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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SPONSORED

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 Museum of Women in the Arts

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

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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

Brookland

Saint John Paul II National Shrine

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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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Mount Vernon Square

Cloakroom

DC's premier venue features 5,000 sq. ft. of space, a rooftop with panoramic views, a large stage, high-tech sound and lighting and luxe finishes.

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NoMa & Union Market

Wunder Garten

Outdoor community German inspired beergarden

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Eastern Market

As You Are DC

Chill spot catering to LGBTQIA+ guests with regular dance nights, plus coffee, snacks, meals & beer.

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Virginia

DEA Museum

Now open! Navigate your way to a new experience.

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Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company

An innovator in the development of new plays earning a reputation for staying plugged in to the mad temper of the times (New York Times).

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Capitol Hill

Hill Center at the Old Naval Hospital

Hill Center aims to broaden the horizons of all who enter by providing high-quality arts, education, and cultural programs to engage more fully in the life of our city.

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U Street

Lincoln Theatre

The Lincoln Theatre, built in 1922, was a cultural center of D

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Petworth

President Lincoln's Cottage

President Lincoln's Cottage offers a unique, historic, and award-winning experience for locals and travelers alike!

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Wildly Authentic Things to Do

Guests Taking Photo of Ben's Chili Bowl Mural

Learn More

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

Jun

01

2025

Southwest & The Wharf

Gender Play, or what you Will

Now - Jun 01, 2025

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Jun

01

2025

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

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

Now - Jun 01, 2025

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Jun

01

2025

Downtown

Kimberly Akimbo

Now - Jun 01, 2025

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Jun

01

2025

National Mall

Elizabeth Catlett: A Black Revolutionary Artist

Now - Jul 06, 2025

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Jun

01

2025

National Mall

In the Tower: Chakaia Booker

Now - Aug 03, 2025

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Jun

01

2025

National Mall

Little Beasts: Art, Wonder, and the Natural World

Now - Nov 02, 2025

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Jun

01

2025

National Mall

Back and Forth: Rozeal., Titian, Cezanne

Now - Apr 25, 2026

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Jun

01

2025

Downtown

Free Community Day

Now - May 02, 2027

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Jun

01

2025

Dupont Circle

Essex Hemphill: Take care of your blessings

Now - Aug 31, 2025

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Jun

01

2025

Downtown

Free Community Day and Makers' Market

Now - May 30, 2027

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Jun

01

2025

Georgetown

Pride Theme Kayak Tours

Now - Jun 01, 2025

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Jun

01

2025

Logan Circle

Improv Pride

Now - Jun 01, 2025

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Jun

02

2025

Capitol Hill

Twelfth Night

Now - Jun 22, 2025

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Jun

02

2025

Southwest & The Wharf

We Are Gathered

Jun 02, 2025 - Jun 13, 2025

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Jun

02

2025

Capitol Hill

Iconic Capitol Hill Architecture Tour

Now - May 31, 2027

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Jun

02

2025

Downtown

DC Latinx Pride

Now - Jun 08, 2025

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Jun

02

2025

Dupont Circle

FALSETTOS

Now - Jun 15, 2025

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Jun

02

2025

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

LGBTJews in the Federal City

Now - Jan 04, 2026

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Jun

02

2025

Logan Circle

Logan Circle Walking Tour

Now - Aug 31, 2025

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Jun

02

2025

Southwest & The Wharf

Bond In Motion Exhibition at the International Spy Museum

Jun 02, 2025 - Aug 29, 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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Order Your Free Visitors Guide

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Your Meeting Planner Toolkit

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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

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

ARTECHOUSE

National Museum of Women in the Arts

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performin...

Saint John Paul II National Shrine

Anacostia Community Museum

National Postal Museum

Cloakroom

Wunder Garten

As You Are DC

DEA Museum

Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company

Hill Center at the Old Naval Hospital

Lincoln Theatre

President Lincoln's Cottage

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

01

Southwest & The Wharf

Gender Play, or what you Will

01

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

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

01

Downtown

Kimberly Akimbo

01

National Mall

Elizabeth Catlett: A Black Revolutionary Artist

01

National Mall

In the Tower: Chakaia Booker

01

National Mall

Little Beasts: Art, Wonder, and the Natural World

01

National Mall

Back and Forth: Rozeal., Titian, Cezanne

01

Downtown

Free Community Day

01

Dupont Circle

Essex Hemphill: Take care of your blessings

01

Downtown

Free Community Day and Makers' Market

01