Hirshhorn Museum to Loan Hidden Masterpieces Nationwide

The Smithsonian institution's "50 for 50" initiative will share over 200 American art treasures with museums across the country.

Published on Feb. 3, 2026

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The Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden in Washington, D.C. has announced a landmark loan program called "50 for 50" that will allow it to share over 200 of its hidden American art masterpieces with museums across the United States, including in underserved rural communities. The program, launched in partnership with the Art Bridges Foundation, will mark the country's 250th anniversary.

Why it matters

The Hirshhorn is home to one of the nation's premier modern and contemporary art collections, with around 98% of its 13,000 artworks currently in storage. This new loan initiative will provide access to these hidden gems by American masters like Pollock, O'Keeffe, and Thiebaud to museums and audiences across the country who may not otherwise have the opportunity to view such important works.

The details

The "50 for 50" program will disperse more than 200 artworks from the Hirshhorn's collection to 50 museums across all 50 states and Puerto Rico, on loan for 3-5 years. The program's initial focus is on partnering with museums in the central U.S. where there are fewer contemporary art institutions. Museums can apply to participate and have costs like shipping and insurance covered by the Smithsonian and Art Bridges Foundation.

  • The "50 for 50" loan program will launch in 2026, marking the country's 250th anniversary.
  • The Hirshhorn will open its newly renovated sculpture garden this fall.

The players

Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden

A Smithsonian museum in Washington, D.C. that is home to one of the nation's premier modern and contemporary art collections.

Art Bridges Foundation

A non-profit organization founded by Walmart heir Alice Walton in 2017 that is dedicated to making American art more accessible outside of major art hubs.

Melissa Chiu

The director of the Hirshhorn Museum.

Anne Kraybill

The CEO of the Art Bridges Foundation.

Joseph Hirshhorn

The financier and collector whose gifts to the nation formed the basis of the Hirshhorn Museum's collection.

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What they’re saying

“Through this historic collaboration with the Hirshhorn, many audiences will encounter these important works of art in their own communities for the first time.”

— Anne Kraybill, CEO, Art Bridges Foundation

“We know there are fewer contemporary art museums in certain states than others.”

— Melissa Chiu, Director, Hirshhorn Museum (New York Times)

What’s next

The Hirshhorn will open its newly renovated sculpture garden this fall.

The takeaway

This landmark loan program will bring hidden American art masterpieces from the Hirshhorn's collection to museums and audiences across the country who may not otherwise have access, democratizing access to these important works outside of major art hubs.