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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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

Anacostia

Anacostia Community Museum

Welcome to the Anacostia Community 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

Capitol Hill

National Postal Museum

Smithsonian National Postal Museum

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SPONSORED

Brookland

Saint John Paul II National Shrine

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Downtown

Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle

Established in 1840, St. Matthew's is the mother church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington

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Southwest & The Wharf

The Anthem

The Anthem is a music venue and auditorium in the Southwest Waterfront neighborhood of Washington, D

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Southwest & The Wharf

U.S. Military District of Washington Pub...

MDW is the home of the Army's official ceremonial unit, the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) and The U.S. Army Band (Pershing's Own).

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Downtown

National Geographic Museum of Exploratio...

Due to construction, the National Geographic Museum of Exploration will be temporarily closed as we reimagine our Base Camp experience.

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National Mall

Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden

Located on the National Mall within view of the US Capitol and the Washington Monument, the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden welcomes more than 750,000 visitors a year, making it one of the most visited art museums in the country

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Downtown

Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian Ameri...

Permanent collection and exhibitions of American crafts. This gem of a museum, located in a historic building near the White House, is dedicated to exhibiting the finest American crafts from the 19th century to the present

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Upper Northwest

Washington National Cathedral

Standing at one of the city's highest points, this soaring Gothic cathedral extends almost the length of two football fields and pierces the city's skyline.

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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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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...

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A variety of performances grace stages throughout the District – her...

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2 Days Exploring LGBTQ+ Washington, DC

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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

01

2025

National Mall

The ’70s Lens: Reimagining Documentary Photography

Now - Apr 06, 2025

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Apr

01

2025

Downtown

In Focus: Artists at Work

Now - Apr 20, 2025

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Apr

01

2025

National Mall

Elizabeth Catlett: A Black Revolutionary Artist

Now - Jul 06, 2025

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Apr

01

2025

Dupont Circle

Timeless Mucha: The Magic of Line

Now - May 18, 2025

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Apr

01

2025

Southwest & The Wharf

Bond In Motion Exhibition at the International Spy Museum

Now - Aug 29, 2025

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Apr

01

2025

Downtown

Cherry Blossoms at Love, Makoto

Now - Apr 13, 2025

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Apr

02

2025

Virginia

In the Heights

Now - May 04, 2025

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Apr

02

2025

Capitol Hill

A Room in the Castle

Now - Apr 06, 2025

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Apr

02

2025

Downtown

"Sister Act" at Ford's Theatre

Now - May 17, 2025

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Apr

02

2025

Foggy Bottom

Earth to Space Festival

Now - Apr 20, 2025

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Apr

02

2025

National Mall

The Peace Trail on the National Mall

Now - May 30, 2025

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Apr

02

2025

Georgetown

Cherry Blossom Tasting Menu

Now - Apr 06, 2025

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Apr

02

2025

Upper Northwest

47th Amethyst Anniversary

Apr 02, 2025 - Apr 19, 2025

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Apr

03

2025

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Uncle Vanya

Now - Apr 20, 2025

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Apr

03

2025

Southwest & The Wharf

Fake It Until You Make It

Apr 03, 2025 - May 02, 2025

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Apr

03

2025

U Street

U Streets Jazzed Up Cocktail Tour

Apr 03, 2025 - Apr 01, 2027

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Apr

03

2025

Dupont Circle

Phillips after 5: Cherry Blossom Jamboree

Apr 03, 2025

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Apr

03

2025

Maryland

Bernard/Ebb Songwriting Awards

Apr 03, 2025

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Apr

04

2025

Logan Circle

Fighting Improv Smackdown Tournament

Apr 04, 2025 - Apr 19, 2025

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Apr

04

2025

Virginia

Great Sonatas - Mozart, Grieg, Fauré, Prokofiev

Apr 04, 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

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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.

ARTECHOUSE

National Museum of the American Indian

National Children's Museum

Anacostia Community Museum

National Museum of the Marine Corps

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performin...

National Postal Museum

Saint John Paul II National Shrine

Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle

The Anthem

U.S. Military District of Washington Pub...

National Geographic Museum of Exploratio...

Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden

Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian Ameri...

Washington National Cathedral

Rubell Museum

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

01

National Mall

The ’70s Lens: Reimagining Documentary Photography

01

Downtown

In Focus: Artists at Work

01

National Mall

Elizabeth Catlett: A Black Revolutionary Artist

01

Dupont Circle

Timeless Mucha: The Magic of Line

01

Southwest & The Wharf

Bond In Motion Exhibition at the International Spy Museum

01

Downtown

Cherry Blossoms at Love, Makoto

02

Virginia

In the Heights

02

Capitol Hill

A Room in the Castle

02

Downtown

"Sister Act" at Ford's Theatre

02

Foggy Bottom

Earth to Space Festival

02