The Place: Library of Congress
Where: 1st and Independence Streets SE
Why Live Near Here: There must be something really really cool about living close to the oldest federal cultural institution in the United States/the largest library in the world even if you’re not a huge bibliophile because the architecture and design in the Library of Congress is enough to keep a person coming back time and time again.
The Place: The National Portrait Gallery
Where: 8th and F Streets NW
Why Live Near Here: One of the great perks of living in DC is the fact that we have all but one of the free, always open (except Christmas Day and when the government is shut down) Smithsonian museums at our fingertips. The person who wants to live near this gorgeous Greek Revival building is a fan of everything from traditional masterpieces to modern art, and maybe has a thing for presidential portraits.
The Place: Angelika Pop-Up
Where: 550 Penn Street NE
Why Live Near Here: Guys, if you haven’t been outside yet today, know that it’s cold AF out there. And seeing as though Places and Spaces talks about cool places in DC that you want to live near, today’s pick couldn’t be more appropriately chosen. There’s not a lot you can do outside when you feel like your face is going to shatter into a million pieces, but a tried-and-true escape is the movies. So if you’re not as into high grossing blockbusters as you are into independent and foreign films, prefer Pop Art Popcorn, Jeni’s ice cream and craft beer & wine to standard theater fare, and appreciate creative programming and special deals, then Angelika Pop-Up in the H Street NE/NoMa area is someplace you may want to consider living close to. Your not-so-frozen face will thank you.
The Place: Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
Where: 400 Michigan Avenue NE
Why Live Near Here: You don’t necessarily care that this is one of the 10 largest churches in the world, but want to live near this towering beauty that holds an incredible number of art pieces, mosaics, and sculptures that you can take in for free any day of the week.
Continue reading ➞ Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
The Place: Renwick Gallery
Where: Pennsylvania Avenue and 17th Streets NW
Why Live Near Here: You love art and have a particular liking for contemporary craft and decorative arts. Maybe second to that, the thought of being close to GW co-eds puts a smile on your face while being uncomfortably close to the Orange Cheeto doesn’t put the fear of God in you.
The Place: Artechouse
Where: 12th and D Streets SW
Why Live Near Here: You love art, creativity, and technology and/or you’re a crazy instagrammer who’s constantly looking for cool and engaging backdrops for your dope photos.
The Place: Blagden Alley
Why live here: Do you love art? Specifically, street art? If so, this is the place for you. One of the most recognizable murals in DC, LOVE, a colorful piece conceptualized and painted by local muralist Lisa Marie, resides here. But that’s not the only mural there — you can find a variety of others by notable artists including Kelly Towles, Rozeal Brown, Aniekan Udofia, and Rose Jaffe.
*Please note that this post is focusing solely on the art in Blagden Alley. Another post on its restaurants is forthcoming!
