Workhouse Arts Center

As a history nerd, I geek out about places like Workhouse Arts Center. It's a former prison redeveloped into a community for the arts. Here's what you should know before visiting: 1) History: The arts center is part of the 3,2000-acre campus of an early 20th century prison called the D.C. Workhouse and Reformatory. At the time, it opened as a model for prison reform envisioned by President Teddy Roosevelt. Over the years, it become more of a working camp with the last prisoner exiting in 2001 before it closed for good. The campus is being redeveloped into many things, but the Workhouse Arts Center was one of the first to open in the old prison in 2008. 2) Space: It's definitely set up like the old prison with several Colonial Revival brick buildings flank a large green space. Each brick building houses art galleries and centers that offer classes from ceramics to glass blowing. There's also a small museum about the prison's history and plaques outside explaining the history. 3) Art: Several of the buildings have art on them, including several murals throughout the campus. It's fun to find them all, especially the older murals. 4) Events: On top of the art classes, the arts center hosts events throughout the year. For example, during Halloween, they host a haunted house experience. If you're into history and the arts, the Workhouse Arts Center is the perfect marriage!

I sent my kid to prison this summer and it was such an amazing experience. Turns out her Art camp was a former prison. Oh how the history added to the ambience. So happy to have found this camp for my aspiring artist. The staff was top tier. Thank you Pinky, Adam and the entire staff. My daughter got to do so many different forms of art from graphic to culinary. While also working on her portfolio and understanding different art majors for college next year. Great program for all artist!

As a history nerd, I geek out about places like Workhouse Arts Center. It's a former prison redeveloped into a community for the arts. Here's what you should know before visiting: 1) History: The arts center is part of the 3,2000-acre campus of an early 20th century prison called the D.C. Workhouse and Reformatory. At the time, it opened as a model for prison reform envisioned by President Teddy Roosevelt. Over the years, it become more of a working camp with the last prisoner exiting in 2001 before it closed for good. The campus is being redeveloped into many things, but the Workhouse Arts Center was one of the first to open in the old prison in 2008. 2) Space: It's definitely set up like the old prison with several Colonial Revival brick buildings flank a large green space. Each brick building houses art galleries and centers that offer classes from ceramics to glass blowing. There's also a small museum about the prison's history and plaques outside explaining the history. 3) Art: Several of the buildings have art on them, including several murals throughout the campus. It's fun to find them all, especially the older murals. 4) Events: On top of the art classes, the arts center hosts events throughout the year. For example, during Halloween, they host a haunted house experience. If you're into history and the arts, the Workhouse Arts Center is the perfect marriage!