The Art of Love

A look at the rituals and traditions across cultures that influence
how we date, mate and relate.

For over 200 years America has been the world's cultural melting pot, naturally such a blending of cultures has given rise to very unique ways we as American's look at romance, marriage and family. The Art of Love Project will use the full breadth of the Smithsonian’s museum and research collections in order to take an in depth look at the institutions and tools that influence romance in our global culture.

Valentine's Day Events at the Smithsonian. A 29-cent Love stamp was issued in Loveland, Colorado, on February 6, 1992, in time for use on Valentine's Day cards and letters. The stamp features a large red heart emerging from an open envelope. This was the twelfth stamp in the Love Series

Portraits After 5: Art of Love - Valentine's Day Event

February 14, 2012 from 5 - 7 pm

Contact: artoflove@si.edu

Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery

8th & G Streets NW, Washington, DC

Romance and culture make the perfect pair this Valentine’s Day as the Smithsonian Institution introduces its "Art of Love" project with an event designed to bring new meaning to the term "art lover" for singles and couples alike!

Activities designed to make your heart flutter include an exciting speed dating mixer for singles or play a game that tests your knowledge of your romantic partner, best friend or family member. This event offers an exciting opportunity to experience the museum like never before!

Participants have the chance to win a specially designed "art of love" bracelet created exclusively for the Smithsonian "Art of Love" project by luxury accessories designer Scosha Wasserman.

Sponsors: Professionals in the City, The Debate Game, Scosha Jewelry, Jaleo Restaurant, Love Stories LLC

Bring your observation skills, imagination, curiosity, and creativity to this event as we welcome you to:

Hear a unique mix of love songs from Smithsonian Folkways

View iconic images from National Portriat Gallery

Recite a poem inspired by the collections you investigate from Smithsonian Libraries

Compose a hand written love letter to your sweetheart (or anonymously boost morale of someone in the military) with National Postal Museum

Participate in a love-themed museum scavenger hunt from American Art Museum

Learn romantic facts about The Butterfly Pavilion from National Museum of Natural History

Visit the Café for specialty drinks and treats made with Love (cash bar)

To participate in speed dating please RSVP to: artoflove@si.edu

In 1972 the US Postal Service commissioned pop artist Robert Indiana to turn his painting of the word 'Love', created for the Museum of Modern Art's 1965 Christmas card, into a postage stamp. It was released in Philadelphia on January 26, 1973, in time for Valentine's Day: Go to Postal Museum's collection website