Hirshhorn Plaza

March 21, 2017

Hirshhorn and Dolcezza To Celebrate Yayoi Kusama’s Birthday With Launch of New “Infinity” Gelato March 22
Public Invited To Wear Polka Dots for a Free Scoop

Kusama Infinity Flavor

The Smithsonian’s Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden and Dolcezza Gelato & Coffee will celebrate artist Yayoi Kusama’s “infinite birthday” Wednesday, March 22, with a new limited-edition gelato. On that day only, the public can join the festivities and receive a free single scoop of “Infinity” gelato by wearing polka dots—one of the artist’s signature motifs—to any of Dolcezza’s Washington-area locations, including its Hirshhorn pop-up coffee shop, while supplies last.

March 22 marks the auspicious 88th birthday of the renowned Japanese artist, whose work is on view through May 14 at the Hirshhorn in the landmark exhibition “Yayoi Kusama: Infinity Mirrors.” Kusama lives and works in Tokyo, where she maintains her studio and continues to create artwork. The number eight is considered lucky in Japanese culture, signaling prosperous growth.

The new “Infinity” gelato will be available at the Dolcezza Gelato & Coffee pop-up shop on the Hirshhorn’s plaza and at its nine shops and markets located throughout Washington, Maryland and Virginia through May 14. Inspired by Kusama’s art and the city’s famed cherry blossoms, the flavor features vanilla gelato dotted with rich chocolate flakes and a luxurious triple-cherry swirl with luxardo, amarena and amaretto-spiced cherries.

Dolcezza’s Hirshhorn pop-up is also announcing extended hours starting Monday, April 3, opening 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Thursday through Tuesday, and Wednesdays 8 a.m.–6 p.m.

About the Hirshhorn

The Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden is the national museum of modern and contemporary art and a leading voice for 21st-century art and culture. Part of the Smithsonian, the Hirshhorn is located prominently on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. With nearly 12,000 paintings, sculptures, photographs, mixed-media installations, works on paper and new media works, its holdings encompass one of the most important collections of postwar American and European art in the world. The Hirshhorn presents diverse exhibitions and offers an array of public programs on the art of our time—free to all, 364 days a year. For more information, visit hirshhorn.si.edu.

Image: Infinity Flavor, image courtesy Dolcezza Gelato & Coffee