Go-Go Museum and Café

The Go-Go Museum and Café: Washington, D.C.'s Newest Cultural Gem

In the historic neighborhood of Anacostia in Washington, D.C., you'll find the city's newest museum – the Go-Go Museum and Café, which opened in February 2025.

The Origins and Genre of Go-Go Music

Created by the "godfather of go-go," Chuck Brown, in the 1970s, the museum describes the musical genre as a mixture of funk, R&B, hip-hop, and Afro-Latin percussion rhythms. Throughout the 8,000-square-foot museum, visitors embark on an immersive, interactive journey to learn about the city's official music genre.

Interactive Experiences and Exhibits

Musical Interactions

Music and history enthusiasts can hear songs from the funk music genre and engage with artificial intelligence-powered representations of prominent figures in go-go music. These figures include Anwan "Big G" Glover, actor and lead talker of the Backyard Band, and Gregory "Sugar Bear" Elliott, lead singer and bassist of Experience Unlimited (E.U.). Elliott's song, "Da Butt," gained widespread popularity after being featured in the 1988 Spike Lee movie "School Daze."

Historical Exhibits

Among the go-go artifacts and concert bills, you'll also find exhibitions dedicated to the African origins of go-go music, the genre's criminalization, its resilience, and the conception of the museum through the #DontMuteDC movement.

Additional Attractions and Amenities

Recording Studio and Live Events

The museum also features a recording studio for artists and an outdoor stage for live events, amplifying the music experience.

The Café Experience

Additionally, there is a café curated by "Chopped: Spin It to Win It" finalist chef Angela Rose. The menu offers bites inspired by the African diaspora, making it a culinary highlight of the visit.

Visiting Information

The Go-Go Museum and Café is conveniently located off the Metro's Green line, with the closest station being Anacostia. For more information on hours and pricing, visit the Go-Go Museum and Café's webpage.