You never know what you'll find going on at BloomBars, a cool community arts center. By day, children's story times and music classes take place; at night, gallery shows and indie movie screenings take over.

The free library box in front typically is stocked with good books. If you take one, you're encouraged to leave one in exchange.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Mt Pleasant Street

0.53 MILES

Mt Pleasant St is the corazón (heart) of DC’s Latino, largely Salvadoran community. Many businesses advertise money-transfer services to San Salvador or…

2. Howard University Gallery of Art

0.54 MILES

The university's art gallery holds an impressive collection of works largely dominated by African and African American artists, including Archibald Motley…

3. Mexican Cultural Institute

0.54 MILES

The Mexican Cultural Institute looks locked up and imposing, but don't be deterred. The gilded beaux-arts mansion is open to the public and hosts…

4. Howard University

0.65 MILES

Founded in 1867, Howard remains the nation’s most prestigious traditionally African American institute of higher education. Distinguished alumni include…

5. Howard University Founders' Library

0.7 MILES

The 1938 Founders’ Library is a handsome Georgian building with a gold spire and giant clock that serves as Howard University’s architectural centerpiece.

6. Foundry Gallery

0.85 MILES

A nonprofit member-run organization, this small gallery features a diverse range of super-contemporary art – mediums include painting, sculpture and…

7. Meridian Hill Park

0.87 MILES

This is an incredible bit of urban green space. The grounds are terraced like a hanging garden replete with waterfalls, sandstone terraces and assorted…

8. African American Civil War Memorial

0.94 MILES

Standing at the center of a granite plaza, this bronze memorial, Spirit of Freedom, depicting rifle-bearing troops is DC’s first major art piece by black…