Discover the Charm of Dupont Circle
The Dupont Circle neighborhood of Washington, DC, boasts some of the city’s most exceptional museums, historic homes, and foreign embassies. Additionally, it features a diverse selection of ethnic restaurants, bookstores, and private art galleries. The circle itself serves as a park and remains one of the prime green spaces in the heart of the nation’s capital. Therefore, it is a popular spot for individuals to gather and relish the fresh air on pleasant days.
Enjoy these captivating glimpses of the Dupont Circle area and explore the key attractions within this vibrant neighborhood.
The Dupont Circle Fountain
At the center of Dupont Circle stands a magnificent fountain designed by Daniel Chester French and architect Henry Bacon, who also co-created the Lincoln Memorial. This splendid fountain showcases intricate carvings of three classical figures, symbolizing the sea, the stars, and the wind.
Historic Mansions in Dupont Circle
In the late 1800s, numerous mansions graced the Dupont Circle neighborhood in Washington, DC. The architectural styles found in the area span from Beaux-Arts to Queen Anne, among others. The Historic District is approximately delineated by Rhode Island Avenue, NW; M and N Sts., NW, to the south; Florida Avenue, NW, to the west; Swann St., NW, to the north; and the 16th Street Historic District to the east.
Phillips Collection
The Phillips Collection is a quaint modern art museum situated at 1600 21st Street, NW, Washington, DC, within the Dupont Circle neighborhood. The museum’s impressive collection encompasses nearly 2,500 works by both American and European impressionist and modern artists.
Embassy Row and Other Embassies
Many historic mansions and row homes within the Dupont Circle area now serve as foreign embassies. Embassy Row is recognized as a prominent section of the city featuring numerous embassies along Massachusetts Avenue, extending toward the National Cathedral.
National Geographic Explorers Hall
Housed within National Geographic’s Washington, DC headquarters, located at 17th and M Streets near Dupont Circle, this museum showcases past and ongoing expeditions, adventures, and scientific research. The National Geographic Museum regularly hosts special programs throughout the year, featuring films, lectures, concerts, and family-oriented events.
Woodrow Wilson House
Woodrow Wilson House stands as Washington’s only presidential museum and was the final residence of the 28th President. This Georgian Revival home, situated at 2340 S St. NW, Washington, DC, reflects Wilson’s time, offering a fascinating insight into modern American life during the 1920s.
Dupont Circle Apartments
A multitude of historic properties in the Dupont Circle neighborhood have been repurposed into apartment buildings, offering a prime location for urban living amidst a vibrant atmosphere.