Image
Exhibit Dates: Fall 2025
Exhibit Location: MLK Library, Floor 1 (East)
Ben’s Chili Bowl is a D.C. institution, a civil rights landmark and a pillar of the community that has been a must-visit stop for generations of Washingtonians, tourists, celebrities, politicians and everyone in need of a good half smoke.
Ben and Virginia Ali opened Ben’s Chili Bowl in 1958, and, Ben’s has always been about more than food. “It’s also about family, community and history,” says Virginia Ali.
While Ben’s undergoes its’ first renovation in more than six decades, this special exhibition inspired by the Ali family’s personal photo album, celebrates their enduring legacy and opens a window into the history still being made on U Street.
Ben and Virginia Ali opened Ben’s Chili Bowl in 1958, and, Ben’s has always been about more than food. “It’s also about family, community and history,” says Virginia Ali.
While Ben’s undergoes its’ first renovation in more than six decades, this special exhibition inspired by the Ali family’s personal photo album, celebrates their enduring legacy and opens a window into the history still being made on U Street.