Lost Origins is a privately-owned arts and culture space located on historic Mount Pleasant Street in Washington D.C. Founded by Jason Hamacher, DC musician, photographer and documentarian, Lost Origins grew out of Hamacher’s extensive experience in the arts, culture, and diplomatic communities through his company, Lost Origin Productions. Lost Origins strives to be inviting, engaging and intimate. We host exhibitions and events by local, national and international artists, comedians, filmmakers, musicians and authors. We believe each exhibit and event is a collaborative effort, and we are strengthened by the support of our staff, neighbors, and friends.
Lost Origins
3110 Mt Pleasant St NW 2nd Floor
Washington, DC 20010
Lost Origins opened its doors in April of 2017 and has rapidly grown into a vibrant community venue for supporting artists across many different mediums. At the same time, Lost Origins has amplified its work through partnerships with a growing roster of internationally-recognized institutions.
- 2018 – Voted “Best Gallery” by the Washington City Paper staff | became an exhibit partner with Focus on the Story International Photo Festival.
- 2019 – Become programming and exhibitions partner with the Smithsonian Folklife Festival and had the honor of co-hosting several exhibits and events.
- 2020 – Became programming partners with Smithsonian’s Freer Gallery, National Museum of Asian Art and the Library of Congress
- 2021 – Launched “Lost Origins Outside” partnering w/ Exposed D.C. & the Women Photojournalists of Washington.
- 2022 – Partnered with the White House News Photographers Association to celebrate their Centennial Anniversary.
The gallery space is available for private rentals and special events. Please contact us for more information. Those interested in purchasing artwork on display are encouraged to contact us as well.
Architect – Brett Harris, RAHarchitects
Lighting & Suspension Consultants – Alec MacKaye & Laura Tighe
Sound provided by Sonos
Suspension provided by Systematic Art
Lost Origins Outside
3243 Mt Pleasant St NW
Washington, DC 20010
Lost Origins Outside is an outdoor public exhibition space curated by Jason Hamacher and activated in partnership between Lost Origins Gallery, the restaurant Ellè, and Sambar Market. Located in an alley two blocks north of Lost Origins Gallery, Lost Origins Outside showcases world-class art in an effort to inspire, engage, and unite the public.
Lost Origins Outside was conceived in the early morning hours of November 11, 2020. Hamacher had just been elected to the DC government as an ANC Commissioner and was out walking around the neighborhood processing what it meant to be a public servant. Mount Pleasant was empty, silent and dark. Lost Origins Gallery had been closed for months and in-person gatherings were nonexistent. The global uptick in negativity, violence and instability was weighing heavily on Hamacher. He stopped in the middle of the street to photograph the Park Regent Apartments and noticed the entrance to the alley. Even after living in the neighborhood for fifteen years, he’d never really paid much attention to the alley. but decided to explore the struck in that moment by how much potential it had. At a time when people were desperately trying to find ways to continue making art, connect and gather safely, he realized the alley was perfect for creating a publicly-accessible outdoor extension of Lost Origins Gallery. Hamacher immediately texted long time friend and restaurateur, Nick Pimentel, co-owner of Elle to see what he thought.
Nick was excited by the idea and secured permission from the landlord. Next, Hamacher just had to figure out how to actually make it work. He called Rob Harris, long time friend and co-owner of CSI, a printing company that specializes in large format and display signage. CSI had just gotten a new machine with advanced printing technology to reproduce artwork on weather-resistant materials. Lost Origins Outside was officially happening.
Since the first exhibit in April of 2021, Lost Origins Outside has hosted a wide range of exhibitions, concerts and public programming to the enjoyment of thousands of people.