Glenstone, a Private Art Collection in Maryland

Nestled in the mid-Atlantic region of the US lies Glenstone, a private art museum founded by two Maryland-based art collectors. Driving through the idyllic suburbs of the greater Washington DC metro area, one would never expect to find an expansive outdoor sculpture park, but that’s exactly why Glenstone is so special! More than just an art museum, Glenstone harmonizes modern architecture and landscape design in one breathtaking compound.

Knowing I would be headed to northern Virginia for the Thanksgiving holiday, I reserved my visit to Glenstone over the summer. I think booking a few weeks in advance should be fine for most trips, though.

On a lovely Saturday afternoon, my mother and I drove about 45 minutes to charming Potomac, Maryland. After cruising down a residential street lined with beautiful luxury homes, we approached the entrance. A black gate greets visitors to Glenstone and a security guard checks that your name falls under the reserved time. Once you’re checked in, the gate opens and you begin to drive down a long path. Keep an eye out for the many outdoor sculptures that you will see! Don’t drive fast as there are usually pedestrians and other cars on the road.

After parking the car, we explored the exterior of the building as we waited for the others in our group to arrive.

Museum Building

The geometric building that houses the main interior collection has many sharp edges and a minimalist gray exterior. It was designed by Gwathmey Siegel & Associates Architects. An enormous Richard Serra sculpture sits just across from the main entrance.

Glenstone Building Entrance
Glenstone Building Entrance
Glenstone Building Entrance

The Rales’ Residence

Glenstone was founded by husband and wife duo Mitchell and Emily Rales. While you can’t go inside their private home, you can take a peek at their residence from a distance, as it sits across from a small pond on the grounds. To the right, the sculpture Untitled (EK949), 2005, by Ellsworth Kelly stands tall…

Glenstone Rales Residence

Outdoor Sculpture Tour

Our outdoor sculpture tour began with the work Sylvester, 2001, by Richard Serra, sitting opposite the museum door. The weatherproof steel spiral spans several feet across, and allows visitors to walk “inside” it.

Richard Serra Sylvester
Richard Serra Sylvester

Next up to see was an enormous geometric work by Tony Smith, who in fact trained as an architect. The minimalist black work brings to mind ominous images of a giant spider or cage! Titled Smug, 1973 / 2005, this work was only designed by Smith, because he passed away before it could be built. His daughter and widow brought the plans for this rigid structure to life years later…

Tony Smith, Smug, at Glenstone
Tony Smith, Smug, at Glenstone
Tony Smith, Smug, at Glenstone

Continuing up the road is a fun, lime green sculpture by Charles Ray titled Father Figure, 2007. With exaggerated muscles and facial features, this “man’s man” represents a stereotypical American father, in the eyes of the artist. Modeled after a child’s toy, the work is made of steel, but has been painted to appear plastic.

Charles Ray, Father Figure, at Glenstone
Charles Ray, Father Figure, at Glenstone

The Rales’ are planning a much larger expansion of their museum grounds so unfortunately we couldn’t see Jeff Koons Split-Rocker, 2000, up close, but I did see it from just down the road! It is a facial representation of one-half dinosaur and one-half pony. Because the shape and color of the sculpture depend on many healthy flowers and plants, the work is constantly evolving based on the season!

Jeff Koons, Split-Rocker, 2000 at Glenstone

Another Richard Serra work is set out further in the grass. We walked down a sloping grass hill to reach the long steel work. Commissioned by the Rales specifically for this property, the 223-foot wide Contour 290, 2004, stretches beautifully across the Glenstone grounds. Our guide advised us to walk around back where our voices would be echoed by the curve of the sculpture!

Richard Serra Contour 290, 2004 at Glenstone
Richard Serra Contour 290, 2004 at Glenstone

From 2007 – 2008, three exteriorly identical clay houses were built into the land of Glenstone by artist Andy Goldsworthy, just a stone’s throw away from a public hiking path in Maryland. Each cabin houses a different artwork, titled Boulder, Room, and Holes respectively.

Andy Goldsworthy, Clay House, Glenstone
Andy Goldsworthy, Clay House, Glenstone
Andy Goldsworthy, Boulder, Glenstone
Andy Goldsworthy, Clay House, Glenstone
Andy Goldsworthy, Room, Glenstone
Andy Goldsworthy, Holes, Glenstone
Andy Goldsworthy, Holes, Glenstone

Inside, an Fred Sandback exhibition had just opened, but photos weren’t allowed. I can’t wait to see what the future expansion of Glenstone will bring!

Glenstone
12002 Glen Road
Potomac, Maryland 20854
USA

Open Wednesday to Saturday from 10-5pm

Admission and parking are free, but online reservations are required


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