I was in Washington DC on business. It is a strange town. One of the mysteries is all of the museums close at 5:30, all of them except the National Portrait Gallery.

This gallery is one of the most interesting museums I have ever visited. The covered courtyard is beautiful—the “pools” in the image are sheets of water flowing over the granite floor, barely deep enough to wet the bottom of your shoes. An orchid exhibition was on display in the raised marble beds in the courtyard while I was there. Entrance is free and stays open to 7 pm. Click on the image for a larger view.