Blind Whino SW Arts Club (Culture House DC) | Southeast Washington

Culture House DC, formerly known as Blind Whino SW Arts Club, is a striking and culturally significant arts venue located in the Southwest Waterfront neighborhood of Washington, D.C., at 700 Delaware Avenue SW. This unique institution is housed in the historic Friendship Baptist Church building, which dates back to 1886. The structure itself is a rare surviving example of late 19th-century ecclesiastical architecture in the area and has deep roots in the African American community’s history in Washington, D.C.

Originally constructed as the home of one of the city's earliest African American congregations, Friendship Baptist Church served as an important religious and social center for many decades. When much of Southwest D.C. underwent urban renewal and redevelopment in the mid-20th century, the church remained standing, surviving demolition and serving as a physical reminder of the neighborhood’s historical fabric. However, by the early 2000s, the church had ceased functioning as a house of worship and faced the threat of abandonment and possible destruction.

The turning point came when the nonprofit Art Whino organization acquired the building in 2012. Recognizing both the architectural value and cultural potential of the space, Art Whino undertook a comprehensive transformation of the former church into a vibrant arts and community center. The building’s exterior was dramatically reimagined by Atlanta artist HENSE (Alex Brewer), who wrapped the entire façade in a bold, large-scale mural characterized by bright colors, dynamic shapes, and psychedelic patterns. This eye-catching exterior instantly became a landmark in the city, drawing attention to the venue and symbolizing its mission of creative expression and cultural inclusivity.

In 2017, Blind Whino rebranded as Culture House DC to better reflect its evolving role as a multifaceted cultural hub that goes beyond its original arts club identity. Culture House DC is committed to fostering an inclusive space that promotes the work of local and national artists, especially artists of color and those from marginalized communities, thereby amplifying diverse voices within the contemporary arts scene.

The venue offers over 15,000 square feet of adaptable indoor and outdoor space, including several distinct areas designed to host a variety of creative events. The main gallery space regularly features rotating exhibitions showcasing contemporary visual art across multiple mediums, such as painting, sculpture, photography, and mixed media. Additionally, the Avant Garden provides a unique setting for immersive installations, live performances, and community programming, allowing artists to engage audiences in experimental and interactive ways.

Beyond visual arts, Culture House DC serves as a venue for concerts, dance performances, workshops, panel discussions, private events, and community celebrations. Its versatility makes it a vital cultural resource within Southwest D.C., connecting artists with audiences and fostering collaboration across disciplines.

Located close to major attractions like Nationals Park, The Wharf, and the National Mall, Culture House DC benefits from high accessibility by public transit and proximity to vibrant urban activity centers. Its presence has helped revitalize the surrounding area, contributing to Southwest Waterfront’s emergence as a dynamic arts and entertainment district.

In summary, Culture House DC stands as a powerful example of adaptive reuse and community-driven cultural development. It preserves and honors the historic legacy of the Friendship Baptist Church while transforming the space into a beacon for contemporary art, cultural diversity, and social engagement. Through its eclectic programming, commitment to equity, and iconic visual identity, Culture House DC continues to enrich Washington, D.C.’s cultural landscape as a welcoming and innovative destination for artists and audiences alike.