Things To Know About The Awakening At National Harbor, Near Washington D.C.: This 72-foot Aluminum Giant Is A Must-See

Public art has the power to surprise, inspire, and even playfully unsettle. Few sculptures capture that mix as boldly as The Awakening.

At National Harbor near Washington, D.C., this massive aluminum giant stretches across the sand in dramatic fashion. Families climb on its limbs, photographers frame its angles, and the Potomac glimmers nearby.

Created in 1980, the work has traveled and evolved yet remains timeless. Here are the details that make this installation unforgettable.

1. It Was Created By Artist J. Seward Johnson Jr.

The Awakening sprang from the imagination of J. Seward Johnson Jr., an American sculptor known for blending whimsy with realism. He unveiled the piece in 1980, surprising Washington with a giant who seemed caught mid-struggle.

Johnson specialized in interactive art that invites people to participate, rather than merely observe. The Awakening continues that vision, offering scale, character, and playfulness rarely found in public sculpture.

2. It Consists Of Five Separate Pieces

Rather than one monolithic figure, The Awakening spreads across the ground in five massive fragments. A face, two arms, a knee, and a foot erupt dramatically from the sand.

Each piece was crafted from aluminum, chosen for durability and shine. Together they create the impression of a giant clawing his way from the earth below.

3. It Once Lived At Hains Point

Before arriving at National Harbor, the sculpture spent two decades at Hains Point in Washington, D.C. There it became a quirky landmark near the golf course and waterfront.

Generations of locals grew up scrambling across its limbs at that site. Its eventual relocation sparked nostalgia but also gave it a chance to reach new audiences.

4. It Is Now Anchored At National Harbor

Since 2008, The Awakening has been permanently installed at National Harbor in Maryland. The bustling waterfront development offers restaurants, shops, and sweeping Potomac views.

The giant rests in a sandy plaza where visitors can touch, climb, and photograph the artwork. Its new setting gives the piece both prominence and accessibility.

5. It Has Become An Interactive Landmark

Unlike statues cordoned off from the public, this sculpture thrives on direct contact. Children clamber over its bent knee and climb the massive hand.

Dogs trot happily nearby, and adults find themselves unexpectedly drawn to touch the wrinkled face or towering foot. Interaction is the essence of its charm.

6. It Is Free And Always Accessible

Visiting The Awakening costs nothing. The plaza where it resides is open daily, making it one of the region’s most approachable attractions.

Parking is available nearby for a fee, and the surrounding National Harbor amenities extend the visit into a full-day outing. Accessibility is part of what sustains its popularity.

7. It Is Larger Than Life In Every Sense

The sculpture measures an astounding 72 feet from end to end. The scale transforms ordinary limbs into monumental features that overwhelm and delight.

Standing beneath the outstretched hand or beside the enormous foot makes anyone feel small. That mix of awe and humor ensures its enduring appeal.