Past Exhibitions

Recent Acquisition: Marsden Hartley: Yliaster (Paracelsus)

Explore a painting by the American artist based on the theory of creation expounded by Paracelsus, a Swiss doctor and mystic of the 16th century.

December 1, 1988 – December 30, 1988

The Instant Likeness: Polaroid Portraits

Observe likenesses of, or works by, Ansel Adams, Andy Warhol, Lucas Samaras, and David Hockney.

August 27, 1988 – December 4, 1988

Portrait Gallery

Dental Science for Dental Health

Celebrate the 40th anniversary of the National Institute of Dental Research, and view highlights of its achievements in the field of research.

October 5, 1988 – December 1, 1988

Art in the Service of Science

See 24 natural science illustrations depicting various techniques used in research.

April 1, 1988 – November 30, 1988

Natural History Museum

William Hunt Diederich Fire Screen: Stag Attacked by Hounds

This wrought iron, copper, and brass fire screen was made by Diederich around 1920 for the studio of Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney.

October 1, 1988 – November 30, 1988

Diversity Endangered

Learn about the diversity of life on Earth and why it is important through this poster exhibition.

April 19, 1988 – November 30, 1988

Ripley Center

Frank Stella: Swan Engraving V

See an abstract engraving by the artist that features both relief and intaglio printing.

November 1, 1988 – November 30, 1988

Cooper Hewitt Design Museum

The Countess' Treasury: Gems and Curiosities from Burghley House

Visit the Burghley collection, a rare surviving compendium of the small "treasury" pieces that used to be essential to a great nobleman's surroundings.

September 6, 1988 – November 27, 1988

Alberto Giacometti: 1901-1966

The exhibition surveys the Swiss-born artist's work from 1921 through 1965 in the first major U.S. retrospective in 15 years.

September 15, 1988 – November 13, 1988

Science, Power, and Conflict

The exhibition explores the power of science and its conflicts with and consequences for society.

May 30, 1988 – October 31, 1988

In honor of the forthcoming Olympics, a selection of 20 dramatic photographs of athletic competitions before the 1984 games pay tribute to America's young men and women who spent years training for this event.

June 10, 1988 – October 31, 1988

Anacostia Community Museum

Climbing Jacob's Ladder: The Rise of Black Churches in Eastern American Cities, 1740-1877

African American churches began forming in East Coast cities between 1740 and 1877. In addition to tending to spiritual needs, they played a central role in community development.

October 18, 1987 – October 30, 1988

Lucas Samaras: Objects and Subjects, 1969-1986

This retrospective of 150 works surveys the broad-ranging media and themes explored by Samaras, a Greek-born American. The works span sculpture, photography, painting, and assemblage.

August 12, 1988 – October 16, 1988

Cooper Hewitt Design Museum

What Could Have Been: Unbuilt Architecture of the 80s

View architectural designs from the 1980s, including drawings and models, of plans that have not been constructed.

July 19, 1988 – October 16, 1988

Vernon Fisher Works

This site-specific installation shows how the Texas artist combines texts and objects to create his art.

June 22, 1988 – October 10, 1988

Directions: Robert Cumming: Intuitive Inventions

See 40 drawings and sketches, paintings on paper, and sculptures executed by the New England artist over the last 10 years.

June 22, 1988 – October 10, 1988

Sales Exhibition: Saluting Excellence

Admire and purchase a variety of crafts by Washington-area craftspeople, all of them Creative Crafts Council award winners.

September 1, 1988 – October 9, 1988

Renwick Gallery

Micronesia: New Island Nations in a Vast Sea

Celebrate the emerging independent island nations of the U.S. Trust Territory of the Pacific and their shared maritime traditions.

May 4, 1987 – October 2, 1988

Natural History Museum

International Art Medals (FIDEM Exhibition)

See 200 contemporary art medals from the Federation Internationale de la Medale (FIDEM).

August 1, 1988 – October 1, 1988

Frank Lloyd Wright: In the Realm of Ideas

Explored are the ideas and achievements of the noted American architectural theorist, designer, and educator (1869-1959).

July 1, 1988 – September 30, 1988

Escape (Altar by Rudy Fernandez)

The intricate mixture of religious, regional, and personal symbolism of this alter exemplifies the complexity of the artist's unique vision.

September 1, 1988 – September 30, 1988

Cooper Hewitt Design Museum

Paris Opera on Stage: Designs, Costumes, Jewels

See costumes, jewelry, set designs, and models featuring a range of colorful theatrical designs and objects associated with the legendary Paris Opera.

June 9, 1988 – September 25, 1988

Russian & Soviet Paintings: 1900-1930: From State Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow, & State Russian Museum

View more than 90 paintings by 69 artists from the collections of the two largest museums of Russian and Soviet art in the U.S.S.R.

July 12, 1988 – September 25, 1988