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Washington, D.C. is well-known for its National Mall, offering a plethora of museums, galleries, historical buildings, concert venues, green spaces, monuments, and so much more.
Not many are aware that that same art and flair stretches north to the Mt. Pleasant neighborhood, though, making it a great place for art lovers to both live and visit. The following guide encompasses just a small handful of the art opportunities available near and around Mt. Pleasant.
Galleries
This non-profit, artist-owned, cooperative gallery has been operating for more than 40 years, offering a diverse collection of original works from D.C.’s “most promising and accomplished artists.” It focuses on providing exposure and recognition to emerging artists.
Founded in 2010, this fine art gallery and curatorial group aims to make museum-quality pieces more accessible. It works with collectors to do so, specializing in “a stellar roster of nationally and internationally renowned artists,” with particular emphasis on African American and African artworks.
Classes
National Conservatory of Arts
Operating under a belief that music is “a fundamental part of human life,” the National Conservatory has been providing students of all ages with training in music-related disciplines for more than a decade. Adult classes include piano, voice, guitar, violin, cello viola, drums, djembe, flute, and choir, as well as flex schedules and university-style group classes.
Offering “a place to develop strong artistic skills,” “learn to see in new ways,” and “discover your artistic voice,” Washington Studio provides classes in painting, sculpture, 2D design, drawing, portraiture, watercolor, drypoint, and figure drawing, among other styles.
Theaters
Lincoln Theater
Built in 1922 as a cultural center, the Lincoln Theater has hosted greats like Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, and Nat King Cole. The historic site currently boasts a schedule filled with all kinds of acts, from comedians, rock bands, and international groups to author readings and everything in between.
If comedy is more your thing, the Washington Improv Theater likely has an act for you. It has served as the area’s “premier destination for long-form improv” for more than 19 years, offering both performances to attend as well as improv classes and workshops.
Music & Orchestra
Pan American Symphony Orchestra
Founded 25 years ago to bring Latin American symphony performances to Washington, D.C., concert halls, the Pan American Symphony features rare works by Latin American composers. It is also the only tango orchestra in the D.C. area, drawing audiences from across the U.S. and beyond.
This orchestral society brings both classical music and educational opportunities to metropolitan D.C. It seeks to “provide quality performances for new audiences and underserved populations,” as well as offering continuing education for non-professional adult musicians, performance opportunities, DC Amateur Classical Musicians chamber groups, and general cultural enrichment.
Other Mt. Pleasant-Area Art
District of Columbia Arts Center
If you’re interested in art galleries, theater productions, and other art-related programs, this center has made a name for itself through “high-caliber, challenging works, encouraging professionalism among artists, and by providing a forum for education and cultural exchange.” It was founded in 1989 and has since been serving as an alternative arts space.
Celebrate Art in Mt. Pleasant
Whether you prefer music, painting, sculpture, theatre, or any other art form, you couldn't pick a better neighborhood to visit than Mt. Pleasant. Whether you’re just passing through or staying a while, don’t miss out on these artistic adventures.