Van Gogh Bridge in Reston Virginia is a Beautiful Photo Spot

Updated on March 20, 2024 by Julie McCool

The Van Gogh Bridge in Reston is both infrastructure and art. The bridge links the businesses and residences at Lake Anne's Washington Plaza to neighboring clusters and the North Shore swimming pool. Visiting and photographing the bridge is one of the best things to do at Reston's Lake Anne.

Flanked by beautiful cherry trees, the Van Gogh Bridge is ideal for a springtime photo. This is one of the most scenic places to see cherry blossoms in the Virginia/DC/Maryland area. And it's a lovely spot to pause and soak in the beauty of cherry blossoms swaying above the water.

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Visit the Van Gogh Bridge on a short walk from Lake Anne Plaza. This is also a great little walk if you visit during the seasonal Saturday morning Farmer's Market. You can also include the bridge on a scenic walk around Lake Anne.

A Little Van Gogh Bridge and Lake Anne History

One of many artwork installations throughout Reston, the Van Gogh Bridge was conceived by the Conklin & Rossant team that created the original Reston Master Plan. The team designed and built Lake Anne, the planned community's first Village Center.

2022 Van Gogh Bridge Cherry Blossoms in bloom in Reston Virginia
Van Gogh Bridge Cherry Trees 2022

The Lake Anne Plaza opened in 1966 to national acclaim. It was even compared by Washington Post architecture critic Wolf Von Eckardt to Piazza San Marco in Venice. Artworks are built into the plaza and surrounding pathways and underpasses. The art invites residents and visitors to play and interact with the setting, and they continue to do so today.

Van Gogh Bridge is a wooden footbridge linking the Washington Plaza with the Waterview Cluster at the Lake Anne Village Center.  Set along a running route through Lake Anne Plaza, this bridge was inspired by its namesake’s famous paintings of Arles, France.  It was added to encourage residents to be outdoors as well as connect residential Reston with commercial buildings, schools, and playgrounds.  Although a marvelous site year-round, Van Gogh Bridge is most captivating in the springtime as its surrounding trees create beautiful blooms reminiscent of the famous Dutch artist’s light and colorful masterpieces.

Initiative for Public Art Reston (IPAR)

Today the bridge is a popular spot for formal photographs and casual selfies. Of course, it also serves its practical intent—to provide a beautiful and walkable lakefront path for Reston residents and visitors.

Cherry blossoms at Lake Anne, Reston Virginia
Cherry Blossoms at Lake Anne, Reston Virginia

Find more beautiful places for photos and fun in Virginia in our guide to 20 Must See Northern Virginia Hidden Gems Rich in Nature and History

More Art, Food, and Fun in Reston Virginia

Here's a handy map for locating the Van Gogh Bridge and other interesting art installations at Reston's Lake Anne. Extend your outing, and learn more about the art at Lake Anne, when you explore the hidden art of Reston.

Find more local fun Reston activities in these related articles:

From early May to November, Lake Anne hosts a Saturday farmers market with craft vendors, music, and other activities extending into the plaza. Lake Anne Plaza hosts special events throughout the warmer months, including free outdoor concerts.

In April, the annual Founder's Day honors Reston founder, Robert E. Simon. He died in 2015 at the age of 101, but his legacy lives on at Lake Anne. Santa's arrival by boat, accompanied by elves on SUPs, is a fun holiday event.

The Van Gogh Bridge is at Lake Anne Village Center, 11404 Washington Plaza W, Reston, VA 20190. Lake Anne is about 22 miles west of Washington DC in Fairfax County, Virginia.

To reach the bridge from the Lake Anne parking lot, walk through the plaza keeping the lake to your left. Turn right and continue on the paved walkway to the bridge.

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Visit the Van Gogh Bridge, a hidden gem in Reston Virginia for beautiful photos with cherry blossoms
Van Gogh Bridge, Reston