Be prepared for an immersive experience when visiting Laurie Anderson's Four Talks. Slow down. Take some time and listen to the sounds, read the words, see the sculptures, let your eyes adjust to the lighting. There are four sculptures included in this installation--I took a photo here of "The Witness Protection Program (the Raven)," which was absolutely striking. So was the enormous graffiti-like painting covering the floor and the walls. The experience is the gallery is overwhelming, but in a fascinating and positive way.

Back in 2021, the Hirshhorn invited Anderson to create a site-specific work, and so she did, creating art over more than two weeks of ten-hour days, painting directly, with no preparatory sketches or designs. It's an insight into an artist's mind and her curiosity, wisdom, and spirit, melding literature, the visual arts, and music in her inimitable fashion.

As the Hirshorn Museum is part of the Smithsonian Institution, admission is free (as at all of the other Smithsonian museums). So go when you have a chance--stay a few minutes, an hour, or all day.

(Sadly, the outdoor Sculpture Garden is being renovated and is currently closed for construction; it may not be open again for a number of years. No matter--enjoy what can be found indoors in the meantime.)

Hirshhorn hours: daily 10:00 am to 5:30 pm

Location: Independence Ave and 7th St, Washington, DC

Phone: 202-633-1000

Email:  HirshhornExperience@si.edu

Website: https://hirshhorn.si.edu/