Mayor Bowser Unveils Art Ave, a Free Outdoor Art Exhibit Along Connecticut Avenue NW

(Washington, DC) -Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser and the Golden Triangle Business Improvement District (BID) unveiled Art Ave, a new outdoor art gallery made possible through the DC Office of Planning's (OP) Streets for People program. The immersive experience features sculptures and window art installations along Connecticut Avenue NW, from Lafayette Park to Dupont Circle, and will run through January 2026.

"From now through January, we're inviting residents and visitors to walk Art Ave, a free outdoor art exhibit that represents our commitment to a beautiful and vibrant Downtown," said Mayor Bowser. "Strategic investments like this encourage people to stay in Downtown longer during the week, come back on the weekends, and support the small and local businesses that bring our streets to life. With Art Ave, we're making Downtown more active, more welcoming, and a place where our local talent and creativity can shine."

The free exhibit includes 13 large-scale sculptures-many of them interactive-and four window art installations, all located between Lafayette Park and Dupont Circle in the heart of the Golden Triangle BID. Art Ave is open to the public 24/7, with many sculptures illuminated at night. To enhance the experience, the Golden Triangle BID has launched a new tour in its free STQRY Guide app, available in the Apple App Store and Google Play. The app provides a self-guided walking tour with an interactive map and audio recordings.

"Art Ave underscores the power of public art and reimagining public spaces to reshape downtown," said Leona Agouridis, Golden Triangle BID President and CEO. "We create beautiful places where people want to be-encouraging more District residents and visitors to experience the Golden Triangle."

Art Ave is funded by a grant from OP's Streets for People program, which invests in infrastructure to encourage people to enjoy civic spaces, cultural amenities, and local businesses. In 2025, OP awarded nearly $2 million in grants to the Golden Triangle BID and DowntownDC BID to advance the goals of the Downtown Public Realm Plan. Art Ave supports a key recommendation from the plan: connecting Lafayette Park and Farragut Square through round-the-clock activity, a recognizable visual identity, and engaging cultural experiences. Additional initiatives supported by the grant include programming at Anthem Row (800 K Street NW).

"Art Ave leverages this tremendous asset we have in our Downtown public space to create a cultural draw for residents and visitors," said Office of Planning Director Anita Cozart.

Art Ave is also part of the Golden Triangle BID's Art All Night 2025 programming. Art All Night is the District's largest free arts festival, taking place on Friday, September 12 and Saturday, September 13, from 7 pm to 3 am each night. Residents and visitors are encouraged to download the new Art All Night mobile app, with interactive maps and real-time schedule updates. The app is available for free on the Apple App Store and Google Play.

"Golden Triangle's new Art Ave is a wonderful addition to this year's Art All Night, and with our new Art All Night app, we're making it easier than ever for residents and visitors to discover it as a destination for art, culture, and community," said Rosemary Suggs-Evans, Director of the DC Department of Small and Local Business Development. "We invite everyone to download the app, plan their night, and come out this weekend to enjoy Art Ave and explore Art All Night activations happening across the city."

Find a full list of free, family-friendly events taking place on Art Ave over the next few months, such as storytime with the DC Public Library and yoga classes,visit Golden Triangle..

September is 202Creates month in DC, a monthlong celebration of the diverse talents and industries that fuel the District's creative economy-from musicians, filmmakers, production companies, and visual artists to fashion designers, actors, theatre districts, tech innovators, and chefs. Events take place throughout the month of September and culminate on Thursday, September 25 with the 40th Annual Mayor's Arts Awards. For a full listing of the creative events happening during 202Creates Month, please visit 202creates.com.

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