The multi-million-dollar initiative brings acclaimed artists into the heart of Washington, D.C.’s brand-new arena, positioning the venue as a year-round cultural destination
Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE) today unveiled the Phase One artists selected for the District Arts Collection, a multi-million-dollar, multi-year cultural initiative transforming Monumental’s brand-new arena into a living, breathing civic landmark at the heart of downtown Washington, D.C.
Through original commissions, iconic photography, and historically significant memorabilia, the Collection will weave art and storytelling throughout every level and the exterior of the new Capital One Arena, reinforcing the arena as a shared public asset shaped by fans of MSE’s teams and the community. Created in partnership with leading arts curator Sports & The Arts and supported by sports memorabilia media platform cllct, the District Arts Collection reimagines the modern sports and entertainment venue as a year-round cultural destination—one that reflects the spirit, history, and creative power of the DMV region.
“As we reimagine what a modern arena can be, our focus has always extended beyond the games and events we host,” said Ted Leonsis, Founder, Chairman, Managing Partner & CEO of MSE. “We are building a place that reflects Washington, D.C.—its creativity, diversity, and energy—and serves the community every day of the year. The District Arts Collection brings that vision to life by elevating artists whose work captures the character of this region and our teams, adding a distinctive artistic layer to the arena environment.”
Phase One of the District Arts Collection features a dynamic group of artists whose work spans disciplines, lived experiences, and generations, each contributing a distinct voice to the evolving story of Washington, D.C.:
- Michael Crossett, a mixed media artist and designer, is known for layered, high-energy compositions that merge digital photography, screen printing, and industrial materials such as concrete and metal. His work explores the intersection of urban life, contemporary design, and nostalgia, creating immersive pieces that resonate across cultures and audiences. Crossett was selected through MSE’s open Call for Artists in spring 2025 and his multi-layered cityscape with three-dimensional wood accents can be found in the Lexus Vaults.
- Candice Tavares, a self-taught wood artist, creates emotionally resonant works that celebrate beauty, identity, and shared humanity. Drawing from her roots in woodworking and her career as a palliative care pharmacist, Tavares uses art as both healing practice and cultural affirmation—challenging narratives and honoring the diversity of hair, skin tones, and family life. Tavares was selected through the Call for Artists and her three Wizards-themed wood pieces featuring Wes Unseld, Bob Dandridge, Elvin Hayes, and John Wall can be found in the Lexus Vaults.
- Riad Hosein, a partially blind BIPOC artist specializing in oil, charcoal, and watercolor, brings a powerful perspective shaped by resilience and global training. After vision loss paused his artistic career, Hosein returned to the medium following advanced study in Spain under master watercolorist Álvaro Castagnet. His work has since appeared in international exhibitions, major film and television productions, and global publications. His three watercolors featuring Bruce Springsteen, Madonna, and Mick Jagger can be found in the Lexus Vaults.
- Harry Benson, one of the most celebrated photojournalists of the past century, brings an extraordinary archive of history captured through his lens. Over a career spanning seven decades, Benson has photographed 13 U.S. presidents and countless cultural icons, from Martin Luther King Jr. and Queen Elizabeth II to The Beatles and Michael Jackson. His work is held in prestigious collections worldwide and was the subject of the acclaimed documentary Harry Benson: Shoot First. More than 100 of Benson’s photographs will be hung throughout MSE’s brand-new arena and the adjoining downtown campus.
- Bart Forbes, a renowned painter and illustrator, is widely recognized for his sports imagery and contributions to American visual culture. His work has appeared in Sports Illustrated, TIME, and major corporate and civic commissions, including more than 20 commemorative U.S. postage stamps. Forbes’ art is also included in the collection of the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C., neighboring Capital One Arena. Forbes’ oil painting depicting Alex Ovechkin’s record-breaking goal celebration can be found in the Lexus Vaults, as well as his watercolor and graphite depictions of Ovechkin standing with his most important awards and trophies over his career.
- Stanley Silver, whose vibrant contemporary and abstract works have been exhibited in leading galleries, museums, and stadiums nationwide, brings richly layered compositions that capture both the personality of his subjects and deeper meaning beneath the surface. His work has also appeared in popular television series such as Entourage, Two and a Half Men, and Ballers, underscoring his broad cultural reach. His mixed media on canvas featuring an aerial map of Washington, D.C. can be found at the entrance to the United Globe Lounge.
- Stephen Wilkes, a photographer, filmmaker, and National Geographic Explorer, is renowned for his Day to Night series, which compresses hours of time into a single breathtaking image. His work blends fine art, documentary, and photography, including projects for National Geographic, New York Times Magazine, Sports Illustrated, Netflix, Rolex, Apple, and Nike. Wilkes’ acclaimed Ellis Island: Ghosts of Freedom helped preserve the historic site and was named one of TIME’s 5 Best Photography Books of the Year.
Envisioned as a long-term community investment, the District Arts Collection is being integrated into Capital One Arena in phases as part of MSE’s $800 million+ arena transformation, creating an evolving experience that will grow over the coming years. The artworks unveiled today are on display on the arena’s reimagined event level, including the Lexus Vaults and United Globe Club & Lounge, providing an early look at the Collection in action. As construction continues, the District Arts Collection will expand throughout every level and the exterior of the venue, ultimately featuring several dozen artists. Future artist announcements, installations, and public-facing programs will roll out through the start of the 2027–2028 NBA and NHL seasons. These efforts will establish a fully immersive, arena-wide cultural experience that reflects the creativity, history, and energy of the community.
“Sports & The Arts are excited to curate the District Arts Collection featuring a diverse group of talented artists,” said Tracie Speca-Ventura, Founder of Sports & The Arts. “The collection elevates the fan experience through dynamic storytelling and vibrant installations throughout the venue, showcasing memorable moments through artist interpretations. Our direct collaboration with Monumental has been an outstanding partnership, and the resulting synergy enables the creation of a truly compelling collection.”
In addition to commissioned artworks, the District Arts Collection includes historically significant memorabilia that deepens the arena’s role as a shared civic archive. Among the inaugural pieces is a signed Martin Luther King Jr. ticket folder from United Airlines, on loan from Darren Rovell and cllct, MSE’s Official Cultural History and Collectibles Partner. The artifact—housed in the United Globe Club—originates from a 1963 flight during which King signed the ticket folder of fellow passenger Walter Kramer, a moment preserved as a powerful reminder of history encountered firsthand.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with Monumental on this project,” said Darren Rovell, Founder of cllct. “While we obviously plan on bringing in many pieces to Capital One Arena, knowing that United was making such a commitment made it a natural for me to loan this incredible piece to the space.”
Through the District Arts Collection, MSE is setting a new national standard for how sports and entertainment organizations can authentically uplift local culture, positioning the new arena not only as a home for unforgettable games and performances, but as a living gallery and shared landmark for generations to come. Today’s announcement comes as Phase Two of arena construction is underway, a key part of MSE’s broader efforts to revitalize downtown Washington, D.C., and reinforce the District’s status as a global sports and entertainment capital, in partnership with the District. By taking a 360-degree approach to reimagining the fan experience—blending cutting-edge technology, immersive design, and community impact—MSE is creating a high-tech, high-touch venue designed to inspire millions of visitors annually for the next 25 years.
For more information on the District Arts Collection, visit districtmomentum.com/Arts-Collection.
