Category: Winter

For many years the Central Courtyard of the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington has been one of our favourite places to visit. Once inside the museum, it’s easy to find the Central Courtyard, or, to give it its official name, the Kogod Courtyard, named after Robert and Arlene Kogod, philanthropists and art collectors.

The courtyard is a beautiful space with garden beds of ficus and black olive trees, shrubs, and ferns. During the day it is filled with natural light from a graceful glass dome overhead, which shields the area from the weather all year round and maintains a comfortable temperature for the many visitors. This dome also links the American Art Museum to the National Portrait Gallery, making it easy to move between the two museums without going outside, which is great during rain, heat, or chilly December days.