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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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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National Mall

National Museum of the American Indian

Visit the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian

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Brookland

Saint John Paul II National Shrine

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Downtown

National Children's Museum

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

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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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Capitol Hill

National Postal Museum

Smithsonian National Postal Museum

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Anacostia

Anacostia Community Museum

Welcome to the Anacostia Community Museum

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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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Maryland

AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center

Board meetings, teleconferencing and broadcast video production by day; and elegant receptions and private screenings by nigh..

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Anacostia

The Go-Go Museum & Cafe

The Go-Go Museum & Café’s 16 interactive exhibits, recording studio and concert stages celebrate the past, present and future of go-go

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Virginia

George Washington's Mount Vernon

The iconic riverside estate of George Washington. Open daily, 365 days a year.

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Virginia

National Inventors Hall of Fame Museum

Find Inspiration at the National Inventors Hall of Fame Museum

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National Mall

Smithsonian Office of Visitor Services

Known as the Castle, the oldest of the 19 Smithsonian museums houses the Smithsonian Visitor Center, which offers volunteers ..

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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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Logan Circle

Washington Improv Theater

An interactive, laughter-filled session from Washington Improv Theater (WIT) is the perfect addition to your next event!

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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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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...

Couple walking with child during Capital Pride Parade - LGBTQ Summer Events in Washington, DC

2 Days Exploring LGBTQ+ Washington, DC

The nation’s capital is one of the most diverse—and welcoming—cities...

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...

The Best City to Visit in 2025

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

Upcoming Cultural & Performing Art Events

Apr

12

2025

National Mall

Elizabeth Catlett: A Black Revolutionary Artist

Now - Jul 06, 2025

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Apr

12

2025

Dupont Circle

Timeless Mucha: The Magic of Line

Now - May 18, 2025

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Apr

12

2025

National Mall

In the Tower: Chakaia Booker

Now - Aug 03, 2025

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Apr

12

2025

Downtown

In Focus: Artists at Work

Now - Apr 20, 2025

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Apr

12

2025

Eckington Flea

Now - May 24, 2025

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Apr

12

2025

Downtown

Ikebana at Love, Makoto

Now - Apr 12, 2025

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Apr

12

2025

Upper Northwest

47th Amethyst Anniversary

Now - Apr 19, 2025

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Apr

12

2025

U Street

The Harlem Renaissance in DC Walking Tour

Now - May 10, 2025

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Apr

12

2025

U Street

U Streets Jazzed Up Cocktail Tour

Now - Apr 10, 2027

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Apr

12

2025

Downtown

Cherry Blossoms at Love, Makoto

Now - Apr 13, 2025

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Apr

13

2025

Downtown

"Sister Act" at Ford's Theatre

Now - May 17, 2025

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Apr

13

2025

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Uncle Vanya

Now - Apr 20, 2025

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Apr

13

2025

Downtown

Annie

Now - Apr 20, 2025

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Apr

13

2025

Virginia

In the Heights

Now - May 04, 2025

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Apr

13

2025

Foggy Bottom

Earth to Space Festival

Now - Apr 20, 2025

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Apr

13

2025

National Mall

The Peace Trail on the National Mall

Now - May 30, 2025

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Apr

13

2025

Capitol Hill

The Flea Market at Eastern Market

Apr 13, 2025 - May 25, 2025

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Apr

13

2025

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Workshop: Drawing Inspiration from Nature with Anna August

Apr 13, 2025

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Apr

14

2025

Southwest & The Wharf

Fake It Until You Make It

Now - May 02, 2025

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Apr

14

2025

Petworth

Spring Break at President Lincoln's Cottage

Apr 14, 2025 - Apr 18, 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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Learn more about how Washington, DC invests in the next generation of hospitality and tourism leaders.

Free Things to Do: Best of Washington, DC

Great Patios for Eating & Drinking in Washington, DC

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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.

National Museum of the Marine Corps

National Museum of the American Indian

Saint John Paul II National Shrine

National Children's Museum

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performin...

National Postal Museum

Anacostia Community Museum

National Museum of Women in the Arts

AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center

The Go-Go Museum & Cafe

George Washington's Mount Vernon

National Inventors Hall of Fame Museum

Smithsonian Office of Visitor Services

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

Washington Improv Theater

Spain-USA Foundation

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

12

National Mall

Elizabeth Catlett: A Black Revolutionary Artist

12

Dupont Circle

Timeless Mucha: The Magic of Line

12

National Mall

In the Tower: Chakaia Booker

12

Downtown

In Focus: Artists at Work

12

Eckington Flea

12

Downtown

Ikebana at Love, Makoto

12

Upper Northwest

47th Amethyst Anniversary

12

U Street

The Harlem Renaissance in DC Walking Tour

12

U Street

U Streets Jazzed Up Cocktail Tour

12

Downtown

Cherry Blossoms at Love, Makoto

13

Downtown