Washington DC Arts & Culture

Anyone in DC can tap into the city’s creative heartbeat, you just need to know where to look.

Whether you become inspired by free museums or culturally diverse neighborhoods with bustling shops and cafes, this city has it all. Catch a musical before it hits Broadway. Go where DC creators hatch their best ideas. Subscribe to a podcast that’s recorded live from your hotel. The District oozes with local flavor and one-of-a-kind experiences. Bottle it up on your trip when you tour colorful street murals, chat with artists at Eastern Market or accept a standing invite to the Meridian Hill drum circle.

Passport DC - Embassy Open Houses

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Foggy Bottom

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performin...

Book your meeting at the Nation's Cultural Center

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Downtown

National Museum of Women in the Arts

First major museum in the world solely dedicated to championing women through the arts.

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National Mall

National Museum of the American Indian

Visit the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian

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Southwest & The Wharf

ARTECHOUSE

At the crossroads of art, science and technology, ARTECHOUSE brings a true 21st century art experience to the nation's capital.

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Brookland

Saint John Paul II National Shrine

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Anacostia

Anacostia Community Museum

Welcome to the Anacostia Community Museum

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Capitol Hill

National Postal Museum

Smithsonian National Postal Museum

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Virginia

National Museum of the Marine Corps

Visit the National Museum of the Marine Corps: Enter and experience what it means to be a Marine.

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Southwest & The Wharf

Angie D Entertainment

Full service entertainment and engagement production company using digital photo technology to create interactive entertainment for events.

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National Mall

National Museum of African American Hist...

A People’s Journey, A Nation’s Story

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Penn Quarter & Chinatown

National Law Enforcement Museum

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Petworth

Hook Hall

DC's premier event venue, beer garden, cafe and tavern featuring a large indoor and outdoor space located in the heart of Washington, DC.

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Southwest & The Wharf

Rubell Museum

Rubell Museum DC brings the Rubell Family’s extensive contemporary art collection to the nation’s capital.

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Georgetown

Tudor Place Historic House & Garden

Tudor Place offers unique and intimate settings perfect for special occasions.

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Penn Quarter & Chinatown

National Portrait Gallery

The National Portrait Gallery gives visitors a chance to meet fascinating Americans from more than 225 years of history in its halls

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National Mall

Discovery Theater

Discovery Theater is your source for live performances that celebrate the rich diversity of our region and our world

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Wildly Authentic Things to Do

Guests Taking Photo of Ben's Chili Bowl Mural

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Where to Find the Most Colorful Street Murals in Washington, DC

Vibrant street art adds color to DC in any season.

Henry the elephant in the National Museum of Natural History

Smithsonian Museums in Washington, DC

History, science, art and culture come alive at these free DC museum...

Theaters & Performance Spaces to See a Show in Washington, DC

A variety of performances grace stages throughout the District – her...

National Gallery of Art East Building - Museum on the National Mall - Washington, DC

Discover the National Gallery of Art East Building in Washington, DC

Explore modern artworks in this stunningly beautiful free museum on ...

20+ Cool & Interesting Museums in Washington, DC That Aren’t On the National Mall

Venture off the National Mall to these knowledge centers for a uniqu...

Inside National Museum of African American History and Culture

Ways to Celebrate African American History & Culture in Washington, DC

Honor the Black experience at these museums, memorials and more thro...

Grab A Seat: Washington, DC’s Theaters Are Must-See Attractions

Why Washington, DC's performing arts scene is in a class of its own

Grandfather of Go-Go Chuck Brown Mural by Aniekan Udofia

Keep on Groovin’: An Intro to Go-Go Music in Washington, DC

The official music of the city has a fascinating history, but its st...

A couple looks at a colorful painting at the Phillips Collection.

2 Days of LGBTQ+ Culture & Arts in Washington, DC

Whether during Pride or year-round, visitors and locals can embrace ...

The Best City to Visit in 2025

Washington, DC shines with can’t-miss events, new exhibits and prais...

Upcoming Cultural & Performing Art Events

May

29

2025

Dupont Circle

Essex Hemphill: Take care of your blessings

Now - Aug 31, 2025

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May

29

2025

National Mall

Little Beasts: Art, Wonder, and the Natural World

Now - Nov 02, 2025

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May

29

2025

National Mall

In the Tower: Chakaia Booker

Now - Aug 03, 2025

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May

29

2025

National Mall

Elizabeth Catlett: A Black Revolutionary Artist

Now - Jul 06, 2025

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May

29

2025

Southwest & The Wharf

Bond In Motion Exhibition at the International Spy Museum

Now - Aug 29, 2025

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May

29

2025

National Mall

Back and Forth: Rozeal., Titian, Cezanne

Now - Apr 25, 2026

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May

29

2025

U Street

U Streets Jazzed Up Cocktail Tour

Now - Apr 30, 2027

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May

30

2025

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Akira Kurosawa Explains His Movies and Yogurt (with live & active cultures!)

Now - Jun 01, 2025

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May

30

2025

Downtown

Kimberly Akimbo

Now - Jun 01, 2025

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May

30

2025

Downtown

DC Latinx Pride

Now - Jun 08, 2025

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May

30

2025

Virginia

Hedwig and the Angry Inch

Now - Jun 22, 2025

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May

30

2025

Capitol Hill

Twelfth Night

Now - Jun 22, 2025

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May

30

2025

Southwest & The Wharf

We Are Gathered

Now - Jun 13, 2025

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May

30

2025

Dupont Circle

The Magic Duel Comedy Show at Pinstripes Georgetown

Now - May 31, 2025

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May

30

2025

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Guided Tour of the Missing Soldiers Office

Now - May 29, 2027

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May

30

2025

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

LGBTJews in the Federal City

Now - Jan 04, 2026

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May

30

2025

Southwest & The Wharf

Gender Play, or what you Will

Now - Jun 01, 2025

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May

30

2025

National Mall

The Peace Trail on the National Mall

Now - May 30, 2025

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May

30

2025

Logan Circle

Logan Circle Walking Tour

Now - Aug 31, 2025

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May

30

2025

Downtown

Faces of Civil War Nurses: A Photo Exhibit

Now - Aug 30, 2025

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Featured Places to Stay

Book a memorable night at DC hotels

Boutique hotels, family-friendly hotels, budget-friendly hotels - whatever you're looking for, you'll find it. Explore the hotel options waiting for your arrival.

Take Me There

Southwest & The Wharf

Canopy Washington DC The Wharf

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Downtown

Eaton Washington DC

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Downtown

Hotel Zena

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Adams Morgan

The LINE DC

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Partner Content

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Your Meeting Planner Toolkit

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Learn More About Partnerships

Learn more about how Washington, DC invests in the next generation of hospitality and tourism leaders.

The District Blog

Great Patios for Eating & Drinking in Washington, DC

Your Guide to the 13 Coolest Neighborhoods in Washington, DC

Celebrate WorldPride in Washington, DC: May 17 – June 8

Order Your Free Visitors Guide

Arts & Culture

Anyone in DC can tap into the city’s creative heartbeat, you just need to know where to look.

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performin...

National Museum of Women in the Arts

National Museum of the American Indian

ARTECHOUSE

Saint John Paul II National Shrine

Anacostia Community Museum

National Postal Museum

National Museum of the Marine Corps

Angie D Entertainment

National Museum of African American Hist...

National Law Enforcement Museum

Hook Hall

Rubell Museum

Tudor Place Historic House & Garden

National Portrait Gallery

Discovery Theater

Wildly Authentic Things to Do

Where to Find the Most Colorful Street Murals in Washington, DC

Smithsonian Museums in Washington, DC

Theaters & Performance Spaces to See a Show in Washington, DC

Discover the National Gallery of Art East Building in Washington, DC

20+ Cool & Interesting Museums in Washington, DC That Aren’t On the National Mall

Ways to Celebrate African American History & Culture in Washington, DC

Grab A Seat: Washington, DC’s Theaters Are Must-See Attractions

Keep on Groovin’: An Intro to Go-Go Music in Washington, DC

2 Days of LGBTQ+ Culture & Arts in Washington, DC

The Best City to Visit in 2025

Upcoming Cultural & Performing Art Events

29

Dupont Circle

Essex Hemphill: Take care of your blessings

29

National Mall

Little Beasts: Art, Wonder, and the Natural World

29

National Mall

In the Tower: Chakaia Booker

29

National Mall

Elizabeth Catlett: A Black Revolutionary Artist

29

Southwest & The Wharf

Bond In Motion Exhibition at the International Spy Museum

29

National Mall

Back and Forth: Rozeal., Titian, Cezanne

29

U Street

U Streets Jazzed Up Cocktail Tour

30

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Akira Kurosawa Explains His Movies and Yogurt (with live & active cultures!)

30

Downtown

Kimberly Akimbo

30

Downtown

DC Latinx Pride

30