An Expert Weighs In: These are D.C.'s Most Iconic Signs
In a city like Washington D.C., there are signs just about everywhere you look: street signs pointing visitors toward the closest sites and attractions, signs outside of parks and historic buildings, the list goes on. So what do experts consider D.C.’s most iconic signs? In a recent article, The Washingtonian asked Martin Moeller, Senior Curator at the National Building Museum, for some of his favorites.
18th & U Duplex Diner
This neon green sign once read 18th and T, advertising a liquor store located right down the street. When the liquor store closed in the late 90s, Duplex owners decided to keep the sign and change the T to a U.
Central Union Mission
Every day, Washingtonians visit the Shinola store in Logan Circle to look at watches. But what they may not see is a sign located on the exterior of the building that reads “Come unto Me.” Before the building was converted into shops and condos, it was a homeless shelter. This sign serves as a visible reminder of the building’s past. “I like the fact that it will encourage [people] to ask about it and learn about a very different time in the history of that street,” Mueller told the magazine.
Anacostia Building
Located on Good Hope Road SE is a two-story building with a large sign that reads “Anacostia” in bright, silver lettering. Mueller considers this the “unofficial entry into Old Town Anacostia.” The neighborhoods in and around Anacostia hold the key to much of D.C.’s rich history.
AFI Silver Theatre
D.C. and its surrounding suburbs offer plenty of theater and entertainment options. But one in particular stands out: The AFI Silver Theatre in Silver Spring, Maryland is hard to miss, with the vertical “AFI SILVER” sign standing tall above the cinema.
Glen Echo Park
Before it was an arts and cultural center, Glen Echo Park operated as an amusement park. The iconic sign is still standing. “It’s designed to pull people in, to create a sense of event, to convey that this is going to be a fun place,” Mueller said.
Madam’s Organ
Painted on the side of the 18th Street restaurant and bar is a mural of a red-headed woman. This was originally meant to promote Madam’s Organ bar but now functions as part of the larger Adams Morgan community.
Majestic Cafe
Located in historic Old Town Alexandria, this Art Deco sign might seem a little out of place. “When we think of Alexandria, it tends to be about really old history,” Mueller said. “The Majestic is a reminder that history is a broad sweep. It didn’t ruin the Colonial character of Alexandria—it added to it. It provides a kind of accent.”
L’Enfant Cafe and Bar
Above this French cafe is a miniature replica of the Eiffel Tower. Although L’Enfant is now closed permanently, Mueller hopes this iconic sign will live on.