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Release Date: November 5, 2003

THE NATIONAL GALLERY OF ART
SCULPTURE GARDEN ICE-SKATING RINK
OPENS MID-NOVEMBER FOR FIFTH YEAR


Mother and daughter enjoying the ice rink in the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden.
Photo by Dean Beasom, © 2000 National Gallery of Art

Washington, DC --The National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden ice-skating rink will be open for the fifth year from November 15 through March 14, 2004, weather permitting. The ice rink, the only one of its kind in the country where skaters can enjoy contemporary works of sculpture in a parklike setting, has become a major recreational destination in Washington.

Rink Hours and Fees

The hours for the ice-skating rink are Monday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. and Sunday, 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Admission for a two-hour session (beginning on the hour) is $6.00 for adults and $5.00 for seniors (age 50 and over), children (age 12 and under), and students with ID. The skate rental fee is $2.50 (ID required as a deposit). The locker rental fee is $.50 ($5.00 deposit required). Discounts on admission and fees are available for groups of ten or more. For general information, opening announcements, or to arrange a group visit, call (202) 289-3360. Season tickets are available for $195.00.

Jazz on Ice

Following the success of last season's jazz concerts, the Gallery is once again presenting live jazz during its Jazz on Ice series every Thursday evening from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., December 4 through March 11, 2004 (no program is scheduled during the weeks of Christmas and New Year's holidays). Visitors can enjoy live performances in the comfort of the Pavilion Café while relaxing, eating, and watching ice-skaters glide to the live music outside in the open air of the Gallery's ice rink. The café offers a special tapas-style menu and bar during concerts. The rink's sleek, modern design creates open vistas throughout the garden, and the state-of-the-art music system, with twenty-four speakers installed around the rink, provides uniform sound to skaters without distracting other visitors.

Dec 4

Jerry Gordon trio

Dec 11

Thad Wilson trio

Dec 18

Geoff Reecer duo

Jan 8

Joshua Bayer trio

Jan 15

Rick Parker trio

Jan 22

Jerry Gordon trio

Jan 29

Bossalingo

Feb 5

Joshua Bayer trio

Feb 12

Reginald Cyntje trio

Feb 19

Darnell Bell trio

Feb 26

Nasar Abadey trio

Mar 4

Bossalingo

Mar 11

Thad Wilson trio

Pavilion Café

The Pavilion Café offers a panoramic view of the garden and ice rink and serves freshly made wraps, sandwiches, gourmet pizzas, and salads. Coffee, tea, hot chocolate, wine, and beer are also available. Café hours during the skating season are Monday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and Sunday, 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

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