Barnett-Aden Gallery

Our Barnett-Aden room is located in the west-facing front of the house on the quiet third floor. With three arch-topped windows and a view of the McMillan Reservoir across the street, this room is perfect for guests seeking a private hideaway. Furnished in beautiful taupe and red tones and featuring a firm queen size bed, luxurious linens and a comfortable desk corner, Barnett-Aden is the perfect urban retreat.

Behind the Room Name

Located in our very own neighborhood at 127 Randolph Place, Barnet-Aden was the first privately owned black gallery in the US and one of Washington DC’s principal Art galleries when it opened in 1943.  Founded by Joseph Vernon Herring and Alonzo Aden, it was named ‘Barnet-Aden' to honor Aden’s Mother’s family. 

While the owners of the gallery were African American, Barnet-Aden was not conceived as a  “black gallery.”  It was one of the few art places in the city in which artists representing different nationalities, races and ethnicities were exhibited together.  Noted for it’s afternoon art openings the Barnett-Aden Gallery became an important social gathering place.