Since its inception in 2017, Uptown Main Street has sought to promote innovative and participatory public art projects to encourage people to visit our commercial corridors and support small businesses. The closing of the WMATA Northern Bus Garage and the 2020 pandemic propelled all of us to seek creative partnerships. This is the result!
The must-see 14th Street Graffiti Museum offers an unforgettable glimpse into DC’s rich graffiti past and vibrant future.
On August 15, 2020, twenty artists converged in the alleys of this intersection to create a graffiti production that highlights the history of graffiti in DC and commemorates the life of Cool “Disco” Dan. The resulting installation features original works from pioneering go-go, hip-hop, and hardcore writers, alongside art from the District’s rising talent.
The 14th Street Graffiti Museum is a walkable, outdoor installation that can be experienced while maintaining safe social distance.
The 14th St Graffiti Museum’s creation, and all its collaborators, are documented in this video.
Videography by 2180 Productions
Still photos by Nick Moreland Photography
Experience the Museum
Location:
The Alley @ 14th St NW & Crittenden St NW
Washington, DC 20009
Located on Upper 14th St, the Graffiti Museum is surrounded by local restaurants and businesses.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses need your support more than ever, so be sure to grab a local bite and browse the neighborhood’s nearby stores during your trip to the 14th Street Graffiti Museum.
The 14th St Graffiti Museum is alive, vibrant, and ever-changing, just like the art it honors. Every six-to-twelve months, murals on the outer walls are replaced with new artwork. Stop by often to catch the latest work from talented DC artists.
The Story
The vision behind the14th Street Graffiti Museum comes from minds of Eddie Harris and Cory L. Stowers, two local entrepreneurs and visual artists, and is funded by Uptown Main Street. Through the Museum, the duo seeks to present a collection of original works by noted graffiti artists with historic relevance to DC.
The collection opened on August 19th, Cool “Disco” Dan Day; a day commemorated by the Mayor following the untimely death of the iconic artist in 2017. Within the inner courtyard of the Museum, a portrait tribute of Cool “Disco” Dan is accompanied by signature piecing styles from members and friends of Dan’s infamous FFC Crew. Each individual featured in the courtyard has an artistic history stretching back more than 30 years in DC. For some of these prolific creators, their creation in the 14th Street Graffiti Museum is their first in decades .
The second area of the Museum is an upper level gallery, which features the work of rising DC talent. This contemporary-style graffiti is viewable from the alley. The marquee wall, facing Crittenden Street, displays the work of the Trust Your Struggle collective, who gifted the impromptu mural to the neighborhood in 2015. Written text accompanies each piece of the exhibit, contextualizing the artist’s importance to the graffiti culture of Washington, DC.
Happening Now
Read what’s happening now at the 14th Street Graffiti Museum and share your experience!
#14thstgraffitimuseum
