About Washington DC
Washington DC was founded by the constitution of the United States in 1790 with the purpose of being the nation’s capital. The city was named after George Washington, the president at the time, who was the one to choose the exact location of the city. It was built purposefully between two waterways; the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers, which allowed for the town to expand and offered scenic areas to enjoy.
Unfortunately, much of the city was burnt to the ground during the War of 1812 where it slowly rebuilt but remained as a small town with few permanent residents until after the Civil War. Washington DC became a land known for freedom and acceptance after the liberation of slaves in 1862, which allowed for a significant African American population to develop.
Post-war this city expanded greatly and today it is a unique town with a rich cultural diversity. It has both historic and modern aspects that give you lots to see and do, making it a great place for a Washington DC gallery space.
Gallery Space Options in Washington DC
Galleries are areas used to display photographs, paintings, sculptures or other works of art. There are some things that you will need to prepare to make sure that your venue works well as a gallery and your event is a success.
- Lighting
Having proper lighting is a very important part of a good gallery space. Strategically placed lights can draw attention to your key pieces, and having a venue that is too bright or too dark can make it harder to see.
- Florist
Although the main attraction will be your art, your gallery space in Washington DC can benefit from some decor. Try working with a local florist to add just enough detail to make your space perfect.
- Marketing
Hosting a gallery event can be a great way to display your newest work and get some publicity. If you want a lot of people to visit your event, invest in some professional advertising that will help spread the word around.
Gallery Space Companies in Washington DC
Washington DC is a city full of successful businesses that can help you plan your gallery. If you are looking for advertising, lighting or decorations, consider checking out local companies.
- Glow Event Rentals
Glow Event Rentals offers rentals specializing in lighting and glow furniture. They have equipment that can be used at any event and even have lights that can change colors. This allows you to customize your venue to make it as dramatic as you want, and their available lighting technicians can help you set it all up.
- York Flowers
This family owned and run business opened in 1942 and has been in service for over 70 years. They have a reputation for providing beautiful flowers to individuals and events and their plants can be a great addition to your gallery. They have all sorts of floral decor suitable for weddings or special occasions, including custom-made arrangements for your needs.
- Blue Text
If you want to spread the word about your upcoming gallery and exhibits, consider hiring Blue Text to do some advertising for you. They use digital marketing, public relations and branding to make amazing websites that give viewers a digital experience that will spark interest in your event.
Pros and Cons of Gallery Spaces in Washington DC
If you are looking for a place for a gallery space, Washington DC is a great choice as it already has an active arts scene. However, there are both pros and cons to hosting your event here.
Advantages
- Diverse in all sectors
This city is diverse when it comes to almost everything, like job industries, activities, ethnicities and religions. This city is very welcoming which makes it easy for anyone to fit in, and you will see a variety of unique individuals at your Washington DC gallery space.
- Great public transportation
As DC has over 700,000 citizens and a lot of yearly tourists, it is important that the city has ways to get around. Traffic can be bad here, but even with the second busiest metro in the world, it is recognized for having one of the best and fastest public transportation systems in the nation.
- A young city
Although Washington DC has an extensive history, its population is not very old as millennials are beginning to take over. Currently, about 20% of citizens are of a new generation, which brings new life and ideas to the city.
Disadvantages
- Expensive
Unless you are coming from a big city, you will notice that living in DC can be expensive. The cost of living is high when it comes to utilities, services and items, so keep this in mind when you are setting up your gallery space.
- Bugs
It can be surprising to learn that Washington DC has been named the 7th worst city for bugs in the whole country. Here you can find everything like fleas, mosquitos, cockroaches and ticks. This can put a limit on the time that you can spend outdoors, so be prepared to deal with the pests before you visit.
- Food scene is lacking
Although there is no doubt that the city has some great restaurants serving delicious meals, it can be hard to find the same level of food here as you might see in some other cities. You can definitely find a good meal, but you are less likely to be blown away by the cuisine.
Famous Locations in Washington DC
- Lincoln Memorial
One of the best-known sites in Washington DC is the Lincoln Memorial, which can be found at the end of the National Mall. This marble statue of Abraham Lincoln is 19 feet tall and is in the center of 36 columns which represent the states that were founded at the time of his death. It was completed in 1922 by Daniel Chester French, and painter Jules Geurin added murals depicting significant parts of Lincoln’s life on the walls.
- National Museum of Natural History
Washington DC’s National Museum of Natural History is a popular activity for all people to enjoy, where you can learn about the natural world and human evolution. Some favorite exhibits include the Discovery Room that has artifacts and dinosaur skeletons, the Hope Diamond and other minerals, the Hall of Human Origins as well as the Ocean Hall that has a replica of a North Atlantic Right Whale measuring 45 feet long.
- National Zoological Park
The National Zoo is one of the many establishments that are part of the Smithsonian and is one of the best zoos in terms of sustainability and quality animal care. Here you can find close to 2,000 different species of animals, a quarter of which are on the endangered list, and their natural environments. You can see some amazing land and sea creatures up close, as well as participate in educational games, demonstrations and feedings.