JMSAZ

The Smithsonian's museum of Modern and Contemporary Art is housed in an elevated circular concrete building between the Arts & Industries Building and the National Air & Space Museum. The collection includes some interesting pieces, and even a few I enjoy. The sunken Sculpture Garden across the street is a great sanctuary of peace on a hectic day on the Mall. When I was there last, Yoko Ono (yes that one) had recently installed a "Wish Tree" on which you were supposed to write a wish and attach it to the tree. These papers would be collected and sent to Yoko for a larger piece. When I was there many of the "wishes" were obscene, abusive or just plain wrong, but they made me laugh. In a recent development, the "Wish Tree" now asks that you whisper the wish into it, avoiding unfortunate statements. Oh, and in case your wondering, yes "Untitled" by Ron Mueck is even more realistic and creepier than it looks.

http://hirshhorn.si.edu/