Skating Rink
During the winter, the fountain in the Sculpture Garden turns into a magnificent ice skating rink, perfectly laid out in the middle of the park. As one of the highlights of Washington DC's winter season, the ice rink provides an astonishing setting for family fun and romantic dates. In fact, the Sculpture Garden is the only place in the city, where you can view art sculptures while skating in the open air and enjoying music from an state-of-the-art sound system. With a skating surface of 135 feet long and 90 feet wide, the ice rink can accommodate more than 200 skaters at a time.
One side of the rink faces the National Archives. Bathed in a gentle light, the National Archives and its beautiful architecture, add to the magical atmosphere of the ice rink. Skate over to the east and you will catch the top of the Washington Monument, jutting above the leafless trees and several office buildings.
During the evening ice skating hours, when the Sculpture Garden is closed to the public, access to the Ice Rink is restricted to the entrances at Constitution Avenue and Madison Drive near 9th Street.
If you are hungry, the Pavilion Café in the Sculpture Garden offers pizzas, sandwiches, salads, desserts, and beverages. Also, there are restaurants and cafes near the Archives/Navy Memorial metro station which is not far away from the garden.
Admission to the Ice Rink
The skating fees for a two-hour session are as follows:
$8.00 adults
$7.00 seniors (age 50 and over)
$7.00 students (with school ID)
$7.00 children (age 12 and under)
$195.00 season pass
Skate and Locker Rentals
Skate rental: $3.00 (ID required as deposit)
Locker rental: $0.50 ($5.00 deposit required)
Visa, MasterCard and American Express accepted.
Group and Private Lessons
Classes are offered for different ages and abilities through the U.S. Figure Skating Basic Skills Program. Classes are separated into age-appropriate categories and consist of a comprehensive lesson and evaluation structure that is exciting, rewarding, safe, and fun.
Skaters seeking one-on-one attention may schedule a private lesson. Special group rates are also available for children's birthday parties and group lessons.
