Art Makes Me Smart

This actually, truly, really, sincerely did happen.

I recently went to Washington, D.C. with my roommate Allie to meet up with our friend Kathryn. On the second day, we opted not to pay an $18 entry to the International Spy Museum, but instead chose to enjoy the FREE National Portrait Gallery as part of the nice little Smithsonian family.

Yes, family.

Smithsonian apparently implies many, many buildings. Nothing screams "I'm a TOURIST!" more than asking the information booth attendant where one would find the Smithsonian building.

So when we arrive at the NPG- I'm going to be so bold and abbreviate- the guard informs us that closing time is in 20 minutes. We BOOK IT through most of the wings of the gallery and even manage to enjoy a piece or two.

Then we reached the "special gallery."

I walk in and notice that the gift shop is at the other end. Maybe not so classy to have cheap postcards so near the real deals, I think to myself. BUT it's not my gallery.*

Soon I spot some French Impressionism paintings hanging on the walls. I LOVE French Impressionism.

I stare.
I read the sign that says "$250."
I move on.
I double take.

"$250?!?!?!" I asked the guard.

"Yes."

"But isn't this a Monet?!?"

"Yes."

"And it's $250?!?"

"Yes."

At this point I have almost convinced myself to call my parents and ask to borrow $250. Alot of money, I would say, but think of the investment!

"How can this Monet only be $250?!? Shouldn't it be $250,000?!?"

Wait for it....wait for it.....



"Ma'am...............that's a replica."


Bam. Art makes me smart.


*The contents of the Smithsonian are actually owned by the American people. Neat. Except apparently this doesn't mean I can borrow the Hope Diamond for a night out. Not so neat.