Alexander Goes To Washington - Part Three: The Smithsonian

The Smithsonian Institution - National Museum of Natural History

Of all the places he visited in Washington, Alexander seemed to have the most fun at the mammal exhibit at the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Natural History. In recent years, there has been a good deal of criticism about museum exhibits that display slain animals stuffed and mounted in glass cases. Fortunately, museums like the Smithsonian no longer hunt and kill animals to add to their collections. They simply maintain the specimens that they already possess. But such concerns were far from Alex's mind as he happily stomped from one exhibit to the next. He frequently retraced his steps. After visiting several dioramas, he would turn on his heels and go right back to the beginning. One of his favorites was the wombat, pictured below on the right.

Alexander and a rhinocerous Alexander and a wombat

The Smithsonian Institution - National Portrait Gallery

Alexander also had a great deal of fun stomping around the National Portrait Gallery. He would squeal with delight as he ran from one gallery to the next. As at the Natural History museum, Alex retraced his steps frequently. While stomping and squealing are generally frowned upon in art museums, the National Gallery was virtually empty on this day. Alexander's antics were greeted with smiles, not scowls.

Alexander at the National Portrait Gallery

The National Gallery, with few exceptions, features portraits painted or sculpted from life. One of the more interesting pieces was a colonial-era painting of Pocahontas. The portrait, at left, shows Pocahontas after she had married an Englishman and moved with him to England. A more familiar Pocahontas can be seen to the right.

Alexander found Washington D.C. to be a delightful place to spend a November weekend. Where will he travel to next? Stay tuned to The Alexander Home Page.