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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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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SPONSORED

Downtown

National Children's Museum

A playful learning adventure awaits at National Children's Museum!

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SPONSORED

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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SPONSORED

Brookland

Saint John Paul II National Shrine

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SPONSORED

Foggy Bottom

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performin...

Book your meeting at the Nation's Cultural Center

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SPONSORED

Anacostia

Anacostia Community Museum

Welcome to the Anacostia Community Museum

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SPONSORED

Capitol Hill

National Postal Museum

Smithsonian National Postal Museum

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SPONSORED

National Mall

National Museum of the American Indian

Visit the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian

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Anacostia

Frederick Douglass National Historic Sit...

The Frederick Douglass National Historic Site preserves the last residence of Frederick Douglass (1818 -1895), one of the most prominent African American leaders of the 19th century

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Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Warner Theatre

The Warner is host to a variety of televised events, award shows, conferences, film screenings and unique dinners on stage.

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National Mall

Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art

The National Museum of Asian Art is dedicated to advancing public knowledge about the arts and cultures of Asia through exhibitions, publications, research and education.

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National Mall

National Archives Museum

Home to the original Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights, the National Archives holds more than 15 billion records.

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Virginia

National Museum of the United States Arm...

The National Museum of the United States Army

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Downtown

The National Theatre

Located on Pennsylvania Avenue near the White House, the historic National is one of America's oldest, continually-operating theaters.

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Virginia

Arlington House

Former home of Robert E. Lee. Open daily 9:30 am–4:30 pm

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Shaw

The Howard Theatre

One-of-a-Kind Private Event Experience: From Concert Venue to Corporate Awards Dinner

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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

Jul

05

2025

Virginia

Lives Bound Together: Slavery at Mount Vernon Exhibit

Now - Jul 05, 2027

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Jul

05

2025

National Mall

In the Tower: Chakaia Booker

Now - Aug 03, 2025

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Jul

05

2025

Dupont Circle

Essex Hemphill: Take care of your blessings

Now - Aug 31, 2025

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Jul

05

2025

National Mall

Back and Forth: Rozeal., Titian, Cezanne

Now - Apr 25, 2026

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Jul

05

2025

Georgetown

History of Black Georgetown

Now - Aug 16, 2025

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Jul

05

2025

National Mall

Little Beasts: Art, Wonder, and the Natural World

Now - Nov 02, 2025

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Jul

05

2025

National Mall

Elizabeth Catlett: A Black Revolutionary Artist

Now - Jul 06, 2025

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Jul

05

2025

National Mall

First Saturdays

Now - Nov 01, 2025

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Jul

05

2025

Downtown

Faces of Civil War Nurses: A Photo Exhibit

Now - Aug 30, 2025

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Jul

05

2025

U Street

U Streets Jazzed Up Cocktail Tour

Now - Apr 30, 2027

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Jul

05

2025

Maryland

Comedy Shows Near Me - Silver Spring

Now - Jul 03, 2027

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Jul

06

2025

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

LGBTJews in the Federal City

Now - Jan 04, 2026

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Jul

06

2025

Dupont Circle

First Sunday's Gospel Music!

Now - Jul 06, 2025

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Jul

06

2025

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Duel Reality

Now - Jul 20, 2025

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Jul

06

2025

Virginia

The Untitled Unauthorized Hunter S. Thompson

Now - Jul 13, 2025

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Jul

06

2025

Logan Circle

Logan Circle Walking Tour

Now - Aug 31, 2025

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Jul

06

2025

Georgetown

River Club Brunch

Now - Jul 04, 2027

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Jul

06

2025

Independence Day Arlington National Cemetery Walking Tour

Now - Jul 06, 2025

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Jul

06

2025

Downtown

Free Community Day

Now - Jul 04, 2027

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Jul

06

2025

Downtown

Free Community Day and Makers' Market

Now - Jul 04, 2027

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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

Museums with After-Hours Programming in Washington, DC

Learning on Location

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Member Testimonials

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

Ways to Celebrate Fourth of July in DC

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.

ARTECHOUSE

National Children's Museum

National Museum of the Marine Corps

Saint John Paul II National Shrine

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performin...

Anacostia Community Museum

National Postal Museum

National Museum of the American Indian

Frederick Douglass National Historic Sit...

Warner Theatre

Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art

National Archives Museum

National Museum of the United States Arm...

The National Theatre

Arlington House

The Howard Theatre

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

05

Virginia

Lives Bound Together: Slavery at Mount Vernon Exhibit

05

National Mall

In the Tower: Chakaia Booker

05

Dupont Circle

Essex Hemphill: Take care of your blessings

05

National Mall

Back and Forth: Rozeal., Titian, Cezanne

05

Georgetown

History of Black Georgetown

05

National Mall

Little Beasts: Art, Wonder, and the Natural World

05

National Mall

Elizabeth Catlett: A Black Revolutionary Artist

05

National Mall

First Saturdays

05

Downtown

Faces of Civil War Nurses: A Photo Exhibit

05

U Street

U Streets Jazzed Up Cocktail Tour

05