Marvel at the East Wing National Gallery of Art. Its glass and steel embrace the modern. This architectural marvel stands in contrast to its classic West Wing neighbor. The East Wing opened in 1978. It was a vision of I M Pei. He cleverly divided the trapezoidal site into two triangles. One houses galleries. The other holds offices and research centers.
The East Wing’s design is striking. It’s a modern masterpiece. Its soaring atrium is a central feature. It’s enclosed by a sculptural space. This space covers 16000 square feet. The atrium’s axis aligns with the West Building’s spine. Both are constructed from the same Tennessee marble. However this marble caused some problems. In 2005 the marble panels began to strain. Panels threatened to fall onto visitors. A major renovation was undertaken between 2011 and 2016. This fixed the problem. It involved replacing anchors and installing new gaskets.
Inside the East Wing you’ll find a vast collection. It showcases modern and contemporary art. Masterpieces by Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse grace its walls. You can also admire works by Jackson Pollock and Andy Warhol. Alexander Calder is also represented. His kinetic chandelier is a highlight. This 76-foot-long mobile was Calder’s last sculpture. It remains untitled as he died before naming it. The East Wing also houses the Center for Advanced Study in the Visual Arts.
The East Wing has undergone renovations. A 2013 renovation added 12250 square feet of exhibition space. This included two tower galleries and a rooftop terrace. This renovation also improved access to all levels. New staircases and an elevator make the building more accessible. The renovation integrated new acquisitions into the collection. These came from the Corcoran Collection and various donations. The East Wing now displays photography works on paper and time-based media. The collection spans various styles and themes.
The East Wing is a testament to modern art. Its architecture is bold. Its collection is diverse. Its history is rich. It’s a must-see for any visitor to Washington DC. You can spend hours exploring its galleries. You can soak in the beauty of its architecture. It’s a treasure trove of artistic expression. Remember to visit the rooftop terrace for stunning views of the city. The East Wing National Gallery of Art awaits.