Third Church of Christ Scientist

The brutalist Third Church of Christ Scientist isn’t my favorite D.C. building, either. But Michael Warren is wrong to call for its destruction.

D.C. is an aesthetically intolerant town that lacks an appreciation for the little architectural diversity it does have. Is it so terrible to have a very light sprinkling of modernist architecture around town? Or does each and every D.C. business, office, and residence have to sport dark paneling and crown molding?

In 2000, I wrote a book called Exhibitionism: Art in an Era of Intolerance. It documented liberals’ attempt to use key art institutions — including the NEA — to change the story of art into one that advanced their worldview. It didn’t work — most of these institutions were basically killed in the process. Those that live on are shells of their former selves.

Trying to rewrite the history of art — by felling “ugly” buildings or channeling government subsidies to pornographic “art” — is about as smart as trying to control the free market. All attempts will fail. Only fools would try.

– Lynne Munson is former deputy chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities.