The Awakening — Attraction in Oxon Hill

Location: I loved the first time I was here, so I decided to come back since I was in the area. The Awakening sculpture is located right in National Harbor of Fort Washington / Oxon Hill MD area.

Area: This place is an amazing spot to hang out during a Saturday or Sunday afternoon with family and kids. In the center, there is sand available for the children to play. The scenery is nice, next to the Potomac River, boats, the Capital Ferris wheel, stores and restaurants. Perfect place for photos and photo shoots, I saw many people taking pictures of their special event here.

Buy: There are many stores, restaurants, and food trailers that are easily accessible to everyone.

Parking: Parking wasn't too bad the first time but this second time: it was horrendous! I understand because it is a pretty spot for family and kids to spend time doing a little bit of everything but I wish there was more accessible parking for everyone. Walking is definitely required depending on which parking garage...

The Awakening is an aluminum statue showing a giant man/God/myth fighting to emerge through the ground/water. This sculpture is made of five parts and towers 17 feet above the ground. His bearded face is shown struggling against the wait of the world.

This work was created by John Seward Johnson II, was originally installed at Hains Point in DC in 1980, and remained there for 27 years. The statue was scheduled to be sold and sent to Japan, however,  the developer of National Harbor purchased it and moved it to National Harbor, Maryland.

The sculptor, J. Seward Johnson, is an American artist best known for his trompe l’oeil painted bronze statues. He is a grandson of Robert Wood Johnson (the co-founder of Johnson & Johnson).

This piece is well worth a visit and is surrounded by a huge outdoor screen, photo worthy statues, and...

When my told me that we’d gonna visit the National Harbor in Maryland, she never mentioned anything about a sculpture. So when we arrived at the harbor, I was surprised to see one — even more surprised to realize that it wasn’t just an ordinary standing work of art, but a huge sculpture emerging from the sand. Yes, a giant awakening from the sand. No wonder it is called The Awakening Sculpture.

Taking a photo of the whole structure without anyone anywhere beside it, is close to impossible. The man-made beach was busy with kids playing all over, and every part of the structure had people hanging around it.

There are actually five parts sticking up from the ground: a hand, a bent knee/leg, a head, a...