The Big Chair

The Big Chair is an oversized sculptural installation standing at the intersection of Martin Luther King Avenue and V Street in Anacostia, modeled after a classic Duncan Phyfe furniture design. The brown aluminum structure rises approximately 19.5 feet tall with a width of about 12 feet, making it a dominant landmark in the neighborhood.

The structure was commissioned in 1959 by a furniture company as an advertising landmark to draw attention and customers. It was substantially rebuilt in 2006, replacing its original Honduras mahogany with aluminum to ensure durability.

The sculpture has become a gathering spot where neighbors meet and celebrate together throughout the year. It shapes how people experience and use this corner of the neighborhood.

The sculpture stands in an open outdoor location at a public intersection and is easy to reach on foot without needing a car. Daytime visits work best when the area is well-lit and the surroundings are active.

In the early 1960s, someone moved into a small cubicle built on top of the structure and lived there for around six weeks. This unusual action drew widespread media attention and made the site a notable news story.