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

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

Anacostia

Anacostia Community Museum

Welcome to the Anacostia Community Museum

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SPONSORED

National Mall

National Museum of the American Indian

Visit the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian

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SPONSORED

Brookland

Saint John Paul II National Shrine

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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

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

Downtown

National Children's Museum

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

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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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Upper Northwest

Zenith Gallery

Zenith Gallery, the premiere source of art in WDC, 45 years, hundreds of artists in a wide range of styles & mediums from monumental to small.

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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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Downtown

National Gallery of Art

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

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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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Virginia

National Inventors Hall of Fame Museum

Find Inspiration at the National Inventors Hall of Fame Museum

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Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Sixth & I

Sixth & I is a center for arts, entertainment, ideas, and Jewish life in Washington, DC.

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Penn Quarter & Chinatown

DC History Center

Learn about local Washington, DC history!

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Ivy City

Throw Social and Kick Axe Throwing

Throwing Libations In A Modern Lodge Setting.

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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

May

24

2025

Eckington Flea

Now - May 24, 2025

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May

24

2025

National Mall

Back and Forth: Rozeal., Titian, Cezanne

Now - Apr 25, 2026

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May

24

2025

Dupont Circle

Essex Hemphill: Take care of your blessings

Now - Aug 31, 2025

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May

24

2025

National Mall

Elizabeth Catlett: A Black Revolutionary Artist

Now - Jul 06, 2025

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May

24

2025

National Mall

In the Tower: Chakaia Booker

Now - Aug 03, 2025

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May

24

2025

National Mall

Little Beasts: Art, Wonder, and the Natural World

Now - Nov 02, 2025

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May

24

2025

Downtown

Faces of Civil War Nurses: A Photo Exhibit

Now - Aug 30, 2025

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May

24

2025

Southwest & The Wharf

In True Face Book Signing with author Jonna Mendez

Now - May 24, 2025

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May

24

2025

Virginia

George Washington Whiskey Tasting

Now - Jun 28, 2025

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May

24

2025

U Street

U Streets Jazzed Up Cocktail Tour

Now - Apr 30, 2027

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May

25

2025

National Mall

The Peace Trail on the National Mall

Now - May 30, 2025

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May

25

2025

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

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

Now - Jun 01, 2025

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May

25

2025

Downtown

Kimberly Akimbo

Now - Jun 01, 2025

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May

25

2025

Capitol Hill

Twelfth Night

Now - Jun 22, 2025

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May

25

2025

Downtown

DC Latinx Pride

Now - Jun 08, 2025

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May

25

2025

Logan Circle

Logan Circle Walking Tour

Now - Aug 31, 2025

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May

25

2025

Virginia

Hedwig and the Angry Inch

Now - Jun 22, 2025

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May

25

2025

Capitol Hill

The Flea Market at Eastern Market

May 25, 2025

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May

25

2025

Downtown

Free Community Day and Makers' Market

May 25, 2025 - May 23, 2027

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May

26

2025

Southwest & The Wharf

We Are Gathered

Now - Jun 13, 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.

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.

ARTECHOUSE

Anacostia Community Museum

National Museum of the American Indian

Saint John Paul II National Shrine

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performin...

National Museum of the Marine Corps

National Children's Museum

National Museum of Women in the Arts

Zenith Gallery

Woodrow Wilson House

National Gallery of Art

National Archives Museum

National Inventors Hall of Fame Museum

Sixth & I

DC History Center

Throw Social and Kick Axe Throwing

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

24

Eckington Flea

24

National Mall

Back and Forth: Rozeal., Titian, Cezanne

24

Dupont Circle

Essex Hemphill: Take care of your blessings

24

National Mall

Elizabeth Catlett: A Black Revolutionary Artist

24

National Mall

In the Tower: Chakaia Booker

24

National Mall

Little Beasts: Art, Wonder, and the Natural World

24

Downtown

Faces of Civil War Nurses: A Photo Exhibit

24

Southwest & The Wharf

In True Face Book Signing with author Jonna Mendez

24

Virginia

George Washington Whiskey Tasting

24

U Street

U Streets Jazzed Up Cocktail Tour

25

National Mall