With its contemporary interior design, walls covered in vintage racing photos, and a clubby, laid-back atmosphere, the recently opened Porsche Studio on Wisconsin Avenue in Friendship Heights is more an homage to the iconic automotive brand than a traditional showroom.
Affiliated with the full-service Porsche Bethesda dealership in nearby Pike & Rose, this unique conceptual space, located among the upscale shops and restaurants in The Collection at Chevy Chase, provides Porsche owners, enthusiasts, and the merely curious with a rare opportunity to engage with the brand in a warm and inviting environment that is in many ways a departure from the traditional dealership experience.
Opened to the public in September (a grand opening is scheduled for March), the owners envision a space where visitors feel welcome to stop in, admire the cars, shop for Porsche-branded gear and apparel, and generally immerse themselves in the brand. “It’s a place where people can come and have a coffee and read a book or do some work,” says Nick Gittings, one of two “Porsche Pros” who oversee day-to-day operations. “It’s a very inviting space.”
Guests are encouraged to make themselves at home. There’s a barista serving premium coffee, and comfortable seating fills the space. A curated selection of coffee-table books invites visitors to sink into one of the comfy chairs, sip their latte, and peruse.
And, of course, there are cars! While not a typical showroom—no more than three cars are on display at any given time—guests can still admire vehicles up close, sit inside, and imagine themselves cruising down the Autobahn (or Georgetown Pike).
On the day we visited, a sleek 2025 base model 911 Carerra in Cartagena yellow metallic was positioned near the window, luring passersby to stop and take a closer look. Nearby, an all-electric 2025 Taycan in a more subdued hue fought for attention.
At the rear of the Studio, a custom-built Spyder RS convertible—recently delivered from Stuttgart and on loan by its owner—is on display. “People come in with their kids and they love looking at the cars together,” says Gittings as he welcomes a young father pushing a stroller. “It’s just a very inviting space.”
Conveniently located mid-way between downtown DC and the main dealership in North Bethesda, the Porsche Studio is an attractive option where customers can meet with a brand ambassador (aka, salesperson), arrange for a test-drive, and finalize paperwork. Those customizing their dream car can explore paint samples and interior finishes before placing a final order. Buyers can take delivery of their car either at the dealership or, among family and friends, at the Studio.
The vision is that Porsche Studio Chevy Chase will regularly host community events, private parties, and business gatherings. The 3,800-square-foot space can accommodate up to 100 guests—more in warmer months when oversized doors can be swung open allowing the festivities to spill out onto the street.
Gittings and his colleague, Damaris Alvarez, have been experimenting with events like pilates and yoga classes, and there are plans for whiskey tastings and other collaborations with local businesses. A rotating exhibition showcases the works of local artists. “We are throwing things at the wall and seeing what sticks,” says Porsche Brand Ambassador Dexter Jay. “We are always looking for feedback from our friends, asking ‘what did you like? How could we make it better?’”
With excitement mounting around the grand opening in March, and the possibilities for how to fully utilize the space gradually coming into focus, Gittings and Alvarez exude a visible sense of pride. “This is very much a community space,” says Gittings. “Just having a good place where people feel comfortable coming in and approaching the brand and learning more about, it’s all we could really ask for.”