Interesting concept of repurposing an old streetcar tunnel into a graffiti art and performing arts venue. Check their website for events and performances, and their dates/hours vary. It wasn't crowed, and there were some high top and round tables to sit and finish your beverage ordered from their streetcar bar. It's not a upscale bar, so I recommend selecting either one of their bottled beers or wine while you peruse. It's a unique experience and venue you should checkout. read more

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I see the vision and potential, but Dupont Underground is poorly executed. I love the idea of making use out of the old abandoned Dupont metro station, but so far all they've done is add some mediocre street art/graffiti and gallery exhibits with projectors displaying digital/visual art. Much of the art seemed amateurish and the projector setups gave it a cheap vibe. Beyond this, there are no restrooms and limited/overpriced food and drink options. read more

This place has great potential, but it's underutilized. Right now they have a pride art exhibit, but there isn't much there.

Very unprofessional, came with my significant other today to view the museum but come to my knowledge it was closed even though in the website it said it was open. Totally unacceptable and a waste of time!!! And when we did try to reach out their number wasn't working and the website offered no help or a reason as to why. read more

Very cool gallery space with relics from the old trolley station. No bathrooms on site (they're across the street) so keep that in mind but otherwise an interesting gallery space for projections and live performances too. read more

This museum is so unique. It used to be an old metro stop. They have art and graffiti from local artist. It takes about 5 mins to explore. I believe they have shows and comedy shows down here. read more

Dupont Underground - Art Galleries Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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There was a black farmers market at DuPont underground. This was first time going and actually knowing about the underground attraction. I love hidden gems! I can't wait to see what other events are held underground lol read more

Dupont Underground - Art Galleries Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

This is a fun hidden place that hosts a wide variety of exhibits and shows. It's a cool feeling to descend into an abandoned metro station for an event. read more

This is a great space but expensive to visit. Located in the heart of Dupont, the underground area takes over what used to be the old Streetcar tracks from DC's past. I came here for a tour with my friend visiting from out of town. Thought that the $19 tour fee was a wee bit too high. But I understand that they are constantly raising money to upkeep the space and pay off the city. (Wish the city didnt make it so difficult for them in the first place!). I helped donate money from the get-go and was eager to see this Dupont Underground project come into fruition. The tour itself was OK. The guide talked about some of the history but mumbled a lot, so we couldn't hear everything with the echo of the tunnel. Wish we got a more in-depth look at the history and stories surrounding it. We also looked at some of the video installations by artist commissioned for this space. Their projects were on themes of water and migration. Very pretty to look at. There was also stunning graffiti art. The Dupont Underground folks said they are also adding more graffiti in the future. I think it's great that they do that, but I hope that they keep the history and architectural styling of the place (instead of just trying to make it modern). I also wish there was more to do in this space. I would rather come here for a concert or show (more of an event space) instead of paying for an expensive ticket price to just walk around and look at graffiti. They are constantly changing the idea of the place, so I am excited to see what they do next. From what I gathered from the tour guide, it sounds like they are moving some of the graffiti art around and are extending the reach of the tunnel. Very cool that DC has kept it around for so long! read more

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Extremely hot. If you're going for a comedy show, bring a fan and plenty of water.....keep in mind that there is no restroom there either. I saw the vision of what the city was trying to do but there needs to be some type of circulation down there before someone passes out. read more

This is such an intriguing location. It has some serious issues, of course: it's not ADA-accessible, it has no bathrooms, and the temperature seems to fluctuate a good amount. That being said, they try to make the most of the space. For example, the hotel across the street allows visitors here to use the restroom. (I'm not sure what they plan to do about accessibility). The graffiti and murals are incredible, and the fact that they host the annual World Press Photo Exhibition here is amazing. The contrasts between the art painted on the walls and the photos enhance both and create a singular experience you couldn't get elsewhere. I make it a priority to see the exhibit here each year (although I'm hearing that this might be the final year because their lease expires? I really hope that this event gets to remain here!) I love that they've expanded to include lectures and similar events like SE DC night, comedy nights, and the like. There are multiple art events here, as well. The space itself deserves to be used and appreciated. read more

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Very nice place to look at street art underground, and I hope they will add even more! read more

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Love graffiti? Love interesting art spaces? Enjoy art of all kinds? You should give Dupont Underground a chance. My Cousin found this while searching activities in DC. As an avid graffiti hunter this space stood out to us- great concept! We arrived and immediately were happy that it was warm! The staff were extremely nice and promoted us taking pictures to promote the space (I love pictures so no problem!) Also, told us we could tag along with a tour happening and in an hour an artist would be speaking. The graffiti is tags but well done tagging. The photos are displayed on top of the graffiti. Creates an interest contrast for sure! Also, walk the trolley track... We attended the news photo exhibit. To parents or caretakers of young children- be advised there is graphic nature on display and if you are not ready to have these discussions w3ith your kids, wait for the next exhibit. I was able to touch on some topics with my 6 year old but navigate her toward other photos when we got to those that I wasn't ready for her to see or learn about. The pictures are striking. They make you think and also made me value being an American. I read some reviews and the complaining about the cost to get in... $15 pays for heat and lighting alone! I had no problem paying the fee since it was an experience. I have never attended an art exhibit in a graffiti decorated old trolley station before, have you? read more

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Dupont Underground is an incredibly unique experience for anyone in DC. The art exhibits they bring down into the old trolley tunnels are always fascinating, and the shows they have in their upgraded performance space are top-notch! Enjoy what Dupont Circle has to offer aboveground, but don't forget the Underground! read more

Very cool venue, love supporting local arts! Go check it out! Filler to get past bots kasirkffbemndemjeefrekasjskakdlsnwkskkfnshwj read more

There's a lot of positive things you can say about Dupont Underground. It's in the heart of the city. It has a fascinating history. It's unique. It's innovative. It's celebrating local art. It gives us DC locals something more to do. However, my wife and I were disappointed by the execution of the first exhibit: Raize/Rase. It cost $15 per person for an hour of walking around the exhibit. If you're sans kids, it may only take you 10-15 minutes. It's very small and many of the ball cubes are broken (Expect to break one or two cubes accidentally as you build your own creation). It's unique, but there just isn't much to see and you may quickly become bored of making your own creation. Again, it's unique and I'm curious to see what other exhibits they bring in, but for the first exhibit, I'd save $15 ($16+ including tax) and just look at the photos on Instagram. They make it look cooler than it actually is. read more

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The art is inspiring, the booths are meh. Interesting mix of very small sellers--sweets, vintage clothes, jewelry but the live music was a blast. Check it out and see if the vibe suits you. read more

Dupont Underground - Underground art - Art Galleries Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Don't waste your time. The whole place is like 50 feet long and when I was there there were just a few booths selling generic (and overpriced) tourist trinkets. Also, the people who run it are not very nice and are frankly rather deceptive. We wanted to see the artwork on the wall (there wasn't much) but they wanted us to but their crap so they pretended that we were not supposed to be there if we weren't shopping. We came at 11:00 and were told to leave because we were too early to buy stuff from their vendors. The lady who spoke to us was unbelievably obnoxious about it. Even taunted us when I asked why she lied to us. (she claimed that the place was very large and that it was a private business. Neither is true) read more

Jumping from the Infinity Mirrors at Hirshhorn to the interactive displays at Artechouse, DuPont Underground was a bit underwhelming. For $15 I felt like they could of gave me more. Growing up, I followed in my brother's footsteps in bboying/breakdancing and graffiti played a big role in that type of lifestyle. DuPont Underground seemed promising in that I could revel in some tag culture and be amused in anything else they had to offer. Well, they didn't really have anything else to offer. We had a tour guide tell us about a couple of tags, but that's about it. Walking through the darkness and dirtying my shoes, we walk by pieces that seemed incomplete. I paid $15 for an incomplete underground experience. The culture of hip hop and tagging is free and this tour did not reflect that at all. But despite how disappointed I was, the team running the show informed us that they are working on more things in the future so that's something to look out for. I'll definitely be waiting to change my rating once they offer something more meaningful and complete. read more

Interesting to see so many cost-based complaints of this tour which is run by a non-profit and specifically goes to help them off-set the costs of attempting to maintain a unwieldy and much abused space which really should be preserved/restored. Stop whining and try and support local art and history, guys. It's a fascinating walk through some of DC's transportation history, with a glimpse of it's art future, as well as a commentary on our misuse of public spaces. I loved the fact that they have asked local graffiti artists to decorate the place (albeit to cover some unfortunate vandalism), as well as the random pieces of art scattered throughout the tunnel from different installations in the space as well as elsewhere in the city (you'll see a large piece from 2015's Georgetown Glow). Half of the tour is pretty darn dark and creepy, and the whole thing is cold in the winter which probably makes it just delightful in the summertime. Go with a friend so you don't get too scared when they turn out all of the lights. read more

Dupont Underground - Tour highlights - Art Galleries Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Dupont Underground occasionally offers tours of its mile-long streetcar tunnels. Check out this unique part of DC! There's street art, installations representing different media, and a defunct food court housed in the tunnels. Getting tickets was easy online, but they were a bit pricey ($15+tax) for a 60 minute tour. My only gripe: for all the interesting art and subterranean sights, the tour was too rushed to truly take it in. You start by entering the old platform and signing a waiver because--let's be real--you're walking in old train tunnels. Dupont Underground provides flashlights. Built in the 1940s, the original signs and subway tile are still there. Local artists were invite to complete their street art to cover up old tags. Hanging wire sculptures and structures made from plastic balls deck out the rest of the platform. The highlight was an original light show with deejayed music. It illuminates the entrance to the unnelectrified part of the tunnels. A defunct business venture left an an abandoned underground foodcourt off another platform. The post-apocalyptic looking restrooms, which are not operable, explain part of the reason why so few people can view the tunnels in such a limited time. Then you hit the more unadulterated part of the tunnels. Play your favorite song on a lone piano. The great acoustics make up for the piano being slightly out of tune. The tour gives you art, history, and the chance to poke around an old tunnel. Take it! But linger at the back to get more time to explore. read more

Dupont Underground - Plastic bubble ball stalactites (chandeliers?) and stalagmites (piles of balls?) were installed on the the old train platform. - Art Galleries Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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I finally made it underground. I have been reading about what is going on with the space for awhile and I finally took a tour of it. Very informative. Not at all what I expected to see. It is more a burgeoning art-space than simply a decommissioned street car tunnels. I look forward to visiting again and seeing other installations as they are put into place. A great space with a ton of potential. The only draw back was that I didn't get to see the former food court. But a huge plus, this has to be the only sliver of Dupont Circle without rats. read more

Dupont Underground - Matches the Yelp colorway. - Art Galleries Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

While my friend and I had fun here {at the Raise / Raze exhibit - reuse of the balls from the National Building Museum's 2015 exhibit}, and got some cool shots, it was definitely lacking in the overall ambience. I agree with the other reviewers that the lighting is not great throughout; if you have a fancy camera, it can work but it was frustrating for us both. Beware that your hands WILL get dirty! From both the floor and all the cubes of balls. There are hand wipes on the way out; the volunteer (?) staffing the table by the far entrance as we exited was not overly friendly when we asked if we could grab some wipes. I am not sure it is worth the $16 that we paid for our tickets. Not to plug Wonder at the Renwick but that is FREE and you will get far better pictures. All of that being said, it's kinda spooky-cool being underground. I'd like to think it's haunted here! read more

Dupont Underground - Art Galleries Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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I supported the exhibit and our family had early entry to see it once it was completed and we were pretty underwhelmed. I use to work in Dupont circle for years and I was always intrigued about the mystery of the underground spaces below Dupont Circle so when I heard about this exhibit I was really excited for it. What to know about the exhibit. 1. The entry fee is rather expensive for the small and short exhibit. 2. There are no elevators that go down to the exhibit so if you have strollers you will have to cary it completely down by hand. 3. The exhibit is dimly lit throughout and there's not much light. I guess it kind of obvious but it's also really dirty down there and I wouldn't wear anything white or that you wouldn't want to get dirty while down there. 4. This exhibit is small and short. It only covers a really small part of the underground track. This is manly why I feel like it doesn't justify the entry fee and there's not too much to see outside of a few interesting structures made of the balls. read more

Dupont Underground - Art Galleries Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Since going to DuPont Underground this past summer, I have began comparing the cost of other things in my life to how many "DuPont Undergrounds" they cost. Unfortunately, a lot of things cost less than a single DuPont Underground or are only 2-3 DuPont Undergrounds... things like concerts, comedy shows, bus fare to NYC, lunch... there's no limit to the number of things I would rather have spent $16 on than DuPont Underground. Basically, you walk down into a 100 yard stretch of tunnel where you're given a brief history of the D.C. underground streetcar system (coolest part of tour... easily worth about a fifth of a DuPont Underground). Then, you walk slowly through the rest of the tunnel and everything is explained in great detail. That's great for art pieces (there aren't many) but not so great for things like the wooden risers and the stack of folding chairs. We know they're for people to stand/sit on during a performance. No, we don't care when someone built and set them up. I started to feel embarrassed for the guide. It was as if someone HAD to give a group of people a 30 minute tour of their apartment and 5 minutes into they're grasping at straws for ANYTHING remotely interesting to describe. DuPont Underground is a great idea but it's just not there yet. Just let me donate a third of a DuPont Underground and just browse around. The tour is half-baked at best. read more

I am not a fan. I so badly wanted to like this place but I just don't think this place is a place worth paying for. The tour took forty five mins when I went and I honestly think it could take about ten min if they shortened the unnecessary discussion. The tour guide very very often told us, hey this is a unsuccessful art where we took people's trash and try to make into an art but still hasn't happened. In my opinion, if it's not done yet, don't talk about it. It felt like a waste of our forty five minutes. I do like and enjoy graffiti art but this experience really made it less enjoyable. On the good side, I do like learning more about the underground station. I would like to see more story behind the arts, and less unnecessary explanation of why there are arts that haven't been made yet. read more

An absolute waste of valuable space. The lighting is poor, the walls are concrete, and there's no air conditioning, making it hot and dank in the summer. I understand the idea behind letting a non-profit take the reigns - it's better than letting it go unused. But so many more people could enjoy this space if it were cleaned up and developed with shops, bars, and restaurants. With an average price per square foot on street level in Dupont Circle of ~$645, and successful underground bars operating around the district (e.g. Dram & Grain, Sotto, St. Arnold's) it's hard to argue that you couldn't get people to shop and eat underground here. Of course, a generic food court, tried in the 90s, won't work. (And DC wasn't revitalizing in the 90s as it is today) For inspiration, check out the well-lit passageways underneath Tokyo Station in Japan, home to hundreds of stores and restaurants. https://www.tsunagujapan.com/how-to-spend-a-whole-day-in-tokyo-station/ read more

Dupont Underground - Art Galleries Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Love the concept - supporting local artists and exploring some history of the city. At the moment there are only a few exhibits set up. I loved the graffiti art in the beginning and the display featuring the light show put to music is incredible. Other than that, it's awesome that you get to tour the tunnels and they've repurposed a few exhibits from around the city. Glad I checked it out, and I'll definitely be back as they add new artists, but for now it's still a work in progress. read more

Unlike most comments, I didn't come for the tour. This summer the DC Improv is hosting a number of shows at the Underground. I've already been to one and have tickets to another so it's safe to say I am falling in love. I saw Time Machine Roast which was awesome and I can't wait to see it again. The space itself was great but echoed a bit and there were definitely some problems trying to seat everyone who wanted to attend. I'm interested in taking a tour but I'm not sure how much I didn't see when walking from the entrance (a red stairway leading underground next to the Starbucks at Conn. and Dupont Circle) to the stage. Go to the bathroom beforehand! There isn't one down there and if you want to use one it's about a ten-minute walk, at least from where the stage was set up, to the hotel letting us use their bathrooms. read more

Kinda lacking for the price. The exhibit was good but I was expecting more for $15 entry fee.

As others have said, this is an incredible space that holds tremendous potential, but the exhibit that was there (the balls in cube shapes from the National Building Museum) was a one-trick pony that was fun for a short time, but wasn't strong enough of an experience to hold for long, or to justify the crazy high price for what you got. The bright spots were again the space, and also the staff, who were great and answered every question we had. I'd probably go back to see what they put in this space next (might I suggest an artist-developed haunted house a-la Soap Factory in Minneapolis) but if the experience isn't much better then the next time would probably be my last time. read more

When we first moved to DC many years ago, one of the tourist guides really hyped this place up to be uber cool and modern. Since we are leaving DC in two months, my wife decided to cross this place out of our list. They only open Wednesday and Thursday between 12 noon and 5pm so we took half day off to visit Dupont Underground on a Thursday in the hot summer month of August. I checked on their website beforehand to make sure they were open to public. When we arrived at 1pm, we were told that they were closed but didn't reflect that on their website. Another family came in. They traveled great distances (tourists from out of town) to see this exhibit. The front desk was convinced to let us quickly browse the exhibit for 5 minutes, so we were in. Like others mentioned, there was no AC. Despite of being underground, it was somewhat humid and hot without fresh air. I cannot imagine when there are hundreds of people attending the special events. It would literally feel like being back to Houston or Tampa. As for the exhibit, there were some graffiti on some wall, and projectors projecting photo on the other side of wall. It was so anti-climatic and small that the other family felt like they just wasted time for this. "Boy, they really hyped this place up". Unfortunately, we agreed. We were expecting quality contemporary art pieces but it severely lacks both the quality and the quantity. My recommendation: SKIP THIS. Instead, grab some hoagie from Bub and Pop's. read more

We took the Under(world) tour figuring it was like an ghost tour of the Underground and we'd see the art.When we checked in, all fun and light asking who you are hoping to see. Even through the say it might cause emotional discomfort, didn't expect what we proceeded into. As you go in they ask you to fill out a paper with age, name, eye color. Then you get to pick up a phone and it's a voice about your age describing your death in detail, then some more rooms where you do creepy things and dancing. You don't get to see any of the art. The phone call are way over the top. My 14 year old (as no age limit suggested) was very upset and freaked out. This was the last thing we did on our trip, so ended our trip on a downer. read more

Where do I begin...my group just waited two hours to go to a comedy show we had tickets for. After waiting TWO HOURS in line, with no explanation, someone came out and said they were full but we could go to U street instead...what?! Don't waste your time or money...def not worth the headache or horrible customer service. read more

This is a very interesting and unique space located in Dupont circle. The span of tunnel actually has a few other opening but the main entrance is next to the Starbucks on 19th st. It cost around $15 for a one hour tour through the mile long trolley system. You do have to sign a waiver prior but it's not really hazardous, you do need to watch where you're walking though. I don't want to give away too much because I do think it's worth checking out and experiencing the tour in person. You start in a section of the tunnel that contains some dope graffiti. As you continue on you'll see the ball art that some people have shared in their pictures. They'll have some cool exhibits for you during the tour. You learn some interesting information about the use of the tunnel both during and post operation. It's a unique experiencing part of DC that isn't crowded with people or cars and hasn't been built out or overly commercialized...yet. It is a little cold so I'd recommend a light jacket or hoodie. I enjoyed myself quite a bit and given that Dupont Underground is a non-profit I think the price of admission is worth the trip back in time. Our tour guide was good and I never felt rushed throughout the tour. They do provide some flashlight that do a great job providing just enough light for the tour without being too bright and obtrusive. That being said if you do want to see a lot more they allow you to bring your own flash light. All in all I'd say it's worth checking out the tour.The space is unique, underdeveloped but they have some interesting ideas of use and development of the space. My only hope is that they don't completely tear down and renovate everything. I think that would be tragic if the history in parts of the tunnels was discarded and overly commercialized. The battle between profitability/development vs balancing history and authenticity is a very fine line in DC. read more

A cool and interesting idea but I think they've had some issues getting things going. The tours are interesting and they have events regularly, however the events can be a bit pricey and after you tour it once, that's kind of it. I hope they start, or get permission to, use the entire space to have more interesting events or permanent things. read more

Very cool pop up gallery. Tickets are 15 a person and is less for students. Gallery highlighting the media picture of the years since the early 1900s. It also includes this years first second and third place photos as well as some collections that are together highlighting major issues currently ongoing around the world. Over the weekend they had one of the photographers who won in previous years speak to those viewing the exhibit. read more

I don't know why people are complaining about an underground tunnel area being hot and dark. It's underground! Also, why the need to make this yet another bar or restaurant? We have enough bars and restaurants in DC as it is! Kudos for creating something DIFFERENT! I like it and think it's a breath of fresh air! read more

Great idea, but the lighting was dark, and there was no music. The atmosphere was not very conducive to being creative. It would be fine for a free or suggested donation thing on your way to or from something, but not a destination...lots of potential for the space, and the staff was great and really helpful. It just needed more pizzazz. read more

I wanted to love this tour. However, when a friend and I arrived we were super excited. There was a wall asking women to write on it because none of the graffiti artists featured on the tour were women - cool. (Quick side note: We were originally scheduled for this tour two weeks prior... we arrived on time and there was a note on the door saying the tour was cancelled for the day due to a power outage. There was loud music playing from behind the door and once they heard us banging the music magically shut off as if they were trying to pretend no one was there. After taking the tour later we realized that this was a lie, because majority of the tour has no electricity -hence the flashlights. I checked my email on the way home from the first cancelled tour and they did not send email notification until AFTER the tour was set to begin. I live in VA. This was a GREAT inconvenience.) Moving on, so the tour begins. A lot of start and stops and talking from the tour guide, which wasn't what we were expecting but would've been cool if this one "helper" (idk what her role was, but she was the only one being rude and the only black girl which is very annoying because I too am a black woman and it's just so annoying when it has to be "us"... if I got her name I would've written that, but didn't so as bad as that sounds, it is what it is. I FELT THE NEED TO MENTION THIS ONLY SO THAT IF MANAGEMENT IS CHECKING THIS THEY CAN TELL OL GIRL THAT AS PAYING CUSTOMERS SHE CAN BE A LITTLE MORE PROFESSIONAL. Unless she's the one funding Dupont Underground then I suggest someone tell her to check her attitude. Not a good look.) wasn't rudely rushing us along (my friend also heard her say we were getting on her "f*cking nerves - classy) as if we didn't pay to see the damn tour and we were getting on her nerves for trying to take pictures. She then lied and told us and a few others that we'd be coming out the way that we came in and be able to take pictures when the tour ended. The blonde girl that checked us in on the other hand was very chill and nice.) Once you get past the only real picture worthy attraction (the hallway with the light display and music) it is for the most part trash so toward the end when the girl proved herself to be a liar and we could not in fact go back to the beginning it was even more irritating. We left feeling like our money was wasted. Maybe if the girl wasn't so unnecessarily rude and thirsty for a moment to feel like she has some authority over others, OR if our first tour wasn't abruptly cancelled after having to drive all the way to DC with no valid explanation it would have been a tiny bit less underwhelming... It's a no for me. read more