goSmithsonian - February 2008 - (Page 9) music, theater, dance and film programs sponsored by both American Art and the Portrait Gallery. Check for schedules at the information desk. ROBERT AND ARLENE KOGOD COURTYARD The courtyard’s undulating glass roof, designed by the renowned architectural firm Foster + Partners, adds an exciting contemporary element to the museums’ building. The courtyard is a downtown oasis that features interior landscaping, free WiFi access and a café. DINING GUIDE The Courtyard Café (open daily), located in the Kogod Courtyard, offers specialty sandwiches, panini, soups, salads, desserts and coffee. The Portico Café (open daily, weather permitting, from May to November), located on the second floor, serves espresso, wine, sandwiches, salads and pastries. D O N A L D W. R E Y N O L D S C E N T E R F O R A M E R I C A N A RT A N D P O RT R A I T U R E National Portrait Gallery The National Portrait Gallery (NPG) is a must-see destination for visitors interested in the people—past and present—who have left an indelible mark on our country and its culture. Highlights from the gallery’s collections include one of the most significant portraits in America’s history—Gilbert Stuart’s “Landsdowne” painting of George Washington, located on the second floor in the “America’s Presidents” exhibition. IF YOU HAVE A CHILD ALONG The National Portrait Gallery Education Center schedules programs for school groups and families. Ask about interactive tours and activities at the information desks. FIRST FLOOR Opening February 8 and running through October 26, 2008, the first- floor galleries will be the site of the new exhibition, “RECOGNIZE! Hip Hop and Contemporary Portraiture, featuring powerful im” ages by New York’s Kehinde Wiley, who painted large colorful portraits of the winners of VH1’s 2005 hip-hop awards; David Scheinbaum of Santa Fe, New Mexico, who photographed more than 100 hip-hop performers both in concert and off stage; and Maryland videographer Jefferson Pinder, whose video self-portraits incorporate hip-hop music with elements from African-American history. The exhibition includes portraits of such performers as Public Enemy, Grandmaster Flash, L.L. Cool J and Ice T. Check at the information desk to learn more about the accompanying poetry slams, lectures, live performances and film and documentary viewings. www.goSmithsonian.com NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY George Washington (Lansdowne portrait) by Gilbert Stuart, 1796, is an American icon found at the Portrait Gallery. 9 http://www.goSmithsonian.com
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