Yesterday, my friend Kit and I ran off to DC to see the annual blooms of the cherry trees. I was particularly excited to come across the “pink trees” as there were only a few in bloom this year. Most of the trees were a snowy white color and it was so ethereal to walk under them. The Cherry Blossom Festival is the quintessential spring experience, and one of DC’s biggest tourist attractions each year.
As always, the blossoms promised a great time, and so much beauty to take in. This also gave us the time to visit the monuments and other sights that we’d never gotten a chance to see.
Our first stop was my favorite museum, the Hirshhorn gallery. There are so many wonderful works of art here, along with many shocking, troubling, and downright crazy pieces. My favorite was a video entitled “A Short Film About Looking,” (I wish they had the whole thing online!) which was just about the zaniest thing imaginable. Of course I couldn’t take many photos, but if you’re ever in the DC area, check out this museum! It’s free, and it’s a great alternative to the National Gallery which is partially closed due to renovation.
Then, we visited the Library of Congress. To be honest, I’d never thought I’d ever step foot inside. What’s so special about a library, right? Wrong. This was singlehandedly the most beautiful and inspiring building that I’ve ever set foot in. The archways, the amazing detail in all the sculpture, and those beautiful stained glass windows in the ceiling! It was like heaven on earth!
Though we were not able to get into the reading room, Kit and I explored the halls with hearts aflutter. We overheard a tour guide explain the detail of many of the painted walls, and we were inspired by the historical meanings and symbolism. The Library of Congress was definitely my favorite part of our day by far.
Such beauty and craftsmanship. I want to go back! Heck, I want to live there!
Another one of our destinations was an abandoned church in Southwest DC. This church, originally constructed in the 1800’s, was condemned and left for dead. That was until an artist purchased it and decided to turn it into a permanent artistic installation. The HENSE Mural project is the beginning to a new art movement in DC, with plans to construct a new art museum and more attractions nearby. I’m excited to see the outcome!
Such a fun and inspiring day!
I love the cherry blossoms! I've always wanted to go down to DC to see them, and I've been trying to convince my husband that we need to take a day trip down to DC sometime soon. Especially since I have a few groupons about to expire!
Oh, that church looks incredible! Such a cool idea.
Fantastic photos, Jess. DC looks like such a wonderful place to visit – I'm now a little in love with the Library of Congress, and it's amazing that the church hasn't just been left to waste. It'll be exciting to see what else happens as part of the art movement – hopefully projects as cool and colourful as this one!
x
The cherry blossom festival sounds magical! I'd love to see it one day. Haha I had the same reaction about the library of congress when I went, I was not expecting how beautiful it was!
Hey Jess! LOVE the Cherry Blossoms are so pretty. I'm actually going to see them tomorrow with my mom. I'm excited đŸ™‚ I've been trying to see some sights in DC as well. So far I've been to Arlington Cemetery and the National History Museum. I forgot about the Library of Congress, so I'll have to put that on my DC Bucket List!
I haven't seen any cherry blossoms yet but I really wish I could, they are so lovely! And I am amazed by the interior design of the Library of Congress, breathtaking indeed.
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I need to come visit! The church is awesome.
Hayley
Water Painted Dreams xxx
I love the cherry blossoms! I wish I could make it this year but I work all weekend. Maybe I could pop over there for a half day or something :/
I love getting italian ice from one of those street vendors and walking to all of the memorials!
Thank you for sharing, I'll live vicariously through you for now!
Those cherry blossoms are gorgeous! Around where I live in Japan, most of them were white this year as well. The Library of Congress looks stunning. Thank you for sharing these pictures!