Media Advisory Rededication of Alexander Calder’s Stabile “Gwenfritz”
WHAT: The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History will host a rededication
ceremony of Alexander Calder’s “Gwenfritz” stabile in a place of honor that restores
the artist’s original vision for the sculpture’s location.
WHEN: Friday, Oct. 31
Media sign-in: 11–11:20 a.m.
Ceremony: 11:30 a.m.
WHERE: National Museum of American History
Constitution Avenue between 12th and 14th streets N.W.
Use Constitution Avenue entrance
WHO: John Gray, director, National Museum of American History
Calvin Cafritz, chairman of the board, Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation
Art Molella, director, Lemelson Center for Invention and Innovation, National
Museum of American History
Richard Barden, manager of preservation services, National Museum of American History
Karen Lemmey, curator of sculpture, Smithsonian American Art Museum
The National Museum of American History will celebrate the reinstallation of Alexander Calder’s “Gwenfritz” stabile in its originally intended location following an extensive conservation treatment.
Named after Calder’s patron Gwendolyn Cafritz, the stabile is 40 feet high and weighs more than 35 tons. The sculpture is part of the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s collection and was acquired in 1969 as a gift of the Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation.
“Gwenfritz” will have a permanent home in midst of a new reflecting pool on the west (14th Street) side of the museum, where it will visually connect visitors to the Washington Monument and the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
