About Mt Vernon Sq/7th St–Convention Center Station
Mt Vernon Sq/7th St–Convention Center station opened on January 13, 2001, as part of the Green Line extension serving the upper-downtown corridor of Washington, DC. The station is positioned at the intersection of 7th Street NW and Mt Vernon Place NW, placing it at the doorstep of two major DC institutions: the Walter E. Washington Convention Center and the Carnegie Library.
The station's name reflects its dual role: serving the Mt Vernon Square historic district — a stately public plaza anchored by the Carnegie Library — and providing the most direct Metro access to the Convention Center, DC's largest events facility. The station is entirely within Zone 1, making fares economical from all downtown points.
For visitors who find Gallery Place–Chinatown too crowded, Mt Vernon Sq offers a quieter alternative entry to the Penn Quarter and Chinatown area — just one stop south. The Shaw neighborhood's acclaimed restaurant and nightlife scene is a short walk north along 7th Street, and the station connects the two neighborhoods seamlessly.
Lines & Schedule
From Mt Vernon Sq to downtown Metro Center: ~5 min via Yellow or Green Line (transfer at Gallery Place). Transfer to Red Line at Gallery Place–Chinatown (1 stop south). Transfer to Blue, Orange, Silver at L'Enfant Plaza (2 stops south).
Nearby Attractions
Station Exits
Rider Tips
- If attending a convention, conference, or event at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Mt Vernon Sq is your stop — not Gallery Place. The Mt Vernon Place exit delivers you directly to the Convention Center's main entrance in about one minute.
- The Carnegie Library at Mt Vernon Square is free to visit and houses the DC History Center and City Museum of DC. It's an elegant Beaux-Arts building worth a look even if you're not attending an exhibit. Open most days; check dc.gov for current hours.
- Mt Vernon Sq tends to be noticeably less crowded than Gallery Place–Chinatown, one stop south. If you're headed to the Penn Quarter area and want a quieter boarding and alighting experience, consider using this station instead.
- The Shaw neighborhood's restaurant scene — including acclaimed spots along 7th and 9th streets and the hidden gems of Blagden Alley — is a short walk north of the station. Shaw is one of DC's most food-forward neighborhoods and worth exploring after Convention Center events.
- For connections to the Red Line, head one stop south to Gallery Place–Chinatown. For Blue, Orange, and Silver Line connections, continue two stops south to L'Enfant Plaza. Mt Vernon Sq itself serves only the Yellow and Green lines.
Adjacent Stations
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Metro stop is closest to the Washington Convention Center?
Mt Vernon Sq/7th St–Convention Center is the closest Metro station to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. The station's Mt Vernon Place exit puts you directly at the Convention Center entrance — about a one-minute walk. The station is served by the Yellow and Green lines.
What's near Mt Vernon Square Metro?
Mt Vernon Square station is close to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center (0.1 mi / direct), the Carnegie Library at Mt Vernon Square (0.1 mi), the City Museum of DC (housed in Carnegie Library), the Shaw neighborhood restaurant and bar scene, Blagden Alley, and the Howard Theatre (0.5 mi). Gallery Place–Chinatown is one stop south for additional dining, entertainment, and the Red Line.
Does Mt Vernon Sq station have parking?
No. Mt Vernon Sq/7th St–Convention Center station does not have a WMATA parking facility. The station is located in a dense downtown area of DC. Convention Center attendees are encouraged to use Metro rather than drive. Commercial parking garages are available nearby along 9th and 10th streets NW.
How do I get to the Convention Center by Metro?
Take the Yellow or Green Line to Mt Vernon Sq/7th St–Convention Center station. Use the Mt Vernon Place / 7th St NW exit, which places you directly in front of the Walter E. Washington Convention Center's main entrance — about a one-minute walk. From downtown Metro Center, take the Yellow or Green Line two stops north (via Gallery Place).