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Washington, D.C., District of Columbia / Public art

Toulouse-Lautrec Mural

A vibrant public art piece in Adams Morgan, depicting a famous Toulouse-Lautrec poster of the singer Aristide Bruant.

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Toulouse-Lautrec Mural
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What is the Toulouse-Lautrec Mural?

The Toulouse-Lautrec Mural is an iconic landmark in Adams Morgan for over a decade, depicting one of the artist's most famous posters of the singer Aristide Bruant.

Where is the Toulouse-Lautrec Mural located?

The mural is located at 2461 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009.

How was the mural created?

The mural was painted from a photograph taken by André Neveux, the original owner of the restaurant at that location.

What businesses have been at the site of the mural?

The building has housed Cafe Lautrec Restaurant, Cafe Toulouse, and is currently BUL Korean Bar & Restaurant.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

The Toulouse-Lautrec mural is a prominent public art installation located at 2461 18th St NW in Washington, DC. It serves as a colorful tribute to the late-19th-century French artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, and depicts one of his most famous posters of the singer Aristide Bruant. For over a decade, this artwork has been recognized as an iconic landmark within the Adams Morgan neighborhood, contributing to the eclectic atmosphere of the streetscape. The history of the building hosting the mural is closely tied to the local dining scene. The site was originally the Cafe Lautrec Restaurant, which later became Cafe Toulouse, and is currently operated as the BUL Korean Bar & Restaurant. This evolution of the building's identity reflects the changing nature of the local business community. Interestingly, the mural was not painted from a direct copy of the original poster, but was instead painted from a photograph taken by André Neveux, the restaurant's original owner. This unique detail adds a layer of personal history to the artwork, linking the artist's vision of Bruant to the local ownership of a neighborhood establishment. As a piece of public art, the mural brings the spirit of the Belle Époque to the city's northwest corridor, making it a visually striking stop for those exploring the same area where other Toulouse-Lautrec inspired works, such as those based on the journal La Revue blanche, can be found.

Visitor tips

  • The mural is located on the exterior of the building that now houses BUL Korean Bar & Restaurant.
  • Allow a few minutes for a photo opportunity in front of the artwork.
  • Combine this stop with a walk through the Adams Morgan neighborhood to see other local murals.
  • Check the local dining options on 18th St NW for a meal after viewing the artwork.

Nearby context

The mural is located in the heart of Adams Morgan, a neighborhood known for its eclectic mix of restaurants and restaurants, and is situated on 18th St NW, which is a primary artery of the local business district.

Sources

Evidence and links