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  • A visit to Glenstone

A visit to Glenstone

  • 03/16/2024
  • 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
  • 12100 Glen Rd, Potomac, MD 20854
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Glenstone, a museum of modern and contemporary art, is integrated into nearly 300 acres of gently rolling pasture and unspoiled woodland in Montgomery County, Maryland, less than 15 miles from the heart of Washington, DC. Established by the not-for-profit Glenstone Foundation, the museum opened in 2006 and provides a contemplative, intimate setting for experiencing iconic works of art and architecture within a natural environment. The museum includes its original building, the Gallery, as well as additional structures opened in its 2018 expansion: the Arrival Hall (LEED platinum), the Pavilions, and the Café (both LEED gold).

"We envision Glenstone not only as a place, but a state of mind created by the energy of architecture, the power of art, and the restorative qualities of nature. At the core of the museum is a collection of post-World War II art, a very personal project driven by the pursuit of iconic works that have changed the way we think about the art of our time.

The name “Glenstone” derives from two local sources: Glen Road, where the property line begins, and a type of carderock stone indigenous to the area, which is still extracted from several nearby quarries. We hope that Glenstone will always be a destination for all who seek meaningful encounters with art, architecture, and nature—for many years to come."


—Emily & Mitch Rales

Tickets: CCW has arranged for a timed entry of 25 tickets at 10am, so you must be present then.  After a chance to explore in small groups, we will gather in the cafe for lunch starting around 11:30 AM for an opportunity to connect with the group.(You may leave at any time before it closes at 5pm.) Admission is free, and limited to CCW Members. May add one Guest (12 years of age or older).

Dining: The indoor Café and outdoor Patio offer service from 10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Both operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Outside food or beverages, coolers, and picnicking are not permitted at Glenstone. The Café, Patio, and Bookstore accept debit and credit cards as forms of payment. Cash is not accepted.

The Experience: Visits to Glenstone generally consist of a visit through the current exhibitions at the Gallery and the Pavilions and a walk through the landscape. Visits are self-guided and are conducted with dialogue and inquiry rather than lecture.
Visitors should be prepared to spend considerable time on foot, and comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Some visitors may find the walk strenuous, especially the trails, so we ask you to prepare accordingly and contact us in advance to address potential concerns. For further information, please visit our website under Plan Your Visit. If you have any questions or need assistance during your visit, please ask any Glenstone associate wearing a silver bar pin. We are happy to assist.

Museum Guidelines:

  • Due to the fragile nature of the works on view, all visitors must be 12 years of age or older, and all visitors ages 12-17 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
  • Please do not touch the art. Even outdoor sculptures that are exposed to the elements can be damaged by human contact.
  • Pets are not permitted at Glenstone. Service animals as defined by the ADA are welcome.
  • Glenstone is an all-weather site. If the heat index value exceeds 109 degrees or if the wind chill temperature falls below 0 degrees, some trails will be closed for safety. If there are thunderstorms reported in the area, we will close the grounds until the storm has passed.
  • Photography is not permitted inside the exhibition spaces. You are welcome to take photos outside, but please do not use auxiliary lighting equipment, tripods, selfie sticks, or drones. Commercial photography is not permitted, and all photos must be for personal use only.
  • Trails close at 5 p.m. or sunset, whichever occurs first.
  • Glenstone is a smoke-free environment. The use of tobacco products and e-cigarettes/vaping are not permitted.

Accessibility:

  • Accessible parking is available directly in front of the Arrival Hall in the Sycamore parking grove.
  • Complimentary wheelchairs and gallery chairs are available upon request. Please speak with any Glenstone associate to request either of these during your visit.
  • Our paths are designed to be firm and stable with accessible grades. Trails cut through wooded areas cover varying terrain and are intended to be experienced on foot. We recommend visitors wear comfortable and durable footwear.
  • There is a quarter-mile walk through the meadow between the parking groves and the indoor art spaces. We offer complimentary cart service on a continuous loop to bypass the meadow walk. The cart brings visitors to the Gallery area, about a 2-minute walk to the Gallery and about a 4-minute walk to the Pavilions. The carts will have a barrier between the driver and visitors and will be cleaned in between uses.
  • Service animals as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act are welcome.
Questions:  Anne Shin, shin.anne.m@gmail.com
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