix of greenery & contemporary art which I really enjoy! There's plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in the art. I love how simple they keep the museum so you're able to enjoy both art and the beauty of nature. My only complaint was the patio - although the food was good - we had the tofu banh mì & ice chai tea it took awhile and the staff seemed really disorganized confused. Other than that it's s cool place to go! read more
3 years ago
I've been to 70 countries and probably hundreds of museums. This is my favorite museum in the entire world. I've never left a museum that has left a lasting impression like this. The landscape design, layout, curation and uniqueness of the works is just unparalleled. I've been three times and every time I'm just floored. Its such a special place and the location is just perfect to complement the pieces. Please go. read more
4 years ago
Absolutely recommend this museum if you love art OR walking around a beautiful landscape! There's a path over a mile long that brings you past various sculptures. The most popular area of course is the pavilions, which feature different art exhibits. None of the exhibits have information on the walls (not even QR codes--although I do think it can be found online), which is interesting. There are staff members in each room, but they're obviously instructed only to answer visitors' questions. Overall, I enjoyed the architecture and nature most--there's definitely something for everyone! read more
Ethereal and magical. Beautiful surroundings, nice trails, excellent art exhibitions, and huge outdoor sculptures. It's all free. Indoor architecture and design is minimalist, wooden, Scandinavian blonde. Very friendly staff always smiling and ready to help. Clean bathrooms and free water. Indoor cafe is safe, they practice social distancing and masks are required. Food was okay for a light and healthy meal, nothing fancy. For museum food, it's quite good. 4*Seared salmon was tender and very well done. 2*Charcuterie plate was not what I expected, bread was not warm, grapes were neither fresh nor clean. I wouldn't order this again. Oh well, I didn't come here for gourmet meal, so overall I think this place is still a gem and deserves a 5* This place needs to make reservation months in advance. It's not easy because the tickets are snatched as soon as they are released. It requires quite a lot of walking, be prepared to walk at least 10,000 steps and spend a minimal 3-4 hours. read more
A fusion of visually pleasing and considerate landscaping with an indoor and outdoor art installations over sprawling acreage in suburban Washington, DC. Tickets are pre-sold and timed entry. The exploration of the exhibits and outdoor spaces is entirely self-guided. A great alternative weekend activity for families or singles. The current indoor exhibition was a contemporary iconoclast theme. Pack a snack, I did not see any food outlets on site. Enjoy read more
3 years ago
1 year ago
2 years ago
Glenstone,a modern art bonanza. Yes, it's free, but the wait to get tickets is insane. That said, a certain number of tickets for that day are available on a first come first served basis. The landscaping is done on a grand scale and as you walk around its hard to believe that you are in Potomac Maryland. Beautiful views abound! The meandering paths invite meditation and thought. Because it is a ticketed entry the amount of people walking around give you a more intimate feel. Even when in the museum you're not rushed or feel like you have to move to get out of somebody's way. Take your time soak in the art. We went on a day not conducive to walking around to much,it was close to 100 degrees and humid as hell, but still totally worth the trip. Get advanced tickets and put it on your schedule. It's totally an experience you need to have. Enjoy and let me know what you think. read more
This museum was amazing and I cannot wait to go back. So peaceful and I love the fact that it's outdoors. Lots of walking, the cafe serves really good food and the staff is so knowledgeable. I also like that you can't take pictures inside so that people can't ruin the experience for people that haven't been. My pictures were only outside, please respect the artist. My husband and I had a cute little date here and just talked and walked and enjoyed the sights. The tickets are hard to get so I booked this months in advance. Truly a hidden gem and must see. read more
2 years ago
4 years ago
My friends and I had such a great time at Glenstone. Well worth the drive . Beautiful art spread across the land. Everything was very minimal but rich. The cafe had the best fries ! All the food looked really good. The hibiscus lemonade was the best I had yet. Enjoyed ourselves so much. I'm going back once it cools down read more
3 years ago
I ventured out to Glenstone today. The weather was perfect for this outdoor setting. Very cool modern vibe. It's like taking a beautiful nature walk with art sprinkled in the mix. Definitely wear you walking shoes read more
2 years ago
Beautiful grounds even in the winter. The only drawback is that in the second gallery there were multiple loud groups of young museum guards who were shrieking laughing which did take away from the art for me. I could hear them the entire time I was in the gallery but it was the most detracting when I was closest to them by the Bruce Nauman. The rest of the guards who were standing alone were great. Would like to visit again during warmer months and wonder if during more high traffic times the guards are less loud and more respectful. read more
Visited here on a Saturday afternoon with a couple of friends for my first time. There was a parking lot with spots that filled up and emptied quickly. You have to reserve a spot online quite early like months in advance. Or if you have a student ID or military ID, that person can bring a plus one on the same day as walk ins. This place is a pretty big area with lots of serene things to see. The architecture of the buildings are nice to look at. It's modern and incorporates natural elements such as wood and stone. Large windows allow natural light to come in and you're able to see the greenery through them. The whole place takes about 1.5-2 hrs to see depending on your pace. There are two cafes here and they sell pretty good drinks! Some of the inside galleries prohibit taking photographs. The venue provides free umbrellas for you to use whether it is on a sunny day to block out the sunlight or to use on a rainy day. Some parts of the walk is gravel and some are paved so wear appropriate footwear. read more
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