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Despite the fact that going to "the Mall" in D.C. doesn’t mean you’re going shopping, Washington offers fabulous stores that sell serious or silly souvenirs, designer fashions, recycled and green goods, books about almost everything, and handicrafts. Even if you are headed to the mall, our nation’s Mall, that is, you’ll discover that plenty of collections housed along the famous greensward, such as the Smithsonian museums and the National Gallery of Art, sell interesting keepsakes in their gift shops.
Beyond the Mall, smaller one-of-a-kind shops, designer boutiques, and interesting specialty collections add to Washington’s shopping scene alongside stores that have been part of the landscape for generations. Weekdays, Downtown street vendors add to the mix by offering funky jewelry; brightly patterned ties; buyer-beware watches; sunglasses; and African-inspired clothing, accessories, and art. Discriminating shoppers will find satisfaction at upscale malls on the city's outskirts. Not surprisingly, T-shirts and Capitol City souvenirs are in plentiful supply.
If you're looking for statement jewelry or just want to admire wearable art, add Jewelers' Werk Galerie to your list. Owner Ellen Reiben personally curates an eclectic collection made by artists from around the globe.
Stunning, large-scale contemporary work by national and local artists, including painters Manon Cleary and Wolf Kahn and photographer Frank Hallam Day, is exhibited at this well-respected gallery, which is closed both Sunday and Monday. You can also schedule an appointment.
Around the corner from the Phillips Collection, this art space features works from local, regional, and international contemporary artists, and also regularly hosts artist talks and other events. With a mission to support emerging artists and to encourage artistic collaboration across the globe, Hillyer offers intellectually stimulating exhibits that provoke and intrigue. Special events take place on the first Friday and third Thursday of the month, with talks and tours available at other times, too.
This gallery is devoted to glass, metal, and ceramics. It's worth a look to see the work by some of the world's finest contemporary artists. The intimate, bright space is owned and managed by the daughter of Harvey K. Littleton, founder of the American Studio Glass movement. The gallery is open by appointment only.
Stunning art draws people into this two-floor gallery, where a mix of vintage, contemporary, and classical paintings are hung salon-style. You'll find large abstract oils and a lovely selection of landscapes, but don't miss the box full of small original paintings in the back, most priced under $100.
