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So far this season, all’s well on the Smithsonian American Art Museum (SAAM) and National Portrait Gallery steps facing 7th Street between F and G Streets. Thanks to a five-pronged plan embraced last winter by the museums, located at Gallery Place—a popular Downtown destination for people both near and far—there have been no reports of problems or incidences with the many young people who like congregating there.
Rachel Allen, SAAM’s deputy director, explained at a recent Downtown Neighborhood Association meeting that five items worked in concert to enhance the steps: improved lighting; 24/7 video camera surveillance; regular and visible security officer patrols; a close working relationship with the Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Sergeant Peter Sheldon and his officers; and classical music piped in through a sound system—a la Mozart, Bach, Beethoven and Bernstein! Go figure. In fact, the Smithsonian is now taking suggestions for the Spring/Summer 2012 season music playlist. Send your recommendations via email to AmericanArtInfo@si.edu. Who says problems can’t be resolved creatively … and melodiously?
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