A longtime Alexandria yoga studio that has been operating from a temporary location since April has found a permanent new home in the city’s emerging Old Town North Arts & Cultural District, bringing together wellness and contemporary art in what organizers say is a first-of-its-kind collaboration.
532 Yoga, Arts & Culture opened Tuesday at Madison Place, 500 Montgomery Street, Suite 120, marking the next chapter for the studio that left its Washington Street location of 13 years in April and has been operating from a pop-up space at Founders Hall since mid-April, according to a press release and previous ALXnow reporting.
The studio has partnered with NCO Creative, an art consultancy that curates contemporary exhibitions with international artists. The collaboration integrates rotating art exhibitions into the yoga practice space, creating what owner Suzanne Leitner-Wise calls “a living environment” where students practice surrounded by paintings, sculptures, and installations.
“Art and yoga share a common essence: presence, inspiration, and connection,” Leitner-Wise said in the release. “Integrating these two forms of expression deepens the experience for our community and transforms our space into something truly unique.”
When the studio left its longtime Washington Street home in April, Leitner-Wise had hinted at plans for a new permanent location but kept details under wraps. The temporary move to 106 N. Lee St., also known as Founders Hall, allowed the studio to maintain its class schedule and community while searching for its next home.
“532YOGA has been a pillar of the community for 13 years, and has now moved location,” Leitner-Wise told ALXnow in April, encouraging students to “come by while you can, and join our community” at the pop-up location.
The studio is now the first tenant in the Old Town North Arts & Cultural District, joining The Art League as early adopters in the growing cultural community, according to the release.
NCO Creative owner Natalie O’Connor said the partnership allows art to exist “beyond the walls of a traditional gallery.”
“It is an opportunity to create an environment where people encounter art in a way that feels natural, restorative, and connected to their daily lives,” O’Connor said in the release.
The new space will feature rotating exhibitions curated by NCO Creative, alongside cultural events and educational workshops. The programming aims to introduce international perspectives and build cultural bridges, according to the release.
The studio acknowledged support from several city officials and community partners, including Mayor Alyia Gaskins, City of Alexandria staff Catherine Miliaris and Daniel P. Welles, Kelly Martin from the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership, and Scott Shaw from ARP for providing the temporary pop-up studio space.
More information is available at 532Yoga.com and NCOCreative.com.
