A Barbie-themed pond has become an unlikely destination in capital of the United States — and the installation changes theme for each cultural or political event
A Barbie-themed pond has become an unlikely tourist attraction in America.
Located on Avenue Q in Washington, DC, the small pool features multiple Barbies that change stances and outfits depending on the time of year, as well as cultural or political events. Recent sets have included ‘pilgrim Barbies’ for Thanksgiving, and Glinda and Elphaba Barbies in a Wicked-themed scene that popped up in December 2024.
For the 2024 Presidential election campaign, the installation featured a Trump doll being flushed down the toilet, with a Kamala Harris figure standing on a stage. Another had the newly elected president emerging from a Russian doll, while an earlier set-up saw disco Barbie spinning around and around on a vinyl player.
Elaina Plot wrote about the pond in 2016, noting her adoration for the pond and the artist’s desire to remain anonymous: “The Barbie Pond may be a model for a life well-lived, but it is also an oasis of mysteries.”
With 76 out of 81 reviews on Tripadvisor being five-stars, the attraction seems to have become loved by locals and travellers alike.
One person commented: “A legend in the neighbourhood for many years. Every month people from all over the world visit the pond! Neighbours stop by regularly to see what the latest and greatest neighbourhood pond has to offer! It is often on citywide, scavenger hunts, and exciting to find to check off your list with an intriguing visit to see what its creators have done! My favourite happens to be one of the more recent ones based upon somebody’s lawsuit verdict!”
Another added: “My husband and I love the Barbie Pond. We visit Washington DC every two-to-three years for a vacation/long weekend. We go to the Barbie Pond every visit. The owner is so creative. We have told numerous people about the Pond and follow the Pond on Instagram. It brings us joy in a crazy weird world we are living in.”
Elliott L. Ferguson, II., president and CEO of Destination DC, praised the person behind the pond and how it had brought people together.
“Washington, DC is a city full of surprises, and the Barbie Pond on Avenue Q is a perfect example of the creativity and community spirit that makes our city so unique. This quirky, ever-changing display brings smiles to locals and visitors alike, showcasing the playful side of DC’s vibrant neighbourhoods. Whether you’re here for our iconic landmarks or looking for hidden gems like this one, DC offers something unforgettable at every turn,” he told the Mirror.
The pond is located roughly a 20-minute walk from the White House, and is on the same road as another obscure tourist attraction which doubles as a popular photo spot — the watermelon house. The couple who own the house moved there in 2006, before starting to paint the side of the property in 2007. After several rounds of painting the side in colours the couple did not like, the owner — and artist of the painting —Wade K. Wilson, settled on painting a watermelon.
It has become a go to spot for people looking for an interesting background for a holiday snap.
