5 Public Art Installations in the DMV You’ve Probably Walked Right Past

1. The “LOVE” Sculpture – Various Locations, VA

Virginia is for lovers is the state’s slogan which makes the Love sculpture fitting for the state. Scattered all over the state in rotating locations, from parks to parking lots, these iconic “LOVE” sculptures are part of a tourism campaign that somehow became high art.

Location: Frequently pops up in Alexandria, Richmond, and at rest stops when you least expect it.

2. “Watermelon House” – Logan Circle, DC

This quirky Logan Circle row house sports a giant mural of a watermelon slice on its side, complete with dripping seeds. It’s weird, it’s wonderful, and it has its own website. Check out their website here.

Location: 1112 Q St NW, Washington, DC

3. “Ghandi Memorial” – Embassy Row, DC

Walk along Massachusetts Ave near Dupont Circle and you’ll find Mahatma Gandhi striding purposefully in bronze. Most people rush by on their way to brunch, missing the inscription: “My life is my message.” Learn more about it here.

Loocation: 2100 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC

4. “The Awakening” – National Harbor, MD

When you visit the National Harbor and see the awakening you might think a giant is trying to crawl out of the Earth – and you’d be half right. “The Awakening” is a 72-foot statue of a man’s body parts (feet, hands, a twisted face) emerging from the ground, screaming into the void.

Location: 153 National Plaza, Oxon Hill, MD

5. “Man Controlling Trade” – Federal Trade Commission, DC

Because nothing screams “subtle government overreach” like a man wrestling a wild horse. This 1940s limestone sculpture is technically about economic regulation, but mostly looks like the beginning of an epic battle. Walk past it once, and you’ll never unsee it. Learn more about this here.

Location: 600 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC

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