Capital Accommodations

From iconic landmarks to forgotten establishments, discover some of the historical hotels, motels and inns that hosted visitors to Washington, D.C. Advertisements, travel guides and prints from the Albert H. Small Washingtoniana Collection introduce stories from proprietors and noteworthy guests. 
 

About the Exhibition

Washington, D.C.’s hotels have long reflected the dynamic character of the nation’s capital. In grand lobbies and modest boarding houses alike, visitors and locals have crossed paths, made history and left behind stories that speak to the city’s evolving identity.

Capital Accommodations explores the layered histories of hotels, taverns, boarding houses and motor lodges in D.C. from the city’s founding to the modern era. Drawing from the Albert H. Small Washingtoniana Collection, the exhibition presents photographs, ephemera and prints that illuminate the roles these accommodations have played in shaping the city.

At the start of the exhibition, visitors can select a character card that invites them to follow in the footsteps of a real historical figure — from civil rights leader to foreign queen to undercover spy. As they move through the gallery, they will uncover where their character stayed and the stories that unfolded behind closed doors.

Acknowledgements

This exhibition was organized by the Albert H. Small Center for National Capital Area Studies with support from the Albert and Shirley Small Family Foundation.