Very often we drive or walk past buildings, compounds or even whole streets of houses without giving them much notice. This happened for some time when I drove along Massachusetts Avenue crossing Ward Circle. In the beginning I noticed a modernistic building complex, when driving by I read some lettering about a Arts Center, thinking this would be another Northwest DC philanthropic private museum. In the course of time I didn´t give it much notice anymore, driving past every so often. UNTIL that day when a lightning bolt struck the middle of Ward Circle, and my cars electrical innards had a conniption fit while a great cloud of smoke, resembling an Ebenezer Scrooge figure, floated toward me, hurling a blanket of wind in my direction that seemed to yell a message which only I could hear and understand: Why the freakin´ hey didn´t I ever stop to have a look at the Katzen Arts Center? What kind of a culture-grump was I anyway? Ok, the first part didn´t happen that way, but I did ask myself the questions. One fine day I parked the car and went to see what the Katzen Arts Center actually is. Well, it serves a multitude of purposes centering around art. It is part of the American University and there are several academic art departments of the University in the building as well as the American University Museum, exhibition and performance space for all form of art, and there is a sculpture garden in a courtyard style outdoor area. The Museum includes works of Picasso, Chagall, Lichtenstein, Modigliani and Warhol amongst others. The American University is politically active, and houses the School of International Service which promotes international understanding. It is also regarded as a production academy for fresh junior staff liberals. 

see more pics of Katzen Arts Center