D.C.’s no stranger to weird vending machines. There have been ones that sell pasta, tarot cards, and even face masks. Sadly, many of these have come and gone, but there are still a handful of unconventional vending machines worth checking out.
Inciardi Art Prints: Multiple Locations
These adorable art vending machines take four quarters and reward you with a credit card-sized surprise art print. There are two D.C. machines – one in the U.S. Botanic Gardens and one at the National Museum of Women in the Arts – each with unique prints inspired by the location.
Champagne Vending Machine: The Marrow Hotel
Sometimes you need emergency Champagne. Luckily, this vending machine is open 24/7. It offers mini bottles of cold Brut or Rosé. First, buy a token from the hotel bar for $30 and then insert it into the machine to retrieve a bottle.
Narcan Vending Machines: Multiple Locations
DC Health has four harm reduction 24-hour vending machines that provide tools such as Narcan and Fentanyl strips, along with hygiene and wellness products. The products are all free, however, you have to call the number listed on the machine and get a one-time access code for access.
Narcan vending machine. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)
Art-O-Mat Machine: Smithsonian American Art Museum
Located in the museum's Luce Foundation Center, this modified cigarette vending machine now dispenses small pieces of art. Insert $5 and pull the handle on your choice or artist. You don't know exactly what you will get until it comes out!
Cotton Candy Vending Machine: Tyson's Corner
In the food court of the Tyson's Corner Mall is a cute automatic cotton candy machine. You select the flavor and shape you want, pay $10 - $15, and then watch it be made right in front of you.
Art-o-mat is a repurposed vintage cigarette vending machine that now distributes pieces of original artwork. (Boston Globe/Getty Images)
Wellfound Foods Vending Machine: Union Station
In a rush? This fancy 24/7 vending machine provides fresh salads, sandwiches, and bowls from local joints like Little Sesame and Chiko. Prices for meals range from $10-$15.
Coming Soon: Book Vending Machine
Local author Lauren Woods is working on bringing a custom vending machine to D.C. that will stock a rotating selection of local literature. Her hope is it will highlight small press authors who have a hard time getting into big bookstores. Location TBD.
