Blagden Alley (DC Alley Museum)
A vibrant outdoor exhibition of contemporary murals painted on garage doors and walls in Washington D.C.'s historic Blagden Alley.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Blagden Alley (DC Alley Museum)
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant outdoor exhibition of contemporary murals painted on garage doors and walls in Washington D.C.'s historic Blagden Alley.
"It's most definitely a hidden local gem. You won't see it from the corner of 9th and M St."
🚶♀️ Wander and Discover
The alley is a working space; explore at your own pace to find hidden art gems.
💧 Stay Hydrated
It can get hot, especially in summer. Bring water and a fan if needed for comfort.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The 'Love' Mural
Center of Blagden Alley
An iconic mural by Lisa Marie Thalhammer, a vibrant symbol of unity and a must-see photo spot.
Rose Jaffe's 'Let Go'
Garage door
Striking mural known for its vibrant colors and evocative imagery, a favorite among visitors.
Diverse Mural Collection
Throughout Blagden Alley
Explore a dynamic outdoor exhibition featuring works by local artists on garage doors and walls.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Outdoor Gallery
Timing is Key for Photos
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Wander and Discover
The alley is a working space; explore at your own pace to find hidden art gems.
💧 Stay Hydrated
It can get hot, especially in summer. Bring water and a fan if needed for comfort.
📸 Perfect Photo Ops
Great for photos! Visit when businesses are closed for unobstructed shots.
📍 Look for the Sign
Find it by looking for the 'Blagden Alley NW' street sign; it's not visible from the main street.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Wander and Discover
The alley is a working space; explore at your own pace to find hidden art gems.
💧 Stay Hydrated
It can get hot, especially in summer. Bring water and a fan if needed for comfort.
📸 Perfect Photo Ops
Great for photos! Visit when businesses are closed for unobstructed shots.
📍 Look for the Sign
Find it by looking for the 'Blagden Alley NW' street sign; it's not visible from the main street.
🎨 Appreciate Local Art
Discover murals by talented local artists, a true hidden gem.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Blagden Alley as a 'hidden local gem' with vibrant and diverse street art, perfect for photo opportunities. While some note that businesses might not always be open and the alley is a working space, the unique artistic atmosphere and the presence of excellent restaurants and bars are consistently highlighted as major draws.
"It’s hot outside so bring water and a fan if you need one. The art is pretty and straightforward. You’ll see lots of artwork all around this area. Great for photo ops."
Nathan ILL (Nathan)
"Awesome neighborhood with great art. Definitely needs some new art work. Nothing was open when we went by (around 4pm) but it was nice being able to photograph everything with no one there."
Angelica Sanchez
"It's most definitely a hidden local gem. You won't see it from the corner of 9th and M St. What you will see is a street sign for Blagden Alley NW. Just walk through what looks like a dead alley. It was a weekday, and there were only a few people walking around the businesses inside. We passed by many murals on walls, garage doors, wooden sidings, and in all different art mediums. Our first encounter was a mural of large carrots along the privacy fence of Calico. We could hear people having a good time inside the bar's outdoor patio. That was the only group we encountered when continuing on our journey to find more art. After that, it was pretty desolate. We came across many cool murals. The "Love" mural by Lisa Marie Thalhammer is at the center of it all. There is one by Miss Chelove who has many beautiful murals throughout the DC area. The one that stood out to me the most was "Let Go" by Rose Jaffe. We were fortunate that the garage door was down for us to see it. I think it was the vibrant colors that caught my eye.
It's definitely an interesting and obscure place that has sparked a movement of creativity. I don't really know the true history behind it all. Just that it's part of a historic district that comes with strict development guidelines that are in place to preserve the Victorian buildings and alleyways. There are some very unique restaurants and bars in and around Blagden Alley in Shaw. We walked through the alley after a great meal at the Unconventional Diner. It was cool to see some public art along the way.
Just one thing to note. Don't expect this alley to be well-kept and beautiful. I think it's still a work in progress (or that was my impression of it). At the end of the day, it's a working alley with garbage cans, private parking spaces, and delivery trucks. You will see gardens in front of the restored row houses surrounding this unique alley destination. There are even a couple of Michelin star restaurants at Blagden Alley. It's just cool for what it is."
Karen V
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Blagden Alley is located in the Shaw neighborhood, near 9th and M Streets NW. You can walk through what appears to be a dead-end alley off M Street to find it. It's accessible via public transport, with several Metrobus lines and the Mount Vernon Square/7th Street-Convention Center Metro station nearby.
It's a bit of a hidden gem! Look for the street sign 'Blagden Alley NW'. It's not immediately obvious from the main street, so be prepared to explore a bit.
Walking is the best way to experience the outdoor art. Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be strolling through the alleyways.
Street parking can be challenging in this area. It's recommended to use public transportation or ride-sharing services. Some private parking may be available, but it's often for businesses.
Yes, the alley is open 24/7 as it's an outdoor exhibition. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for the best viewing and photo opportunities of the murals.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the DC Alley Museum is an outdoor exhibition and is completely free to visit. You don't need any tickets or reservations. 
The alley and its murals are accessible 24/7, as it's an open-air art space.
Absolutely not! Blagden Alley is a free public art space, making it a fantastic budget-friendly attraction in DC.
Since it's an outdoor exhibition, visiting during pleasant weather is ideal. Be prepared for the elements if you visit during rain or extreme temperatures.
While there aren't official guided tours, you can explore independently. Some local guides might offer tours that include Blagden Alley as part of a larger street art or neighborhood exploration.
📸 📸 Photography
The 'Love' mural by Lisa Marie Thalhammer is a central highlight. Also, look for murals by Rose Jaffe and Miss Chelove. Many garage doors and walls feature vibrant art perfect for unique shots.
It can be challenging if businesses are open and people are around. Visiting during off-peak hours or when businesses are closed can provide unobstructed views for photography.
This alley is ideal for street art photography, urban exploration shots, and even portrait sessions with the murals as backdrops.
Generally, no. As a public art space, photography is encouraged. However, always be respectful of private property and any ongoing business operations.
Early mornings or weekday afternoons often offer softer light and fewer people, leading to better photographic conditions.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Blagden Alley is home to several popular dining and drinking establishments, including La Colombe, The Dabney (Michelin-starred), Tiger Fork, and Calico.
You'll find a range of options, from coffee at La Colombe to upscale dining at The Dabney, and Asian-inspired cuisine at Tiger Fork.
Many of the restaurants and bars have outdoor seating or patios within or adjacent to the alley, allowing you to enjoy food and drinks in the vibrant atmosphere.
While The Dabney is a high-end option, La Colombe offers coffee and pastries, and other eateries in the Shaw neighborhood provide a variety of price points.
For popular spots like The Dabney, reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends. For other establishments, it's advisable to check their policies.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1Tips for families: Bring snacks and drinks, especially during warmer months, as it's an outdoor space. Encourage kids to point out their favorite murals. While there are businesses, the alley itself is a public space, so supervision is key. It's a relatively contained area, making it manageable for a short outing.
+1📸 Photographers & Art Enthusiasts
Pro-tip: Visit during weekdays or early mornings to avoid crowds and get unobstructed views for your photos. The soft light in the morning can also enhance the colors of the murals. Be respectful of any businesses operating in the alley and avoid blocking access.
🚶♀️ Urban Explorers & Budget Travelers
+1For explorers: Combine your visit with a walk through the historic Shaw neighborhood. The alley is also conveniently located near other attractions, making it an easy addition to a day of sightseeing. Remember to wear comfortable shoes and be ready to wander!
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Blagden Alley
+1Many of the artists featured have a strong connection to the Shaw neighborhood and Blagden Alley's history. You'll find works by artists like Marcellus Kriebel, Aniekan Udofia, and Rose Jaffe, whose piece 'Let Go' is a standout for its vibrant colors. The 'Love' mural by Lisa Marie Thalhammer is another iconic piece, often considered the heart of the alley's art scene.
+1Exploring Blagden Alley is an immersive experience. It’s a testament to the power of public art to transform urban spaces and foster community identity. The alley itself is a working space, with businesses and parking, but the art adds a layer of creativity and visual interest that draws visitors in for exploration and photography.
History and Preservation
The alley's transformation into an art space is a relatively recent phenomenon, driven by local artists and community members. It has become a symbol of how creative interventions can revitalize urban areas while respecting their heritage. The presence of established businesses, including Michelin-starred restaurants, alongside the street art highlights this fascinating juxtaposition.
The ongoing 'work in progress' nature of the alley is part of its charm. It's not a manicured museum but a living, breathing part of the city. This authenticity, with its working elements like garbage cans and delivery trucks, is what many visitors appreciate, seeing it as a genuine reflection of urban life enhanced by art.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit