When you can’t get to the ocean or the weather is bad, head to the “beach” at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C.
Starting July 4, 2015, the museum will have an indoor beach in its Great Hall, complete with an ocean, shore and beach chairs.
The “ocean” is actually a gigantic ball pit with nearly 1 million recyclable translucent balls, where visitors can play and “swim.” Outside the pit on the “shore,” beach chairs will be available for guests to sit and relax. There will even be a snack bar for a refreshing drink.
According to the museum website, the beach exhibit follows the museum’s tradition of summer entertainment known as the “Summer Block Party,” a series of events and exhibitions for all ages taking place from June to August. Last year, a large-scale maze occupied the space in the museum’s atrium. This year, the museum hopes to offer guests a retreat from the summer heat while challenging their perceptions of the natural environment, says Chase W. Rynd, executive director of the National Building Museum.
The museum will offer longer hours each Wednesday night of the beach’s run, July 8-Sept. 2, staying open until 9 p.m. Regular hours are Monday to Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission to the beach is $16, adults; $13 youth ages 3-17 and seniors, and free for children under 2. Member tickets are $10 for adults; $5 youth and seniors. For details visit the National Building Museum website.
By Anna Tayman
Photo courtesy of National Building Museum
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