WMATA celebrates America 250 with exhibition on National Mall

WMATA celebrates America 250 with exhibition on National Mall

Published June 13, 2026 11:52am ET | Updated June 13, 2026 11:52am ET



The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority announced it’s celebrating America 250 with an exhibition on the National Mall featuring a railcar from 1976 alongside a new model slated to arrive in 2027.

The exhibition is part of Metro’s celebration of 50 years of service and its participation in the Great American State Fair, a centerpiece of America 250.

“For 50 years, Metro has connected people across the region to jobs, schools, healthcare, culture, and opportunity,” Metro General Manager and CEO Randy Clarke said in a press release.

“This exhibition celebrates the people, partnerships, and progress that helped shape Metro’s first five decades while highlighting the important role public transportation continues to play in the future of our region and country,” Clarke said.

The exhibition includes Metro’s first 1000-series railcar, refurbished to its 1976-era glory. The event will also feature the newest edition to Metro’s fleet, an 8000-series railcar. 

Visitors can also expect to see historic photographs, artifacts, and other activities.

The fair is a 16-day event spanning from the Capitol to the Washington Monument and is free to the public. The fair opens June 25.

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Metro is also debuting 20,000 limited-edition Smart Trip cards, and select Metro trains and buses will feature the same limited-edition design of stars and stripes. The cards are available starting June 25. 

You can track the special railcars and buses on Metro’s website by clicking on the “special edition” tab.