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

Brookland

Saint John Paul II National Shrine

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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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SPONSORED

Downtown

National Children's Museum

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

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SPONSORED

Capitol Hill

National Postal Museum

Smithsonian National Postal 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

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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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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Dupont Circle

O Museum In The Mansion

With over 100 rooms and 80 secret doors, O Museum in The Mansion is one of the most unique experiences in the world.

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Columbia Heights

Spain-USA Foundation

Located in the 16th Street, NW Historic District, the Former Residence of the Ambassadors of Spain serves as the headquarters of the Cultural Office of the Embassy of Spain

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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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National Mall

National Museum of Natural History

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Upper Northwest

Zenith Gallery

Zenith Gallery, the premiere source of art in WDC, 45 years, hundreds of artists in a wide range of styles & mediums from monumental to small.

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National Mall

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

Located between 14th St. and Raoul Wallenberg Pl., SW (formerly 15th St

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Penn Quarter & Chinatown

The Hamilton Live

The Hamilton is fast-becoming Washington, DC's new favorite gathering place for music, art, entertainment and inventive dining.

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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

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Upcoming Cultural & Performing Art Events

Apr

08

2025

Dupont Circle

Cherry Blossom Princess Tea

Now - Apr 08, 2025

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Apr

08

2025

Downtown

In Focus: Artists at Work

Now - Apr 20, 2025

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Apr

08

2025

National Mall

Elizabeth Catlett: A Black Revolutionary Artist

Now - Jul 06, 2025

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Apr

08

2025

Dupont Circle

Timeless Mucha: The Magic of Line

Now - May 18, 2025

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Apr

08

2025

Southwest & The Wharf

Bond In Motion Exhibition at the International Spy Museum

Now - Aug 29, 2025

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Apr

08

2025

National Mall

In the Tower: Chakaia Booker

Now - Aug 03, 2025

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Apr

08

2025

Downtown

Cherry Blossoms at Love, Makoto

Now - Apr 13, 2025

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Apr

08

2025

Mount Vernon Square

Movies in Milian

Now - Apr 22, 2025

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Apr

09

2025

Maryland

The Tallest Man on Earth

Now - Apr 08, 2025

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Apr

09

2025

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Uncle Vanya

Now - Apr 20, 2025

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Apr

09

2025

Foggy Bottom

Earth to Space Festival

Now - Apr 20, 2025

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Apr

09

2025

Southwest & The Wharf

Fake It Until You Make It

Now - May 02, 2025

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Apr

09

2025

National Mall

The Peace Trail on the National Mall

Now - May 30, 2025

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Apr

09

2025

Downtown

"Sister Act" at Ford's Theatre

Now - May 17, 2025

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Apr

09

2025

Virginia

In the Heights

Now - May 04, 2025

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Apr

09

2025

Upper Northwest

47th Amethyst Anniversary

Apr 09, 2025 - Apr 19, 2025

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Apr

09

2025

Maryland

20th Anniversary Class of Strathmore's Artist in Residence Program

Apr 09, 2025 - Jun 25, 2025

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Apr

10

2025

Logan Circle

Fighting Improv Smackdown Tournament

Apr 10, 2025 - Apr 19, 2025

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Apr

10

2025

U Street

U Streets Jazzed Up Cocktail Tour

Apr 10, 2025 - Apr 08, 2027

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Apr

11

2025

Dupont Circle

Poetry Slam

Apr 11, 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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Arts & Culture

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

ARTECHOUSE

Saint John Paul II National Shrine

National Museum of the American Indian

National Children's Museum

National Postal Museum

National Museum of the Marine Corps

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performin...

Anacostia Community Museum

National Portrait Gallery

O Museum In The Mansion

Spain-USA Foundation

Rubell Museum

National Museum of Natural History

Zenith Gallery

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

The Hamilton Live

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

2 Days Exploring LGBTQ+ 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

The Best City to Visit in 2025

Upcoming Cultural & Performing Art Events

08

Dupont Circle

Cherry Blossom Princess Tea

08

Downtown

In Focus: Artists at Work

08

National Mall

Elizabeth Catlett: A Black Revolutionary Artist

08

Dupont Circle

Timeless Mucha: The Magic of Line

08

Southwest & The Wharf

Bond In Motion Exhibition at the International Spy Museum

08

National Mall

In the Tower: Chakaia Booker

08

Downtown

Cherry Blossoms at Love, Makoto

08

Mount Vernon Square

Movies in Milian

09

Maryland

The Tallest Man on Earth

09

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Uncle Vanya

09