Have heard about this place for a while now but didn't really realize what it's like so never bothered to look into going there but had the opportunity the other day when some friends scored a few last minute tickets. You can't simply describe it as just a "museum" because that wouldn't give you the full picture. It's actually more like a park with indoor and outdoor settings showcasing interesting displays and the entire well designed space - forest, meadows, streams, and the very modern, minimalist grey polished concrete gallery buildings with huge picture windows and skylights all come together to form one interconnected piece of artwork. This is a place where you can easily spend a couple hours or more - even though the minimalism can also apply to the actual number of artworks on display (more seem to be in the plans). The galleries with high ceilings, a courtyard with a beautiful lily pond have a lot of open space, and the outdoor graveled trails leads you around the expansive landscaped grounds passing several large sculptures. The whole atmosphere here is one of contemplativeness and tranquility and you'd want to go slow and take in the surroundings without being hurried. As entry, although free, is controlled by timed tickets, it doesn't seem like it'll ever get too crowded. They provide large umbrellas you may use for rain or shine so it would be fine to visit in any weather (part of the trails through meadows have no tree cover whatsoever so it could get quite scorching on a sunny 90+ degree day). Check the website to find out when entry tickets will be available for reservation (was told they tend to always get all booked up within a few minutes). read more

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Went to the Glenstone for the third time while my father was in town, and I'm not sure how it seems to amaze me every time I go. What a beautiful place! Such great exhibits and such a pretty place - extremely peaceful. I appreciate that you can't take photos in the exhibits as it helps you immerse yourself more. Also, the grounds themselves are beautiful. The only thing I suggest is wearing comfortable shoes as you'll be doing a lot of walking. read more

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its bizarre. my husband and I laughed a lot at the lack of and weird "art." i use the term art loosely. the buildings are interesting but its weird. driving in and out of potomac making fun of the huge and ugly huge mansions was more interesting. read more

Beautiful grounds and architecture, yes. But I agree with the reviewers who have noted the sterility and dystopian vibe. Everything is so quiet and manicured and severe that it's hard to imagine that the site doesn't harbor dark secrets. It feels like a futuristic prison camp where gruesome human experiments take place. I was only really comfortable when I was surrounded by the meadows, trees, and streams and away from the structures. Many art collections, public and private, manage to be elegant and peaceful while not feeling like a mausoleum. Maybe adding more color, including more information on the works, and allowing a little human interaction at the cafe would help tip the scales more towards joy and inspiration. The anti-child stance is also mystifying (since the glass is cleaned regularly and all the works are well guarded anyway) and adds to the coldness of the experience. read more

Glenstone - Art Museums Near Me - Potomac, Maryland

Cyndy's Bottom Line: Great place for a leisurely outdoor walk among the thought provoking sculptures and indoor galleries. Glenstone is a museum of modern and contemporary art. The building is a huge modernist structure. We were lucky to visit while Glenstone unveiled and presented it's first touring exhibition of American artist Faith Ringgold. Glenstone was the only U.S. museum to host a major exhibition of more than 70 works by American artist Faith Ringgold. Amazing, phenomenal, a provocative depiction of history through the eyes and life of Ringgold. Ringgold referred to her early work as "super realist" you will understand why when you see her work. Look forward to another visit and exhibit at Glenstone. read more

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Absolutely wonderful establishment where visitors may enjoy rather unique indoor and outdoor exhibits! We began going to Glenstone for Jazz on the Patio on Saturdays in September and what an amazing experience we had! The staff are so attentive, the grounds so well kept, and we loved the live music performed by Tripleroot, a local jazz band - @triple.root is their Instagram handle. They performed nonstop for over 2 hours and it was such a lovely concert in a beautiful setting. The hummus and pita chips we ordered were delicious too. Most recently enjoyed the woodland trail on a brisk January day and then admired Iconoclasts in the Gallery as well as some Ellsworth Kelly works plus so much more in the Pavilions. It probably is best that photography is not allowed inside because it forced me to really study the pieces and take in all the details because I would only have a mental picture to recall. We look forward to returning every season and walking the property to enjoy more of the serenity, plants, trees, and wildlife! Also worth noting is that military members (both active duty and veterans) and educators have guaranteed entry to Glenstone which means advance ticket reservations are not required. I so appreciate that we can visit on a whim any day Glenstone is open! read more

It is not easy to get in here. Tickets for this outdoor art museum are free but often disappear moments after they are released (I speak from experience), or you can take the public bus here and apparently get in without a ticket. I got in because there apparently wasn't as much demand for the frigid winter day on which I visited. The staff here all wear a distinctive gray, and it blends in with some of the stone. They also watch you intently, and there are a lot of cameras as well. Don't get me wrong; anyone who pays for an art museum and opens it for free to the public can run it however they want, but the amount of surveillance was a tad creepy amongst an otherwise peaceful and rustic environment. The staff also seemed to just sit around and occasionally ask if we had any questions. The museum is designed with limited labeling offering no explanations, so when I did ask a question, it would inevitably be "what is this?". It wasn't the most productive or welcoming dialogue; I'm sure it's an institutional policy rather than one docent's decision, but that didn't work for me. The mix of indoor and outdoor spaces did work for me. Speaking as someone reasonably local to this area, I've seen the county get built up and forgotten what the natural environment looked like. This is a plot of land amongst ritzy private houses; it's nice but it isn't intrinsically spectacular. Nonetheless, just getting the sense of what the natural environment was like and seeing it blended so expertly with some really impressive architecture is what made the place work. Honestly, I think the most memorable sight was the grass. The per se artwork was a pretty mixed experience for me. The pieces are pretty spread out, given plenty of room but little explanation. Some looked similar to what I've seen at other art museums in other parts of the world recently and kind of bored me. Others, this being a modern art museum, were just weird. Notably, a human figure with its back turned into a corner, in the context of stone building in a Maryland forest, evoked a Blair Witch vibe that I don't think was intentional. An outdoor audio theater had impressive sound quality. There were some other highlights. I didn't take picture though. They tell you not to do so inside (which clearly not everyone has obeyed). However, after snapping one or two shots of the grass, I decided to put the phone down and try to experience the gallery without it. It's amazing how photography replaces real-time experience in this day and age, and I thought it the right time to be a Luddite for a bit. Nonetheless, the main indoor space has wifi, so I hid from the cold there for a bit, extending my stay to two hours or so. On a nice weather day, I could see eating at the cafe and staying a while, but it was enough for me. I walked most of the outdoor spaces but did not linger in the cold. Nonetheless, if the place is open year-round, I say drop in whenever you can. It was certainly a worthwhile experience. read more

After several attempts..I finally made it to Glenstone! I remember seeing Mike B.'s post about it on the gram last year and I've been curious ever since. The museum is located in the heart of Potomac, who would've thought they can build such a beautiful, scenic, and modernize institution in the middle of a suburban area. Unique and modern artwork, you have to have a creative mind and imagination to understand some of them. My favorite piece was David Hammon's painting of Jessie Jackson. It was interesting to hear the controversial story behind it. Split Rocker by Jeff Koons is something to look out for! As soon as you walk the entrance, you will see a humongous dinosaur looking character from a far made out of flowers. It's even cuter up close and definitely one not to miss. Tickets fill up very fast so plan ahead and reserve ahead of time! Make sure to keep checking their website for time slots, weekends are almost always sold out. I got lucky to reserve for a Sunday and 4 is the maximum number allowed per reservation. Bag packs are not allowed inside the museum but lockers are available for your convenience. They are strict on cell phone usage inside the museum (no flash photography) but you may use it outdoors. Be prepared to walk many miles, comfortable shoes are encouraged. I noticed a girl wearing heels...poor girl obviously missed the memo. There are two spots for food, one is sit a sit down and the other is for small bites. There were a few exhibits that were closed during my visit. Different arts and pieces are featured depending on the season so I will most likely be back for those! I highly recommend to visit this little gem in Potomac. read more

Tucked away in Potomac, Glenstone is among the DMV's most artistic museums. Even the architecture of the buildings and landscaping are works of art! Definitely worth the drive from NOVA/DC and the numerous attempts over the past 6+ months to finally secure tickets! Tickets are available precisely at 10am on the 1st Wed of the month, and sold out in less than a minute. You gotta be stealthy! It takes 2-3 hours to leisurely visit all of the exhibits and explore the grounds. We got there around 3:45pm with just over an hour left before the museum closed at 5pm - definitely wasn't enough time! The expansive property is like a maze full of trails in a large loop. It reminds of walking through IKEA. Would be nice if dogs were welcomed outdoors. You can't take photos inside the Pavilions and some of the exhibition halls. The Andy Goldsworthy Clay Houses and Sound Exhibit close sharply at 4pm. We sadly missed the Houses as they were closing right when we got there and the staff abrasively turned us away along with a mother/daughter. The expansive 300 acre property is full of sculptures, paintings, and unique art forms made from different textures and materials.The Charles Ray "Baled Truck" is captivating with its heavily compressed composition made from solid stainless steel at the Pavilions. The Felix Gonzalez-Torres "Untitled" water installation was fascinating to watch water flowing between the circular stone slabs right outside the Gallery. Even the food is art form! The Curry Pumpkin soup was bursting with flavor while the scrumptious Tacos served at the Gallery was a nice treat! There were cool T-shirts with empowering phrases freshly painted in black (I saw people stealing them, I held off!) The Koi pond carved out in the center of the Pavilions building was truly the centerpiece! The aquatic gardens feel like a nice oasis from the museum's drab white walls. The sweeping views of the beautiful meadow and hilltop from the Reading Room left me awestruck. Definitely a great cozy spot to read a book! The grumpy staff dampened my experience. They were unwelcoming and stone cold like the structures. They couldn't crack a smile on their face. We got there after our allotted time slot around 3:45 and were almost turned away and hassled by the staff for the late arrival albeit I had called ahead informing the staff. I would love to come back (if I can get tickets!) to leisurely explore the grounds and get a close-up of the beautiful floral dinosaur Jeff Koons Split Rocker structure and peek inside the Clay Houses. read more

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Glenstone is a local gem! I scooped up two free entry tickets for a mother-daughter day with my mom. I admit, neither of us are modern art people. We chuckled at a couple of pieces and wished we'd thought to paint a canvas yellow, and then sell it to a museum. The reasons I'll come back are the setting, the architecture, and the people who work there. Glenstone feels so isolated from the rest of the world. It's a breath of fresh air. The architecture is beautiful and adds to the calming atmosphere. The people who work there are incredibly knowledgeable. Any questions we had about any of the pieces, they had answers and stories. The stories and information they shared with us was far more fascinating than some of the actual pieces. Take advantage of their wealth of knowledge when you go! read more

EXTRAORDINARY private art museum in Potomac! Glenstone has impressive outdoor sculptures integrated with the nature yet manicured compound, minimalist architecture throughout, art from post WWII to current, a coffee shop with LaMarzocco and a treehouse feel restaurant. It is open to the public with the reserved tickets. Glenstone is only open Thursday - Sunday 10am - 5pm. They restrict the number of people per 1/2 hour so you can experience their art at your leisure! This is a review for my first visit in April. ++. Ambiance is well maintained HUGE compound in DC suburb amassing large modern sculptures and objects of desire. Because they limit the number of visitors, you experience the art often privately. While serine, inside the 2 minimalistic buildings that house much of the art, the guides all wear the same dark grey garb that reminded me of dystopian movies. Well thought out and controlled art experience as intended by the owners. +++ Much to see and experience here...the Rales have ~1,300 works on and off Glenstone and they change the display with no set schedule. The art displayed are indoor and outdoor. Indoor exhibits are in 2 buildings, Gallery and Pavilions. Photos are allowed for personal use outside but NOT inside the Gallery and the Pavilions. The Gallery has one woman show that is dark and disturbing. This was a short walk through for me. The Pavilions has 11 galleries which are one artist per room (pavilion) with an exception of Pavilion 2 with many artists. Many are new to me Cy Twombly, Kerry James Marshall and R. Gober. Cy Twombly's Swan is interesting in that it symbolizes sickness. Pavilion 9 has a new installation by KJ Marshall, who was present and discussed his works spanning 3 decades of work. His paintings focus on Black.... all people in his paintings are Black and paints chromatic values of black. I especially enjoyed seeing works by Basquiat and F. Kline. Outdoor sculptures are spectacular! I enjoyed walking (wear a comfy pair of shoes!) the grounds and visiting modern arts by the great artists of the 20th century ... Koons, T. Smith and Serra and more. Tony Smith's Smug is the largest of his I've seen...it is gigantic compared to the ones at the Mall; Jeff Koons' Split Rocker is a living garden with its own irrigation system and Richard Serra's Sylvester and Contour are comforting and fun. I went to school where Serra was on my way to classes every day and these 2 works made me :-). The architecture at Glenstone is minimalistic and peaceful. While on the outside much appear institutional, the Water Court inside the Pavilions has calm Zen with water plants. Their restaurant has floor to ceiling glass walls on 2 sides and looks like an elegant tree house. The reviews on the food weren't positive so I passed on it. +. Service is mixed as there are many guides, not docents, in almost each room. Their knowledge and assistance were hit or miss. I self-toured but there weren't any information on displayed objects other than the artists' names. Occasionally, I was able to get add'l info on the art and the artist. They do offer guided tours, so check when you get to the admissions building. +++ Price is free! Adults and accompanied children over 12 are allowed. ++ Parking is a free gravel lot. You have to drive here but if you are near Rockville, there is a new Montgomery County commuter bus that stops near the front gate. Overall, Glenstone is an impressive experience and a collection that rivals major museums! While the indoor collections are interesting, I would appreciate more insight and knowledge. Because the guides were hit or miss, I didn't get as much out of artists new to me. If they provided a short bio of the artists or installation in each Pavilion, I think it would be more meaningful. The internet connection inside isn't the best. Their outdoor sculpture collection, gardens and forest are remarkable! Even with peculiarities, Glenstone is a wonderful place for any art lover! read more

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~ gluten-free review ~ Had an incredible experience at Glenstone today! We got our tickets from the day before release at 8 AM which is definitely the way to go as the month before release goes really fast. After walking around we took a stop at their café and ordered both an iced latte and a ham sandwich. The ice latte was perfect and the ham sandwich was just a pick me up we needed after walking around the Glenstone space. The offer gluten free options for the entire menu and have a few vegan milk options as well! You are outside for the majority of your experience so be sure to wear comfortable shoes and plan your attire appropriately! This was the perfect escape from the city only 35 minutes away. read more

Glenstone - Art Museums Near Me - Potomac, Maryland

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words that describe this museum are austere and stark. this also goes for the contents. very minimalist even brutalist, cavernous. staff are very welcoming and informed. I left feeling very troubled after seeing several rooms of Jenny Holzers copies of documents describing torture and investigation techniques used by the military and security agencies. Beauty is not a term I would use to describe any of the exhibits or artworks although there are many striking pieces from the museum's own collection. read more

I don't have a car so this place is a bit of a haul to get to. On my first visit -- and here's a tip -- I metro-ed out to Rockville and took the 301 Ride On bus to the museum. Not only is the bus free (as of this review), but you are also guaranteed entry without reservations. Second visit my friend drove us out... this, of course, was much faster. What I like most about Glenstone is that the art is displayed in what I believe to be exactly how the artists would want their works displayed; in settings that are so perfect that the art becomes part of the natural environment... outside and inside the galleries. It's truly amazing. Make sure to get the times for the openings of the Heizer sculpture and the Goldsworthy houses when you enter. The Goldsworthy houses are accessible from the pavilion. Meet the guide there, you will walk down together. There are attendants throughout the galleries. Ask them questions, they are very knowledgeable. I'm not the most talkative person but found that just making a quick comment about an installation is enough for a staff member to give great insight on the artist. First visit, we easily spent half the day there. Wound up so hungry we had to eat at the cafe. This was fortuitous as the lentil burger was phenomenal. read more

Glenstone - Art Museums Near Me - Potomac, Maryland

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Came by on a Sunday, getting tickets was a time. I failed the first two times I was trying to get tickets since they sold out within five minutes. Third time was the charm, and three months before visiting we had our tickets. Glenstone is indeed free to visit at all times, just be aware that you can't bring children under the age of twelve. The staff on site are all super knowledgeable; almost everyone we spoke to knew in-depth about almost all of the art on display. The architectural details of the buildings, such as the galleries and the pavilions, are all absolutely beautiful to look at. The art itself was so-so, we aren't modern art fans so it was hit or miss. The Faith Ringgold exhibit was live when we went and that was the family favorite. Saw one of my favorite Ringgold pieces for the second time (its usual home is over at NMWA in DC) and got to fangirl all over again. The pavilion and art gallery were more congested, but once we got onto the hiking trail and seeing all of the outdoor sculptures, the crowds thinned out until it was just us. All in all, it was a nice free day trip. We're not sure if we would make the trek from Baltimore to come here again, but if we lived in the neighborhood perhaps we'd come when the exhibits change. read more

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Pretty incredible museum and grounds. Loved the architecture, it's really modern and open. I love how they incorporated nature in the buildings with the huge windows and the courtyard, etc. The grounds are stunning. The art is pretty cool also. They have some really unique and comprehensive exhibits. I enjoyed the cafe and the other outdoor eatery also. Seamless and touchless experience. Feels like a resort. So downside--the staff. They are willing to answer any questions but they are also naggy and over protective. It's a little annoying and you feel like you're being watched constantly and that someone is waiting for you to do something wrong. Would like to see more diversity in the staff. read more

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The Glenstone is a fascinating FREE museum in Potomac, Maryland funded by billionaires as their way of giving back to the world. Here's why you should visit: 1) Art: They celebrate art, design, and nature by creating several buildings of unique, post-World War II art and an estate of art out in nature you can explore and stumble upon. Photography and phones are discouraged so you can truly connect with the art. 2) Design: Everything is simple and beautiful from the buildings themselves to the staff uniforms. It's all so nice. 3) Exploration: Spend hours here getting lost and exploring the woods, boardwalk, and all the art found outside. 4) Food: The cafe is gorgeous and an award-winning chef whips up locally sourced meals. The museum is free, but you need a ticket you can get from their website. Parking is free, which is good because really the only way there is via car. read more

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This review is gonna be a doosy, so try and stay with me. There's a lot of feelings surrounding this review. #AllTheFeels Shock/Bewilderment/How: I pride myself with knowing the happenings, sights to see, and wow-able areas of the MD Burbs... I mean, at the end of the day, it's really part of my job. So, how this one snuck by me is both bewildering and *swipes fist in front of chest to express "dang" gesture*. First off, it's in like pretty deep Potomac. Like if Potomac were a 7-layer dip. Glenstone would be in between the sour cream and cheese. The thing that kills me the most is that I used to pass this place ALL the time in my last job. In my last job working as a job coach, I had some clients who worked out on a farm that was right down Glen Road from the museum. The Glenstone opened in 2005 which means I 100 percent passed this B like 100 times. I just thought it was just another sprawling Potomac Estate. How wrong I was. Culture/Safety/VIP: First off, let me try to set this scene for you... You drive up to the entrance of the Glenstone and you see a small booth on the left and a large thick metal gate hinged on the right, and as your car approaches that small security booth a man wearing all black comes out and asks you your business there. "Oh I'm here for a tour" "Your Name?" "Mike Bishop" *A nod from the other security guard in the booth* "Ok, you'll enter and when the road forks just stay to your right and you'll keep going straight. You'll see a woman in gray directing cars" I drive straight, straight past split rocker on the right without even noticing it (we'll come back to that) just make sure I'm staying right. The estate is beautiful. The road is clean almost appearing new. A man with two 5-gallon white buckets is spreading mulch by the handful along the slightly imperfect divot on the right side of the road. He has no wheel barrow with him or gardening vehicle. This is purposeful. This would be an eye sore and contrary to the highly manicured experience the Glenstone wants you to have. That experience is somewhere in between James Bond visiting a Ministers house in the Wealthy English countryside, and a prospective resident of Elysium taking a tour of one of the many plots of land on the space station. Anticipation: I arrive to a woman wearing a loosely fitting grey frock. Where a name tag would usually be is instead a thin polished silver rectangular pin that mimics a lot of the contemporary architecture of the museum and even one of it's structures that sit's in front of the residence of Emily and Mitch Rales who own the museum and also live on the property in a house that can only be described as palatial. Contentment: You park on the edge of the road and walk down towards the museum across a sturdy wooden bridge that briefly touches the wood surround. I spot a beautifully metallic beetle sitting in the shade on the bridge. You make your way around to the front of the museum where the hard edged angular gallery sits next to the first art installation: "Sylvester" by Richard Serra. A giant rusty conical structure that you can literally walk into through a dizzying curve that, on this sunny day bends light and shadow to the point where up and down begin to slide out of your grasp. Belonging: I decide to go on the tour of the grounds that starts on the hour. Our tour guide Max is a calm welcoming presence that gives us nothing but passion and knowledge for the museum, it's art, and his work. Unfortunately that day, two of the installations have paths to them in need of repair (storm damage) and are off limits. But he shows us four of the structures including the most impressive split rocker. Big Eyed: Split Rocker by Jeff Koons is quite a sight to behold. Inspired by the head of a child's rocking horse split with the head of a child's rocking dinosaur... Think giant artistic chia pet wrapped in rainbows of blooming flowers, alive in both it's subtle bob of greenery as tickled by the wind; like the slight movement of the waters surface in a pool, and the countless insects that are feeding from the treasure trove of nectar that the figure provides. Inside is a elaborate system of hoses, pipes, and sprinklers that feed all of the attached plants as they dance in the sun. Smug by Tony smith is one of the only ones that really caught my eye as I drove in. A work that was created posthumously for the artist based off of a wooden replica he had in his backyard, the figure could act as Spiderman's training grounds. The gallery at the time was featuring art by a woman named Louise Bourgeoise. If you follow the correct path from the left of the door around, you'll be following the artist chronologically throughout her life. The work becomes pretty dark pretty quickly. Museum staff stand at entrances to many of the rooms as you make your way around to tell you more about the pieces... and I've run out of room #VryKnowledgabl. Please visit. #Treasure read more

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There is such breathtaking architecture, and the outdoor installations look like something from an episode of Black Mirror (in a good way lol) We had a great time. I can wait to go back when the weather is warmer. read more

Glenstone - Art Museums Near Me - Potomac, Maryland

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I initially reserved my time to go in January 2021, but because of COVID, my ticket was cancelled and museum closed. The museum staff were absolutely great even before coming to visit because I got first dibs on reserving a time before it went out to the general public back when they finally opened again. I finally able to visit May 2021 and the grounds are BEAUTIFUL and museum is well worth the wait. All the staff are so kind and well informed about every piece that is in the museum. Visiting Glenstone requires planning in advance and I would constantly check their website because sometimes there are last minute ticket cancellations, but for those planners... you have to make reservations 3 months in advance. read more

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I have been here a few times now and have enjoyed each visit. I do like that it has something for everyone -- a gallery of traditional art (paintings, sculptures, etc) but also large sculptures sprinkled throughout it's vast and beautiful landscape along with immersive/interactive experiences. One such installation was an audio recording of a battle/scene that may have (or in fact did, I'm not entirely sure) take place in the forest complete with makeshift tree-stump stools from which you could witness the audio track from well-hidden speakers. We also love the cafes - there are two on premise but the one across the pond from the private residence that has nice pounding chairs and an outdoor patio is our preferred stop for a good coffee and charcuterie board. Yesterday, we tried the vegan Chili, the Pumpkin Spice Latte (a much less sweet, but I'd argue better, version of the drink Starbucks popularized), and the charcuterie which were all delicious while soaking up some rays. read more

Glenstone - Our food... And the View! - Art Museums Near Me - Potomac, Maryland

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Glenstone is truly a remarkable gift to the world. If I could give it more than five stars I would. Reservations are needed for this free and wonderful experience. Over 350 acres a beautiful wooded landscape creates a very serene environment. Children under 12 are not permitted and a limited number of people are in so that you could enjoy the gallery without feeling rushed or crowded. The staff is wonderful and knowledgeable andeasily recognizable in grey uniforms. Everything is maintained beautifully. Rainy day you can expect to be provided with an umbrella. It is grounds and buildings well planned and executed....an architectural marvel. It is handicap friendly and everyone very accommodating. I dinned Al fresco in the Patio cafe. The menu changes daily, food was good and reasonably priced. They have extended hours and music spring thru fall. read more

Glenstone - Scenic brook along paved path - Art Museums Near Me - Potomac, Maryland

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1000% recommend! As a lover of art museums, this place had me speechless. Everything is beautiful, including the smallest details. Once you step onto the property, it feels like you're not in Maryland, more like a fairytale. It is so peaceful and therapeutic to just walk around slowly and absorb everything. The staff is very friendly and cautious. I came here in Nov 2020, right before they closed due to the second wave of the pandemic. I've never felt safer. Each staff member wears a N95 mask. At the wine cafe, they had tables very well distanced apart. You ordered from your phone and a staff wearing gloves brought out your order outside. Each table was labeled that it was sanitized. I really appreciated the precautions. The only downsides are that you have to reserve your tickets months in advance (3 months when I did it) and that you can't take pictures of the artwork inside the galleries. Having come in the fall/winter time, the fall foliage was beautiful. I'd love to come back in the spring/summer to see the greenery. read more

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Visited back in November right before they closed due to the pandemic. It was a peaceful getaway where my friend and I spent hours exploring every square inch of the grounds. Located in a secluded area of Potomac, the architecture and museum seamlessly incorporate nature and art to make for a tranquil and contemplative environment. All the employees we spoke to on the grounds were very friendly and encouraged us to reflect on the works present in the museum. Once they open again, make sure to check on the 1st of every month at 10am, this is when they release tickets! They get booked quickly, my friend and I booked 3 months in advance to visit. read more

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Amazing museum. I don't have any bad notes. I love the space, so serene and modern. I'm not a modern art connoisseur by any means but I had a great time here. I also appreciate that there were guides at every exhibit/gallery to answer our questions. My favorite piece was "the Collapse"! What a fantastic museum, I will be back in the summer to see more exhibits!!!! read more

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I haven't been back at Glenstone since they had finished construction of the Pavilion, but wow, the entire property is simple breathtaking. This is a fantastic way to spend 4-5 hours on a lazy weekday or weekend to take in both the natural beauty, the architecture, and the artwork scattered in and around the property. The staff are very helpful despite being short staffed during COVID-19 and despite the closed off pathways and buildings, it was still very much an enjoyable experience. I feel that this is definitely a museum that should be visited every season to take in the beauty of each season as they pass. Also, admission is free so you can't beat that. However, the tickets are very hard to come by as this is a first come, first serve basis and the supply is very quickly overtaken by the demand. This is a perfect date spot if you intend to come here. Cheers! read more

Glenstone - 8/13/20 - Art Museums Near Me - Potomac, Maryland

The visit to Glenstone was months in the making. Tickets are up for grabs at the beginning of each month. I applied for tickets in September and finally made the trek up north to Glenstone. This place is fantastic. There is much to see here. The staff is very helpful as well. Parking is plentiful. Prepare for a lot of walking. They do have golf carts too, however, per request. read more

Visit on a sunny day; this is a must-see place. The feeling of art and nature is just out of the world; It's a perfect spot for a quiet, reflective day out. read more

Dystopian vibe permeates the grounds and structures replete with an army of mostly bored, disinterested 'wardens' (all wearing drab, colorless uniforms) more numerous than the art occasionally swooping in on visitors cautioning them, once again and for no discernible reason, that photographs are not permitted. Despite a few bird houses dotting the grounds, even the absent wildlife must sense there's something nefarious going on here. read more

Such a gem. Amazingly well done, spacious. Scenic. Good waking paths. Friendly staff. Glad to have this so close to my Parents house. I just regret not coming here sooner despite growing up in Potomac ! read more

Visiting Glenstone is a great overall experience. The art is impressive, the buildings are magnificent, the food is good, and the grounds are beautiful. And just as they intend, everything is unhurried and relatively quiet. I'm so-so on modern art, but I found enough pieces to enjoy, and the others at least introduce me to other concepts of art. The docents were generally all friendly and helpful; only one person came across as pretentious. I might have loved the architecture of the Pavilion more than the art it houses. It's so quiet and clean and full of light. The way it wraps around the artificial pond in the middle kept having a calming and restorative effect on me. The mixture of pale natural wood, whites, grays, and concrete felt warm and soft rather than harsh. No outside food allowed (except water) might seem like a ploy to force you to shell out for expensive, crappy museum food, but the onsite café was great. The space felt like an extension of the Pavilion that I loved (very Scandinavian in style), the food was delicious, and the prices are very reasonable. Plus you get table service. I capped off my visit by walking around the grounds. Even on a windy day in early March I throughly enjoyed the walk. There were several other people walking around in the beginning, but once I kept going away from the art no one else was around. They missed out! The paths are well groomed and easy to navigate--the walkways are even fun. New parents: You can bring your infant here! If they're under 1 year and you wear them inside (a stroller outside is fine), you're good to go. This is a nice exception to the no one under 12 policy. Use some of your leave from work to go on a weekday when tickets are much easier to get! read more

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This is my new fav local walking trail! The staff is kind and helpful. The buildings are well kept and extra clean/sterile looking. Very modern, including the art. It would be nice to see more art as the facility can truly hold more. I just wish there were more directionals on the grounds.... as we got lost a couple times and felt as if we missed some outside exhibits. We ate at the Patio as the experience and food was nice and cozy. read more

I visited Glenstone with my family during the first phase of COVID reopenings. Although the indoor exhibits were closed at the time, we still spent 2+ hours walking the grounds. The entire outdoor area is huge; there are many trails that guide you through the sculptures and nature. It's such a beautiful and unique place to explore on a sunny day. I really respect the COVID measures Glenstone has taken to ensure everyone feels safe. Scheduled tickets are required for entry in order to limit the number of visitors/day. Before they let our car in, they scanned our tickets and make sure we all had masks. Staff were located around the grounds to make sure everyone is following masking and distancing protocol. Social distancing was no problem in such a large area. read more

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I heard about this place. Read about it. Thought about it. But, I always gave up when I could not get tickets at the moment. This all changed when I was able to get tickets to a day like 2 months in advanced. When I arrived here, it was opening at 10 am. It was quiet and it was massive. When we entered, it was definitely simple, but modern and the staff were all wearing minimal attire to at least show that they work there to let you know you can ask them questions. The walk to the main building is not too bad and the nature walk was pleasant. The Pavilion is where my jaw dropped the most. I was more taken aback by the structure and architecture of the place as it uses natural sunlight that projects throughout the entire space. It allows everything to show naturally and without strain on the eyes. The only downside are the other people - unfortunately. Some people come here to just take social media photos and it was clear that that is what they were doing as they stood in front of statues and artwork for a picture. In one case, I saw this person almost climb up on the statue until they saw us coming. It was a turn off. I just hope that some people do not ruin the experience for others. read more

What an amazing gem in Potomac. This private art museum is a massive complex that showcases established and cutting edge modern artists. The collection occupies gallery buildings and large scale installations are scattered around the grounds. Guides are everywhere and we found them to to knowledgeable and helpful. One of the most fascinating things was the gallery building itself, in is not only an exhibition space but a work of art,in and of itself. I was captivated by the central water element which is divided into rectangles some with grasses, others with other aquatic plants. The wind and light creat a continuously changing palate of textures and patterns. There is a cafe and newly opened environmental building. We had a wonderful time and plan to return in the future. read more

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So if you are truly bored of the basic blah blah blah museum and gallery experience, it may be time to engage in some rejuvenated eye (and ear) candy for your soul! Yes, it is possible to sanction the old and let the new embrace your senses! Say it: GLENSTONE. It is located in Maryland but feels like a walk in a serene, calm world. Every turn, every step, every look and every earful will heighten you. Their exhibitions change but the emotion evolves around the total experience. Give it at least 4 hours. I gave it 5 with lunch at the cafe. I would rate it 4 stars! read more

I visited Glenstone with a group of friends yesterday. We were supposed to visit in May, but the museum was closed due to COVID restrictions. We were very thankful that Glenstone gave us a second chance at replacement tickets before they became available to the general public again. The tickets for this museum are free, but can be competitive to get. The tickets become available months in advance of visit dates. When visiting Glenstone, wear comfortable shoes as it is a vast property to walk and see all of the outdoor exhibits. There are both stone and paved walking paths. Jeff Koons' Split-Rocker is the highlight of the outdoor space, and it is beautiful with its many colorful blooms. The informational plaque says it blooms from May to September if you are hoping to see it in its most colorful stages. The pavilions have a vast collection of art with numbered galleries and spaces. The staff were very friendly and knowledgeable with any questions we had about the various pieces in the collection. The building's architecture is also something cool to take in as well as the water garden in the middle. We also noticed how much Glenstone has done to make the visit to the museum safer during the pandemic. Along with requiring guests to wear a mask at all times on the property, they have numerous hand sanitizer stations, social distancing markers for any exhibits where we waited in line, and signs for smaller galleries that indicate you should only enter with people from your party. We really enjoyed our visit to Glenstone and would definitely recommend it to others. read more

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Nothing to add that hasn't been said! Lovely outdoor areas to explore. Be prepared to walk, but the museum was thoughtfully designed for walking visitors - umbrellas and water provided along the pathways. Tickets go fast but you can get guaranteed entry (without reservation) with student ID. read more

Glenstone - Art Museums Near Me - Potomac, Maryland

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This is such a beautiful museum, the building and grounds are a very peaceful place to visit. Contemporary and Modern art on display, museum docents are very informative if you have questions on any of the pieces. There is a full service restaurant and cafe with outside seating. You do need to reserve timed reservations in advance online. read more

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A most excellent museum. I really enjoyed the combination of (massive) outdoor installations and indoor art. My one regret is that the Koons was not in bloom! There is a cafe with solid meals and quite affordable too. Overall spent 4 hours and came away very satisfied. read more