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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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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Foggy Bottom

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performin...

Book your meeting at the Nation's Cultural Center

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Brookland

Saint John Paul II National Shrine

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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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Capitol Hill

National Postal Museum

Smithsonian National Postal Museum

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Downtown

National Children's Museum

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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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Anacostia

Anacostia Community Museum

Welcome to the Anacostia Community Museum

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Georgetown

Old Stone House

The oldest house on its original foundation in Washington, DC.

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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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Downtown

National Gallery of Art

National Gallery of Art: Of the nation and for all the people.

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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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Woodley Park

Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservat...

Enjoy thousands of exotic animals

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U Street

9:30 Club

Concert venue located a few blocks from the U Street Metro stop

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National Mall

National Museum of African Art

Devoted to the collection, exhibition, conservation and study of the arts of Africa

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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

Mar

10

2025

Dupont Circle

Timeless Mucha: The Magic of Line

Now - May 18, 2025

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Mar

10

2025

National Mall

Elizabeth Catlett: A Black Revolutionary Artist

Now - Jul 06, 2025

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Mar

10

2025

Petworth

Monday Fun-Day

Now - Apr 28, 2025

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Mar

11

2025

Brookland

BFD Tuesdays

Now - May 27, 2025

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Mar

11

2025

Lucky "A St. Patrick's Day Pop-Up"

Now - Mar 17, 2025

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Mar

11

2025

Virginia

Job

Now - Mar 16, 2025

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Mar

11

2025

Virginia

In the Heights

Now - May 04, 2025

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Mar

11

2025

Capitol Hill

A Room in the Castle

Now - Apr 06, 2025

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Mar

11

2025

National Mall

The Peace Trail on the National Mall

Now - May 30, 2025

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Mar

11

2025

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

It's a MF Pleasure

Now - Mar 30, 2025

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Mar

11

2025

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Kunene and the King

Now - Mar 16, 2025

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Mar

11

2025

Southwest & The Wharf

Bond In Motion Exhibition at the International Spy Museum

Now - Apr 25, 2025

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Mar

11

2025

Downtown

Samantha Box: Confluences

Now - Mar 23, 2025

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Mar

11

2025

National Mall

The ’70s Lens: Reimagining Documentary Photography

Now - Apr 06, 2025

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Mar

11

2025

Downtown

In Focus: Artists at Work

Now - Apr 20, 2025

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Mar

11

2025

Georgetown

Landmark Lecture: Enslaved at Tudor Place: The Life of Anastacia Hepburn, 1801-1895

Now - Mar 11, 2025

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Mar

12

2025

Virginia

International Guitar Night

Mar 12, 2025 - Mar 13, 2025

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Mar

12

2025

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie with Glory Edim

Mar 12, 2025

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Mar

12

2025

Upper Northwest

47th Amethyst Anniversary

Mar 12, 2025 - Apr 19, 2025

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Mar

12

2025

Maryland

MCYO: Ascend

Mar 12, 2025 - Mar 16, 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

Your Guide to the 13 Coolest Neighborhoods in Washington, DC

Why DC is the Best City to Visit in 2025

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 Women in the Arts

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performin...

Saint John Paul II National Shrine

National Museum of the Marine Corps

National Postal Museum

National Children's Museum

National Museum of the American Indian

Anacostia Community Museum

Old Stone House

The Hamilton Live

National Gallery of Art

Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art

Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservat...

9:30 Club

National Museum of African Art

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

10

Dupont Circle

Timeless Mucha: The Magic of Line

10

National Mall

Elizabeth Catlett: A Black Revolutionary Artist

10

Petworth

Monday Fun-Day

11

Brookland

BFD Tuesdays

11

Lucky "A St. Patrick's Day Pop-Up"

11

Virginia

Job

11

Virginia

In the Heights

11

Capitol Hill

A Room in the Castle

11

National Mall

The Peace Trail on the National Mall

11

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

It's a MF Pleasure

11

Penn Quarter & Chinatown