Even though DC is small, we have our fair share of unique attractions. There’s one particular roadside attraction in Anacostia that is one of the most well known and beloved attractions in the entire district. The Big Chair in Anacostia is the most unique roadside attraction in DC.
The Big Chair Sculpture in DC was built in 1959 and it was originally designed to as an advertisement for Curtis Brothers Furniture company.
Curtis Brothers Furniture company owner commissioned Bassett Furniture to build the chair. He thought it would be an interesting way to attract visitors to his store.
The Chair has grown from a furniture advertisement into a beloved neighborhood landmark. Because it is so loved, rioters spared the chair during the 1968 riots. It is one of the few landmarks that survived the riots completely unscathed.
The Chair had fallen into a state of major disrepair by the early 2000s. There were holes in the seat and in 2005, the Chair was removed for 9 months. An aluminum replica replaced it and the chair was rededicated and over 200 people attended the ceremony.
Today, the chair is one of the most well-cited landmarks and part of the community. Santa Claus sits on the chair at Christmas and the chair is a feature of many community events.
You can visit the Big Chair for photos and to experience a part of DC culture. The Big Chair Sculpture is located at 2120 Martin Luther King Jr Avenue SE.
