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Explore the beautiful public art on display in the Georgetown, Washington, DC, neighborhood of the C&O Canal with this self-guided walking tour!
Start HerePublic art brings beauty into built and natural spaces visitors can enjoy and be inspired from. Public art can stimulate learning and thought and add important cultural value to communities. Georgetown is historic and filled with examples of art, architecture, and lovely views. Explore the neighborhood of Georgetown, the starting point of the C&O Canal National Historical Park! This is your pocket self-guided Public Art Walking Tour. Find the art installation using the address. Learn about each piece, its meaning, and start a conversation about what it means to you. 
NPS and Georgetown Heritage Photo / Raisa Barrera 3401 Water St NW, Washington, DCThis mural shows JFK’s famous “Ich bin ein Berliner” or “I am a Berliner” anti-communist speech, almost two years after the Berlin Wall was constructed. President Kennedy voiced US support for citizens of West Germany during the Cold War. 
NPS and Georgetown Heritage / Raisa Barrera 3143 N St NWAt first glance, you see a neighbor and dog people watching from the windows. As you get closer you realize it is actually a well-done mural! This technique--trompe-l’œil--uses realistic imagery to create the optical illusion of a detailed 3D object. 
NPS and Georgetown Heritage Photo / Raisa Barrera 2800 Pennsylvania Ave NWArtist Raymond Mason created this bas-relief sculpture on one of the Four Seasons Hotel’s ivy-covered exterior walls. In a swirl of clouds, horses, and muskets are the figures of George Washington and Pierre-Charles L’Enfant.The artist created a unique piece to spotlight Washington and L’Enfant’s influence on Washington, DC, symbolizing the pair’s meeting in a Georgetown tavern in March 1791, when the U.S. President and French architect worked on site designs for the the country’s federal government. Discussion Observe the colors, figures, its location on a building wall against the green ivy. What do you think each of these things symbolize? Why do you think the artist chose these techniques? 
NPS and Georgetown Heritage Photo / Raisa Barrera 3510 O St NWThis mural pays homage to the famous Japanese print by Katsushika Hokusai, “Great Wave off Kanagawa,” and was commissioned by the couple who owned the house in the 1970s. Today this print has been used in trendy fashion, from shoes to t-shirts. Some may not know that this famous print was made in 1830-1832 and symbolizes the immense power of nature!Discussion This public mural is an example of the appreciation of Japanese art and history. Have you ever learned or explored Japanese culture? Do you enjoy learning about other countries or different cultures? What actions or activities can you do to experience diverse cultures? Share among your peers. Listen and learn about the original artwork, Under the Wave off Kanagawa also known as The Great Wave, on display now at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. 
NPS and Georgetown Heritage Photo / Raisa Barrera Georgetown Waterfront ParkBarton Rubenstein created the 15’ stainless steel sculpture “Mother Earth” as a symbol of unity for global sustainability and to inspire hope for the world in our changing climate. It is positioned downstream of the Potomac River, toward the world’s oceans, to symbolize the connection of all bodies of water.As you look at the magnificent sculpture, observe its position against the nearby tree. The green color of the leaves outlines another face of Mother Earth, reinforcing its hope for our natural environment. Discussion The artist used unique ways to symbolize hope, beauty, and protection of nature. How does art inspire hope and beauty in you? How do you think art can spark emotions from its viewers? 
NPS and Georgetown Heritage Photo / Raisa Barrera 1034 33rd St NWPublic art can show appreciation for different interests, like cycling! This popular mural displays a big bike on the yellow wall on the side of Big Wheel Bikes in Georgetown. Cyclists and others can enjoy the perfect photo-op as they enter Cady Alley.Discussion Cycling is a popular form of recreation and transportation. How do you get around your neighborhood? What are your favorite ways to stay active? Share with your peers. The nearby towpath of the C&O Canal National Historical Park and Capital Crescent Trail are perfect places to enjoy cycling.Get exercise and enjoy nature! Learn important safety tips and planning for your next cycling trip on the C&O Canal NHP website. 
NPS and Georgetown Heritage Photo / Raisa Barrera 3139 M St NWYou can find another trompe-l’œil mural on the side of America Eats Tavern in Georgetown by artist Bryan King. The large mural offers a glimpse into Georgetown waterfront of past! To prepare for his work, the artist researched Georgetown’s early topography at the Georgetown Library.Discussion The mural displays beautiful and detailed archway into Georgetown’s past. Look closely at the scene featured under the archway. Study the buildings, figures, and colors. What similarities do you still see today in Georgetown? What do you see that is different? How does public art help us remember our history? How do you remember special events in your past? 
NPS and Georgetown Heritage Photo / Raisa Barrera 1351 Wisconsin Ave NW“Rep Your Statehood” – shown on the side of the old Georgetown Theater building – is one of the 51st statehood advocacy murals displayed throughout DC. This growing movement supports Washington, DC, becoming the 51st state of the United States of America. The last state to join the United States of America was Hawaii in 1959!Research the terms “51st statehood advocacy” for more background on this important issue. Research when your state joined the United States of America. What number did it rank? Discussion What does advocacy mean to you? What do you think "Rep your Statehood" means? Share your definition with your peers. 
NPS and Georgetown Photo / Raisa Barrera 3143 N St NWThis cheerful flower mural adorns the side of a Japanese restaurant near the C&O Canal. Today, art thrives in our National Parks as it continues to be a source of creativity and inspiration.Major works of art, like when Hudson River School painters captured awe-inspiring Western landscapes in the 1870s, helped capture the public’s imagination, spurring a movement to preserve these lands for future generations. Discussion A simple flower inspired this stunning mural. Think about the buildings and natural surroundings in your own neighborhood. If you could paint a building with a natural feature, where would it be and what was your source of inspiration? 
NPS and Georgetown Photo / Raisa Barrera 3000 K St NWThe sculpture “Scarlet Natural Chaos” by Arne Quinz stands 41 feet tall and overlooks the Potomac River. Scarlet was inspired by the power and beauty of the Scarlet Oak tree, the official tree of DC.This piece highlights the cultural link between civic symbolism and natural imagery. Quinz says Scarlet symbolizes modern culture’s loss of connection with nature. Discussion The artist hopes it sparks dialogue about environmental awareness. What is your interpretation of the title Scarlet Natural Chaos? How is the title symbolized in this public art piece? Art has been used to bring attention to certain issues. Think of an issue or important cause to you. How would you convey your message in art? What medium would you use? Congratulations!
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Last updated: March 25, 2021