The Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden may look like a bit of a construction pit these days on the National Mall, but don’t let the scaffolding fool you—it’s very much open. On my weekend jogs, I’ve learned that if you follow the signs, you’ll find the museum’s entrance, a newly unveiled art container, and yes, a scoop of gelato waiting for you.
A New Collaboration on the National Mall
Dolcezza Gelato & Coffee has partnered with artist Adam Pendleton to transform its outdoor shipping container on the Hirshhorn plaza into a striking piece of contemporary art. Pendleton—whose work is also featured prominently at Dogon in the Salamander in Washington, DC—has wrapped the seasonal gelato kiosk with his signature black-and-white visual language. The project complements his major exhibition Adam Pendleton: Love, Queen, on view at the Hirshhorn through January 3, 2027.
Limited-Edition Single Origin Chocolate Gelato
To mark the installation, Dolcezza has created a limited-edition Single Origin Chocolate gelato, crafted with stone-ground Ecuadorian cacao and blended with local grass-fed milk. Available only at the Hirshhorn container through September 30, this flavor offers visitors a sweet, memorable way to experience art and food together.
Expanding Pendleton’s Vision Beyond the Gallery
This project marks the second collaboration between Pendleton and Dolcezza, following his coffee cup design launched earlier this year at the Hirshhorn café. Now, his vision stretches across an entire shipping container—bringing contemporary art into public space in an accessible and delicious format.
Celebrate the Hirshhorn’s 50th Anniversary
As the Hirshhorn celebrates its 50th anniversary, Adam Pendleton: Love, Queen, organized by head curator Evelyn C. Hankins, highlights the artist’s recent and new paintings. It underscores Pendleton’s important contributions to contemporary American painting and solidifies his standing as one of the most influential voices in art today.
Where to Find Dolcezza Across the DMV
If you can, stop by the museum, see the exhibition, admire the shipping container, and taste the new gelato. And if you can’t make it to the Mall, you’ll still find Pendleton’s presence at the Hirshhorn café, plus Dolcezza’s other DC-area outposts in Dupont Circle, City Center, H Street NE, Bethesda Row, and Virginia’s Mosaic District.
Either way—art and gelato have rarely paired this well.
