Visiting an Old Friend – The Awakening
I was a bit disappointed when one of my favorite sculptures, The Awakening, was removed from Hains Point in East Potomac Park in February to be relocated at National Harbor. 
Created by J. Seward Johnson, Jr. as part of a sculpture exhibition, the 5-piece cast aluminum piece is now at its new home on a sandy beachfront location at Washington’s National Harbor, near the stage and plaza.
The new location is inches off the waters edge and a smaller, somewhat less inviting and playful place than the former locations in a large grassy park.
Watch the video of the statute’s removal from Hains Point and installation at National Harbor.
The Awakening
National Harbor
137 National Plaza
National Harbor, MD 20745 (map it)
Dates and Times – Open daily, 24-hours a day.
Admission - FREE
Nearest Metro Subway Station – Branch Avenue – Green line, then a 20-minute bus ride (NH-1 Metrobus).
Parking – Garage parking is available at $1.00 per hour ($10 max.)
Images – from personal collection ©2008, Jon Rochetti
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6 Comments
I didn’t know it had been moved. How disappointing. When I was a kid, we’d have picnics at Haines Point and at some point would wander over to The Awakening. Thanks for the info. I want my own child to see it!
It’s now in a nice spot at National Harbor, but the space is much, much smaller. Not too much room for picnics, but still possible. And the kids should still love playing on it.
I’m headed to DC today. I’m going to check it out!
Thanks Jon for letting me know that my favorite DC statue was moved. I’m going to try to see it this April. I wished that they would have left it where it was…but oh well….
Thanks again.
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