The Glass Forest is one of the most obscure hidden spots in Washington, D.C. If you drive to the Palisades neighborhood in NW DC along the Potomac River, go to the Palisades Playground parking lot. Facing the playground, go left own a tiny faded path. You'll feel like you're walking in people's backyards, but you're not. After a few feet there will be a small path to your right. Go down that for a few seconds until you see things hanging from the trees- bits of glass, parts from bikes, bras, CDs, all the things. It's an outdoor art gallery with several exhibits hanging from trees. There's a small bench for reflecting.

My son found this magical place inspiring , liberating and enchanting. We discussed each piece’s meaning and significance. Each display is a triumph of non verbal communication in conveying nature’s struggle against humanity and commercialism, while displaying humanities vulgar negligence of its surrounding ecology . The glass forest along with the Smithsonian art gallery and the Hirshhorn Museum should be part of the DC art trinity. He will be returning with class mates and family to gain more knowledge of each piece and learn how we are woven with it in a quilt of life and existence

Small and disappointing in its attempt to showcase art made from found and recycled items. Overall, we felt it had potential, but misses the mark in aesthetics and meaningfulness. The bamboo wrapped in yarn was my favorite piece. It either has a “Mad Max” post-apocalypse vibe, or a hermit in the woods vibe, depending on your perspective. I found it eerie rather than charming. Be aware the bench others have mentioned is broken so it’s BYO seating if you need it.

Nothing quite like it. Kind of eerie, but also beautiful and inspiring. Safe area. Free parking lot just off the not-so-obvious path. You wouldn't know this was here if you weren't told. Watch the movement of reflected light in the forest as CDs and mirrors spin, dangling from branches blowing in the wind. Listen to the bugs and birds. Wish there were more creative places like this in the forest. Thank you to whomever created this space.

This was really just a few trees decorated with a lot of art. There was a tree with a lot of hanging bras, a tree with hanging mirrors, a fallen tree decorated like a monster. It could do with a few notices to explain what this art is, who made it and why it is there. It felt a bit like the Blair Witch was about to come and catch us. It must be a bit scary in the dark.

A tranquil oddity tucked away beside a public park and rustic neighborhood, the Glass Forest is a collection of art projects randomly placed in the forest, with unmarked muddy paths leading in from both sides of the area. Well worth the detour to find something unique in the city.

Weird, quiet, yet hidden place. The parking lot for the recreation center is always packed, but if you get a spot and walk along the outskirts you'll see some bamboo and couple of masks, enjoy.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Price for adult entry
Free

Such a beautiful hidden gem in the Palisade Trolley Trail. It has the neighborhood art feel to it. It’s such an interesting forest art space in an otherwise suburb area of DC
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Price for adult entry
Free

It is hard to rate something like this. I appreciate the effort that some folks took to create something out of nothing. I think the idea is neat, a little local attraction. But as far as something to travel out of your way to see, not so much.

This place is so disturbing and creepy, everyone who is bringing their kids here are insane. Some of things you can find are bloody bras hung up and animal bones. Does that sound like something you would take your kids to?

Amazing! I saw an owl fly over my head and land in a tree a few feet away. Sculpture forest is really cool! The entrance is near the rec center. Take time to look at all the details of each sculpture, it's pretty cool.

Zero art work (March 2023), no signage. Walked all over. Saw plenty of invasive plants. It’s a beautiful piece of property with lots of potential. Really disappointed.
Visited on
Weekend

obscurely interesting, kind of bedraggled arts, great bamboo forest
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
10–30 min
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

Whoa! We were just walking for fun in the grass behind the playground and discovered this cool find! Huge hit after the playground for us and our 4 and 6 year olds . Love this.

A gem of a spot. Great way to end a beautiful hike.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

My favorite find ever. Soo eerie and intriguing yet magical. But beautiful at the same time. I always find something new with every visit.

The two hippie chicks adding to the bra tree as we walked along really added to the artistic experience. Wish the hike was longer

A bit disconcerting eith the bras on the trees and the glass shards but very creative and quite amazing

Not impressed. Just looks like someone wondered into the forest and hung up their trash.

This place is ... wonderful, refreshing my understanding of art. A must go in DC!

One of dc’s best kept secrets. Mystic art in a serene forest.

This kind of looked like the murder scene from True Detective

There was not alot of stuff to see as they claimed

This place is mysterious spot in an area.

cool space!

Neat spot

11/10