Octagon exhibits and events
The Octagon is closed for annual maintenance. We will announce a reopening date as work progresses.
Exhibit: Tourism, Tropicalization, and the Architectural Image
Open through December 2024
Using Jamaica as a case study, this exhibit explores the legacy of colonial and tourism consumption, contributing to the narrative of an “exotic” tropical paradise. This narrative has developed through centuries of construction and dissemination of images to advance political, socio-cultural, and economic goals. The exhibit examines the role of architecture in this constructed narrative by presenting images from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries crafted to remove associations of death, disease, and the horrors of slavery by promoting the Caribbean picturesque. Through the display of paintings, photographs, postcards, and advertisements, this exhibit at The Octagon explores architectural signifiers of the tropical narrative, the development of architectural tropes, and their proliferation in tourist spaces. Tourism, Tropicalization and the Architectural Image also presents the morphology of Jamaican architecture, allowing viewers to understand the nuanced architectural vocabulary. At the same time, the exhibit explores Jamaican architectural futures through interviews, collages, drawings, and contemporary designs which confront stereotypical definitions of Jamaican architecture and highlight the wide range of architectural discourses happening on the island.
This exhibition and series of events was made possible by our sponsors. Research and Exhibition supported by the Graham Foundation for Advanced Studies in the Fine Arts.
Poltergeist and Pints
This event has passed.
Join us for a captivating evening of Poltergeist and Pints at the historic Octagon! Our annual event invites you to explore the museum’s intriguing haunted history through a candlelight tour, where you’ll uncover chilling tales of true hauntings and ghostly encounters.
As you stroll through the dimly lit halls, enjoy a selection of local craft beers, enhancing the eerie atmosphere of the night. This is the perfect opportunity to connect with friends and fellow ghost enthusiasts while delving into the mysteries of this iconic venue.
Highlights of the Evening:
- Candlelight Tour: Experience the museum’s haunted past in an intimate, atmospheric setting.
- Local Craft Beer: Savor a variety of brews from local breweries, adding a flavorful twist to your spooky adventure.
- Engaging Storytelling: Hear compelling stories of hauntings that have captivated visitors over the years.
Who Should Attend:
This event is ideal for adults (21+) seeking a unique night out filled with history, mystery, and community spirit.
Tickets:
Space is limited, so be sure to secure your spot early! Tickets are available for purchase here: https://octagonmuseum.ticketspice.com/poltergeist-pints
Design for Living: Heller at The Octagon
2024
The Architects Foundation proudly presents Design for Living: Heller at The Octagon, an exhibition that invites visitors to explore how the timeless elegance of a historic home is exquisitely transformed by the innovative contemporary furniture of Heller. The Octagon, designed in 1799 by William Thornton, is a National Historic Landmark and an iconic feature of Washington, DC’s historic core. This historic house’s eight walls hold the stories of the many people who have called this building home—enslaved laborers, wealthy Washingtonians, immigrants, factory workers, and even a U.S. President. Restored by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) in 1898 as one of the country’s earliest preservation projects, The Octagon currently serves as the headquarters for the AIA’s philanthropic partner, the Architects Foundation. Design for Living continues The Octagon’s tradition of design excellence and actively invites visitors to consider this historic residence as a home for the next generation of great design and great designers.
I Was Here
Ongoing
I Was Here is an art installation commemorating the lives of the enslaved people who built and worked at The Octagon. This is a part of The Octagon’s initiative to reveal the role enslaved craftspeople played in creating the architectural canon nationally.
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Host an exhibit or event
Are you interested in hosting a special event at The Octagon? Learn more about our space rental options >
If you’re interested in hosting an exhibit at The Octagon, please download our exhibit proposal form and send to AmandaFerrario@architectsfoundation.org.