Renwick Gallery Re-Opens After 2-Year Renovation (photos)

The Renwick Gallery re-opened on Friday Nov.13 on Pennsylvania Avenue after a major two-year $30-million renovation. On hand for the ribbon cutting were philanthropist David Rubenstein, Smithsonian American Art Museum head Betsy Broun and Smithsonian Secretary David J. Skorton. The gallery, which is located near the White House, is home to the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s (SAAM) collection of contemporary craft and decorative art. The exhibition opening Friday is titled “Wonder” and features installations by nine contemporary artists, whose work ranges from geometric wall designs made from insect specimens to spires of stacked index cards. Rubenstein, known for underwriting restoration of several of Washington’s historic monuments, is the lead sponsor for the renovation.

View our photos from opening day by clicking on the photo icons below. (All photos by Jeff Malet)