From art exhibits that dominated Instagram to new venues, take a look at D.C.'s eventful year.
WASHINGTON 鈥� From art exhibits that dominated Instagram to new entertainment venues, D.C. had a busy year in its arts and culture scene.
So, the next time someone snidely asks, “What even is there to do in D.C.?” Take a look at this list and let them know what’s really happening in the District.
National Museum of Women in the Arts celebrates 30 years
After opening its doors in 1987, the museum, as the “only major museum in the world solely dedicated to championing women through the arts,” houses works from a range of women artists: Sonya Clark, Amy Sherald, Mickalene Thomas, Louise Bourgeois and more. One of my favorite exhibitions from this year runs now until Jan. 21, 2018: “” highlights work from black women artists, many with ties to the D.C. area.
So, get to know more women in the arts, and when the museum asks, “Can you name five women artists?” , names other than Georgia O’Keeffe and Frida Kahlo are just rolling right off your tongue. There is a $10 admission fee for adults, but admission is free on the first Sunday of every month for their .
(草莓传媒/Teta Alim)
草莓传媒/Teta Alim
Town Danceboutique announces it will close in July 2018
Town, a two-story nightclub in D.C.’s Shaw neighborhood, after its decadelong run. And for many in the local LGBT+ community, the news was met with shock and devastation. Town bills itself as the city’s largest gay nightclub, and for some, it was one of the first gay nightclubs they danced in.
“A lot of people were just upset and sad because it鈥檚 such a staple in our community and there鈥檚 no other place like it. So there鈥檚 definitely going to be a hole that鈥檚 going to need to be filled,” DJ聽Devon Trotter told 草莓传媒 in August.
(草莓传媒/Teta Alim)
草莓传媒/Teta Alim
National Museum of African American History and Culture celebrates anniversary
“From the time I stepped off the bus, I had the feeling of my ancestors here.” That’s what visitor Sheila Davis, who had traveled to the National Mall all the way from Harlem, told 草莓传媒 in September聽during the museum’s anniversary celebrations. And even a year later, the museum still gives out to enter.
It鈥檚 nearly impossible to get through this Smithsonian in a few hours, let alone a day, because of the thousands of artifacts to peruse. There’s also a sizable crowd; just months after its opening, the museum had surpassed 1 million visitors. Now a must-visit D.C. destination, the NMAAHC has a lot to offer, from its culinary selections and architectural design to its historic content.
(草莓传媒/Kathy Stewart)
草莓传媒/Kathy Stewart
New venue The Anthem opens at The Wharf
D.C.’s Southwest Waterfront development is bringing in lots of new living, retail and restaurant spaces. But beyond shopping and eating, residents and visitors can also enjoy live entertainment at The Anthem, which opened in October with a Foo Fighters concert.
鈥淲e want to make it the best venue in the world,鈥� I.M.P. founder Seth Hurwitz, who is also behind D.C. venues 9:30 Club and Lincoln Theatre, told 草莓传媒. Get ready to enjoy Tyler, the Creator, Lorde, Little Big Town and more in this聽6,000-person space right by the water.
(草莓传媒/Reada Kessler)
草莓传媒/Reada Kessler
Yayoi Kusama’s artwork dominates Hirshhorn (and Instagram)
“Yayoi Kusama: Infinity Mirrors” was an instant hit when the exhibit opened in February:聽Visitors quickly snatched up free timed passes聽to see the installation and long lines would form outside and inside the museum. The exhibit was a celebration of the Japanese artist’s decadelong career and featured some of her most recognizable works, including “All the Eternal Love I Have for the Pumpkins,” (pictured above).
“I think that it鈥檚 magical,”聽one visitor told 草莓传媒 in May, on the last day of the exhibit. 鈥淚 think that鈥檚 something that we鈥檙e looking to understand. I think (Yayoi Kusama) understands life in a different perspective, and she wants to share that.鈥�
(草莓传媒/Megan Cloherty)
