When the City Museum closed its door in late 2004 after a mere 18 months in existence, the one place to go for a comprehensive history of Washington, D.C. disappeared. But for those of you interested in the city's history, the next few days should be quite satisfying -- it's time for the annual Washington Studies Conference. The conference, now in its 34th year, kicks off tomorrow at The Carnegie Library building (801 K Street,... more ›

Written by DCist contributor Genevieve Smith. more ›

Last night a handful of DCists and their plus ones ventured to the City Museum to "succumb to a night of pleasure and bliss" (as the invitation instructed) and witness the unveiling of Heineken's new Premium Light. After entering through a receiving line of beer, we knew the night was off to a good start. We mingled, we ate fried balls of goat cheese, and we waited with bated breath for the big reveal. more ›

One event, two days, and more genres and activities than you can shake a tambourine at. And you can learn how to properly shake a tambourine. The Gig, a "Multicultural Winter Celebration" brings together performances ranging from stilt walkers to pan pipers (and everything beyond and in between), with lessons in becoming culturally inclined yourself. The Gig is Dec 26 & 27, from noon to 4p.m., and we can't think of a better way to channel our untapped holiday energy than learning to weave, DJ, sculpt ice, or write hip hop lyrics. Or perhaps taking in some ukulele rap, or Hawaiian dance and story telling. The event is completely free, which is a blessing to those of us with smoldering holiday credit card bills. The world is your oyster, and The Gig is doing its darndest to bring the world to you. Or at least, to the City Museum Building. When your sister calls to tell you about the dress she got for half price at Saks' after Christmas sale, you can tell her about the Indonesian Shadow Puppet show you saw. It makes for a much better "How I Spent My Winter Vacation" story. And we really dig their iPod-ad-meets-metro-map website design. more ›

It was exactly one year ago today that the long-awaited news came through -- baseball was coming back to the District. Amidst festive supporters singing "Take Me Out To The Ballgame," D.C. Mayor Anthony Williams rose to a podium at the now gone City Museum, a red Nationals hat perched upon his head. This was his moment, his legacy, and he was ready to savor it. One year later, the Washington Nationals are games... more ›

When DCist theorized that Mt. Vernon Square was ripe for hotel development last month, we realized we were stating the obvious. And an article that appeared yesterday on real estate website GlobeSt.com confirmed what many knew was coming: the effort to secure space for a hotel serving the new Convention Center has begun. The Washington Convention Center Authority has purchased a half-acre at 901 Massachusetts Ave. NW, including the offices of the United Association of... more ›

Despite our lack of a W, D.C. sure has its share of fancy-shmancy boutique hotels. And that's predominantly because of the Kimpton Group, who operate six hotels in D.C. -- their second largest metropolitan hub after their headquarters in San Francisco. As Metrocurean says, the Kimpton Group has done a great job taking ugly D.C. buildings and transforming them not only into swank hotels, but also spaces with fun bars/lounges and fine dining. And now the Washington Business Journal reports that the Kimpton Group are renovating another spot in D.C. at 2121 P St. NW, not far from the Hotel Monaco. more ›

Don't forget to check out the music picks for this weekend; they include Clem Snide, Secret Machines, Lou Barlow, and Ambulance Ltd. Otherwise, read on! more ›

The sixth annual Washington D.C. Independent Film Festival (the "Ground Zero of Washington D.C.'s Indie Scene" according to their website) kicks off March 2 at the City Museum. The festival includes a smorgasbord of films including features, documentaries, shorts, and animation by local, national and international filmmakers. DCIFF's opening night includes the world premiere of "Aryan Couple ,"a feature-length film by John Daly, the pioneer of independent film financing. (His previous productions include "Platoon," and... more ›

Today will be mostly cloudy and windy with temps in the 40s. The photo is from D.C. Indymedia, where a poster reports three activists were arrested at the Supreme Court during a protest of U.S. sanctioned torture. more ›

DCist hears that the Museum of Modern ARF in Arlington has been vandalized. The gallery's director, John Aaron, informs us that a number of pieces have been either broken or stolen during the night over the past few weeks. The exhibition "Hand Picked," developed by participating Art-O-Matic artists, included the display of a series of abstract iron snakes (at right) on the front of the building -- two of which were removed. This was all... more ›

Happy holidays, everybody! This morning roundup will be briefer than usual, given that we've still got to wrap some presents, bake some goodies, and drink several glasses of mulled wine along the way. CapitalWeather gives us the outlook for the next ten days (sorry, no snow, but plenty of cold). If you're hanging out in the city, remember to check out our post about restaurants that are open at this time of year. And if... more ›

(Photo of 19th Street at Dupont Circle by Mike Grass) What's the Navy's East Potomac Secret? In a city full of open secrets, one mystery seems to be baffling those have been visiting East Potomac Park. According to the Post, the Navy has been constructing something behind some fences. But what it is exactly is all up to speculation. The Post throws out these suggestions: a sensor station guarding the 14th Street bridges; an... more ›

(Compiled by Cyndi Spain) more ›

FRIDAY: >> It's what all the cool kids are doing: Liberation Dance Party goes on tonight at DC9. If you're going to the Dogs Die in Hot Cars (pictured at right) show at the 9:30 Club, make sure to hit DC9 afterwards, because they'll be doing a spot of post-show spinning. SATURDAY: >> Get crafty: The Washington Craft Show takes place all weekend long, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., at the Washington Convention Center.... more ›

A family "adorned with Bush-Cheney buttons and stickers" summoned police to the Museum of Modern ARF in Clarendon over the weekend, protesting the offensiveness of a controversial nude painting of President Bush on display there. According to a statement sent to DCist, the museum said that the family found the exhibition to be "demonic, sadistic, obscene and highly unpatriotic." Police sent to investigate the artwork found that everything was in order and that director John... more ›

Kayti Didriksen's notorious painting of President Bush, "Man of Leisure: King George" (which was originally part of the City Museum's "Funky Furniture" exhibition until deemed unsuitable for public display) can now be seen at Modern ARF in Clarendon. -- This evening, head to the next installment of Artful Evenings at the Phillips Collection. Elizabeth Hutton Turner, the curator of the newly opened exhibit "Calder Miró," will lead a discussion of the visual dialogue between the... more ›

DCist realizes that a lot of you out there probably have today off for Columbus Day. So enjoy your day off if you do have it off, if not, have a good day at work. WTOP has a fully run-down of what's open and what's closed. And WMATA is running train and bus service on modified schedules. more ›

Local blog D.C. Art News is reporting on two stories connected to the City Museum of Washington, D.C., which has experienced low attendance since opening in their new location in the Carnegie library building near the convention center. more ›

A jubilent Mayor Anthony Williams announced today at the City Museum that the Montreal Expos would indeed move to Washington D.C. next year. The Post has the story, as well as the Associated Press and Reuters.(Meanwhile, bitter Virginians are blaming their governor.) more ›