The Smithsonian’s Enid A. Haupt Garden sits at the center of the city block framed between 12th St. and 7th St. SW and Independence Ave and Jefferson Dr SW. Included in this block are a number of iconic and unique structures including (but not limited to) the Smithsonian Castle, Arts and Industries Building, and Hirshhorn Museum. Between these structures, the Smithsonian maintains a variety of gardens and outdoor vignettes including the Haupt Garden, Moongate Garden, Mary Livingston Ripley Garden, and more. This spot is a gem on The Mall of Washington DC and ideal for our purposes allowing us to spread out.
Your field trip coordinators have chosen a date in mid-April in hopes of avoiding any potential leftover crowds caused by the cherry blossoms. At the time of this writing, all museums are closed due to COVID-19 restrictions. Also in the news are the renovations planned for the Haupt Garden and immediate area. However, we have received word, the construction planned for 2021 will now begin in 2023.
What:
In this field trip, we’ll tip toe through the tulips while gawking at the architecture. The Smithsonian Castle and the Enid A. Haupt Garden will be the epicenter of this field trip, but you are welcome and encouraged to explore other vignettes including the Arts and Industries Building, the Moongate Garden, the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, and all the spaces in between. Each destination offers engaging subject matter.
Please note, tripods are not allowed on Smithsonian grounds (https://gardens.si.edu/plan-your-visit/#photo). I have been approached by security while carrying a tripod to question my intentions and remind me of their policy. Most in security are nice about it, but I recommend for your comfort, leave the tripod home or in the car trunk.
Sunrise is expected at 6:39 a.m.
Equipment:
Most any lens between 24-200 will satisfy your needs. Consider a macro lens as well if you have steady hands and or electronic stabilization.
** Remember, tripods are not allowed on Smithsonian grounds **
When:
Saturday, April 10, 2021 from 7 a.m. to 9:00 a. m
Rain date on Sunday, April 11, 2021 from 7 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
Where:
We’ll meet outside the gate to the Haupt Garden bordering Independence Ave. at 7am for a brief meet and greet.
One of my favorite free places to park is outside the US Botanical Garden on Maryland Ave. However, you can pay for street parking at the electronic kiosks, available on Jefferson Dr. in-front of the Smithsonian Castle. There is typically a three hour maximum.
We hope you can join us!
Tammy Tideswell and Steven Glintz
Field Trip Coordinators 2020-2021
Field Trip Coordinators contact information can be found at Board Contacts.
* Photographs of the castle and gardens courtesy of NVPS member Steven Glintz.
