DC’s first truly innovative art space lives in ARTECHOUSE

It’s August and you need to grab all the Summertime fun you can before you rejoin the “real world”! DC is known for its “national” museums. Did you know we have a great private gallery scene? One of the newest galleries has already received international coverage since its June opening. Artechouse’s name is a combination of Art + Technology + House. It is DC’s first interactive digital art gallery.

The current “exhibit” is called XYZT: Abstract Landscapes. You will enter a darkened area inhabited by multiple “displays”. But, don’t think static on the wall dry paint…everything is white light and digital images. Some respond to your movements. Some you interact with while walking across the floor. Others are like a short video that hypnotizes you with its gentle movements.

When I was there I saw a grandfather and his grandson mimicking each other on one of the pieces on the floor. They were having a lot of fun! What a great way to introduce the young ones to a broader definition of what art is and can be. You need a ticket for any of the 45-minute showings. They keep the number of visitors low so you will have lots of space inside to move from interactive creation to creation. XYZT is here until September 3rd.

Hours/ Day Sessions: 10 AM – 4 PM must be Age 6+/Student/Senior $10 Adults $15
Night Sessions: must be Age 21+ 5:30 PM-9:30 PM $21 (Champagne bar open for liquid purchases!)
Absolutely Purchase On-Line in advance: www.artechouse.com (few tickets @ door)
Location: 1238 Maryland Ave, SW WDC 20024 an easy walk from the Smithsonian Metro Stop (use exit for Memorials/Independence Ave.) or L’Enfant Plaza Station. Artechouse entrance is on the street level of an office building. Just past Flippin’ Pizza. The stunning Mandarin Oriental Hotel is just beyond the Gallery. Turn left when you exit. Enjoy their gorgeous lobby bar for a luxurious bite or drink.

August & The Final Free Summer Concerts! I love a summer evening spent in DC attending a free outdoor concert at one of several memorials or historic sites performed by our musical ambassadors in military uniform! Each branch of the military has its own performing ensemble. From strolling violins to Big Band and Jazz. These musicians and singers are serving Uncle Sam. And they want to perform for you live and in-person….and it is all free!

All concerts start at 8 PM: No rush. There are always plenty of seats or sidewalks to sit on. The view from the West Side of the Capitol cannot be beaten as the sun sets and the moon rises in the west over the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial!
MON/Navy Band @ the Capitol West side TUES/Navy Band @ the U.S. Navy Memorial and Air Force Band @ the U.S. Capitol West side WED/ Marine Band @ the U.S. Capitol West Side FRI/Air Force Band @ the Air Force Memorial (in Arlington, VA near the Pentagon/Pentagon City)

Clara Sachs | USA Guided Tours DC Tour Guide & Blog Contributor