Galactic Panther

The name Galactic Panther is as trippy as the bold work that lines the walls of this art gallery. The unassuming storefront on King Street is a hub for outsider and visionary art from both around the world and the DMV, with out-there themes and eye-popping color.

“We enjoy subverting the expectations and traditions of Old Town, which is wonderful, but tends to be kind of conservative and traditional,” says Galactic Panther general manager Darren Smith. “When people come into the gallery, they seem to be really shocked in a positive way because it has this underground visionary art all over the walls that reminds people maybe more of Berlin or New York than Old Town.”

That name reflects the gallery’s broader philosophy, he explains, channeling something expansive, imaginative, and slightly otherworldly. The floor is bare concrete, while white walls are accented by splashes of black and bright yellow paint. The art rotates constantly, with a new exhibit opening every two months. Best-selling Ravi Zupa prints inspired by German Renaissance printmakers and Japanese woodblock artists start at just $10, while a piece by Devo’s Mark Mothersbaugh runs for $22,000. Many pieces are under $200, including silkscreens and lithograph prints that are typically $20 to $150. Zines, earrings, postcards, stickers, and records round out the selection.

Galactic Panther is founded by artist and curator Eli Pollard, who originally opened a location in Morgantown, West Virginia. Erik Muendel, a collector of Pollard’s work and the owner of ESP Tea & Coffee and Branded Realities in Alexandria, teamed up with Pollard to open the Alexandria location in 2021.

In the evening, Galactic Panther really comes alive when musicians stop by multiple nights a week to play rock, punk, and a wide range of genres. A poetry open mic happens every other Thursday. The gallery’s been a performing art venue since the beginning, and is always looking for interesting intersections between music and arts (as seen in a recent rock-and-roll concert photography exhibit).

The entire space is also available for rent for parties, meetings, or other functions. “It creates a really lively atmosphere for people who want to host an unforgettable event,” Smith says. Galactic Panther’s hosted everything from wedding receptions to corporate events and a pop-up selling merchandise for a K-pop band.