Washington DC Arts & Culture

Tap into the city’s creative heartbeat.

Whether you're inspired by free museums or culturally diverse neighborhoods, this city has it all. Catch a musical before it hits Broadway. Go where DC creators hatch their best ideas. 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

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...

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 ...

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 ...

The Best City to Visit in 2026

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

@carahedge - Summer day outside The LINE Hotel in Adams Morgan - Unique hotels in Washington, DC

15 Cool Hotels for Your Next Trip to Washington, DC

These hip and trendy hotels offer unique experiences that blend the ...

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Georgetown

Tudor Place Historic House & Garden ...

Tudor Place offers unique and intimate settings perfect for special occasions.

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SPONSORED

Anacostia

Anacostia Community Museum

Welcome to the Anacostia Community Museum

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SPONSORED

Dupont Circle

Woodrow Wilson House

Dine intimately in the presidential Dining Room, enjoy cocktails throughout the main museum rooms or relax and unwind in the tranquil period garden.

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Brookland

Saint John Paul II National Shrine

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SPONSORED

Downtown

National Geographic Museum of Exploratio...

The National Geographic Museum of Exploration is coming to Washington, D.C. summer 2026.

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SPONSORED

Downtown

National Children's Museum

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

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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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Capitol Hill

National Postal Museum

Smithsonian National Postal Museum

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Virginia

National Museum of the United States Arm...

The National Museum of the United States Army

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Georgetown

The Magic Duel Comedy Show

Have DC's Favorite Comedy Show at Your Next Event

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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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Embassy Row

Theatre Washington

Theatre Week is back! Tickets on sale now.

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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 American History

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National Mall

National Archives Museum

Home to the original Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights, the National Archives holds more than 15 billion records.

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Downtown

U.S. Navy Memorial

The United States Navy Memorial

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Upcoming Cultural & Performing Art Events

Feb

16

2026

Southwest & The Wharf

The Bible in Black Arts and Letters

Now - Feb 16, 2026

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Feb

16

2026

National Mall

Mall to Monuments 5k Running Tour

Now - Sep 05, 2027

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Feb

16

2026

Virginia

Lives Bound Together: Slavery at Mount Vernon Exhibit

Now - Feb 16, 2028

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Feb

16

2026

National Mall

Back and Forth: Rozeal., Titian, Cezanne

Now - Apr 25, 2026

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Feb

16

2026

Downtown

Tawny Chatmon

Now - Mar 06, 2026

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Feb

16

2026

National Mall

The Stars We Do Not See: Australian Indigenous Art

Now - Mar 01, 2026

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Feb

16

2026

Dupont Circle

peter campus: there somewhere

Now - May 03, 2026

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Feb

16

2026

Virginia

Historic Blenheim - Tours & History

Now - Feb 16, 2028

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Feb

16

2026

Upper Northwest

Black History Month Exhibit Receptions & Artist Talks

Now - Feb 28, 2026

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Feb

16

2026

Georgetown

River Club Happy Hour

Now - Feb 14, 2028

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Feb

17

2026

Dupont Circle

Happy Hour at Residents

Now - Jun 08, 2027

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Feb

17

2026

Southwest & The Wharf

Chez Joey

Now - Mar 15, 2026

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Feb

17

2026

Capitol Hill

Julius X

Now - Feb 16, 2028

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Feb

17

2026

Downtown

Stereophonic

Now - Mar 01, 2026

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Feb

17

2026

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

On Beckett

Now - Mar 15, 2026

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Feb

17

2026

Downtown

The American Story

Now - Feb 16, 2028

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Feb

17

2026

National Mall

Special Exhibitions and Installations

Now - Jan 01, 2027

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Feb

17

2026

Southwest & The Wharf

Dead Sea Scrolls

Now - Sep 07, 2026

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Feb

17

2026

Southwest & The Wharf

Chez Joey

Now - Mar 13, 2026

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Feb

17

2026

Anacostia

Rik Freeman: Wade in the Waters

Now - Feb 19, 2026

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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

The District Blog

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Order Your Free Visitors Guide

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Your Meeting Planner Toolkit

Museums with After-Hours Programming in Washington, DC

Learning on Location

Top Ways Washington, DC is a Sustainable City

Member Testimonials

Learn More About Partnerships

The District Blog

20+ Restaurants with Fires to Cozy Up to

Your Guide to the 13 Coolest Neighborhoods in Washington, DC

Why DC is the Best City to Visit in 2026

Order Your Free Visitors Guide

Arts & Culture

Tap into the city’s creative heartbeat.

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

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

Discover the National Gallery of Art East Building in Washington, DC

The Best City to Visit in 2026

15 Cool Hotels for Your Next Trip to Washington, DC

Tudor Place Historic House &amp; Garden ...

Anacostia Community Museum

Woodrow Wilson House

Saint John Paul II National Shrine

National Geographic Museum of Exploratio...

National Children&#039;s Museum

George Washington&#039;s Mount Vernon

National Postal Museum

National Museum of the United States Arm...

The Magic Duel Comedy Show

Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art...

Theatre Washington

9:30 Club

National Museum of American History

National Archives Museum

U.S. Navy Memorial

Upcoming Cultural & Performing Art Events

16

Southwest & The Wharf

The Bible in Black Arts and Letters

16

National Mall

Mall to Monuments 5k Running Tour

16

Virginia

Lives Bound Together: Slavery at Mount Vernon Exhibit

16

National Mall

Back and Forth: Rozeal., Titian, Cezanne

16

Downtown

Tawny Chatmon

16

National Mall

The Stars We Do Not See: Australian Indigenous Art

16

Dupont Circle

peter campus: there somewhere

16

Virginia

Historic Blenheim - Tours & History

16

Upper Northwest

Black History Month Exhibit Receptions & Artist Talks

16

Georgetown

River Club Happy Hour

17

Tudor Place Historic House & Garden ...

National Children's Museum

George Washington's Mount Vernon