Updated on March 1, 2022 by Julie McCool
We do a lot of wandering in Fairfax County, and we're always impressed with the hidden art we discover on our journeys. Use this guide to plan a fun outing to explore the hidden art in Reston Virginia, including a segment of the Berlin Wall.
You can learn more about many of these pieces on the Public Art Reston website. They're the good folk who co-sponsored the excellent ChalkFest at Reston Town Center.
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If you visit these sites during spring, allow time to visit the cherry trees at Lake Anne and other Reston sites.
Student Art: Hunters Woods Elementary School
Hunters Woods Elementary School for the Arts and Sciences is a magnet school with a focus on art, so it's no wonder they have a fun collection to visit. Visit on the weekend, and park near the front of the school, to see several colorful installations. Walk up the front steps for a closer look at the clay pieces lining the entry and the large mural to the left.
To your right you'll find additional sculptures, including a figure climbing a rock, a kinetic sculpture called Stabile, and a large painted mural. Even the small succulent garden grows in an interesting structure.
If you're up for a short, slightly steep walk, take time to visit the mosaic at the Glade Drive underpass. The colorful tile mosaic was designed by artist Valerie Theberge and created with the help of the students at Hunters Woods Elementary.
To reach the mosaic, walk right on Colts Neck Road, taking the paved path to your right down into the woods. Turn right at the first fork and follow the Turquoise Trail until you reach the underpass under Glade Drive. The tile mosaic is bright, colorful, and playful.
Neighborhood Art: Lake Anne
Lots of people visit the main plaza at Lake Anne Village Center but never venture to some of our favorite artworks. Swing, near the North Shore underpass, is a quiet spot that makes our list of Romantic Places in Northern Virginia.
To reach Swing from the parking area, walk along the right side of the lakefront until you reach the concrete sculptures The Sun Boat and The Lookout. Our kids loved playing here when they were small.
Continue following the lakefront to your right, cross the Van Gogh Bridge, and turn right to stay by the water. The wooden swing is straight ahead just before you reach the North Shore Underpass.
Walk through the underpass and you'll reach Pylon, which is fun for kids to peek through. As you walk through the underpass, see if you can find the hidden image of a ladder and two figures. Swing is a nice spot to relax a bit before you head back to the plaza.
Historic Art in Reston: A Fragment of the Berlin Wall
What a surprise to find a fragment of the Berlin Wall right here in little old Reston. The wall fragment is at 11150 Sunrise Valley Drive in “The Campus at Sunrise” complex. The four-foot section of the wall is near the main door of the Bundeswher (German Armed Forces) building in the back of the complex.
The wall fragment, decorated by the famous French “wall artist” Thierry Noir, is explained in a plaque that provides historical context and Berlin Wall facts. We suggest you visit on a weekend when you won't disturb workers and parking will be easier.
Here's a little map to help you plan your search for hidden art in Reston. If you love unique art, Virginia LOVEworks also make fun photo destinations.
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Thank you Lisa!
That squirrel picture is too cute! As always, love the great ideas on what to see in Fairfax!
Love that squirrel feeder!
Thanks Linda, we agree. Clever ceramics project.