ARTS AND CULTURE

1. Head to the National Museum of Women in the Arts, the only museum in the world dedicated exclusively to recognizing the work of women artists, on the first full weekend of every month for free admission with a Bank of America or Merrill Lynch debit and/or credit card. As part of Bank of America’s Museums on Us program, customers present their Bank of America or Merrill Lynch credit or debit card along with a photo ID to gain free general admission to the museum.
2. Visit The Phillips Collection in Dupont Circle, America's first museum of modern art, where the permanent collection is free of charge (contributions welcome).
3. Follow Georgetown's cobblestone streets to Old Stone House, a National Park Service site and the last pre-Revolutionary building standing in Washington, DC on its original foundation.
4. View French paintings of modest size but high-quality in the National Gallery of Art's permanent exhibition, Small French Paintings, on view on the ground level of NGA's East Building.
5. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the preservation of art in the Lunder Conservation Center. It's the first art conservation facility allowing the public permanent access to views of essential conservation work. There you'll see staff from the National Portrait Gallery and the Smithsonian American Art Museum hard at work through floor-to-ceiling windows.
6. Take a free or nearly free docent-led tour at one of DC's many museums and other cultural institutions, including the National Archives, the National Air and Space Museum, the Washington National Cathedral (a small donation is required) and many more. Before you go, make sure to check the website of each venue for specific details.
7. DC is a celebratory city with many festivals taking place throughout the year. Check Washington.org's event calendar for the latest information on the DC's most popular festivals, full of activities and free-of-charge to attend including the National Cherry Blossom Festival, the DC Caribbean Carnival, the Smithsonian Folklife Festival and more.
8. See a show for a reasonable price by taking advantage of Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company's "Pay-what-you-can," seats, offered for the first two performances of every main stage production. Tickets (two-per-person) are sold at the theatre 90 minutes prior to showtime.
9. Take a walk off the beaten path and visit the National Geographic Museum to check out its free exhibitions that highlight international cultures and natural wonders.
10. Dance your way to Lucky Bar in Dupont Circle on Monday nights, where free salsa lessons (and 50 cent tacos) are offered at 8pm. Then practice the moves with your partner until last call.