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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Capitol Hill

National Postal Museum

Smithsonian National Postal Museum

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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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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 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

Anacostia

Anacostia Community Museum

Welcome to the Anacostia Community Museum

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SPONSORED

Brookland

Saint John Paul II National Shrine

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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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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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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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Georgetown

Dumbarton House

Explore life in the early days of the republic at this fine 1799 house in Georgetown!

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Penn Quarter & Chinatown

District E Powered by Ticketmaster

District E is a state-of-the-art destination gaming and hospitality space, conveniently located directly adjacent to Capital One Arena. OPENING 2023!

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National Mall

National Air and Space Museum

The Smithsonian's National Air and Space 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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Virginia

Signature Theatre

The Tony Award-winning Signature Theatre is DC's positively swanky (The New York Times) home for contemporary musicals and new plays.

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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

Feb

23

2025

Dupont Circle

Winter Wonderland

Now - Feb 28, 2025

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Feb

23

2025

Mount Vernon Square

Marvin Bowser's "BlackHair" at MVT Photo Walk

Now - Feb 28, 2025

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Feb

23

2025

Virginia

Job

Now - Mar 16, 2025

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Feb

23

2025

Virginia

In the Heights

Now - May 04, 2025

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Feb

23

2025

National Mall

The Peace Trail on the National Mall

Now - May 30, 2025

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Feb

23

2025

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Kunene and the King

Now - Mar 16, 2025

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Feb

23

2025

Capitol Hill

The Flea Market at Eastern Market

Now - May 25, 2025

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Feb

23

2025

Dupont Circle

Timeless Mucha: The Magic of Line

Now - May 18, 2025

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Feb

23

2025

National Mall

The ’70s Lens: Reimagining Documentary Photography

Now - Apr 06, 2025

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Feb

23

2025

Downtown

In Focus: Artists at Work

Now - Apr 20, 2025

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Feb

23

2025

Downtown

Samantha Box: Confluences

Now - Mar 23, 2025

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Feb

23

2025

National Mall

Spirit & Strength: Modern Art from Haiti

Now - Mar 09, 2025

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Feb

23

2025

Upper Northwest

Hold On, Change is Coming

Now - Mar 01, 2025

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Feb

23

2025

Upper Northwest

Hold On, Change is Coming

Now - Mar 01, 2025

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Feb

24

2025

Capitol Hill

Iconic Capitol Hill Architecture Tour

Now - Feb 22, 2027

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Feb

24

2025

Southwest & The Wharf

Bond In Motion Exhibition at the International Spy Museum

Now - Apr 25, 2025

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Feb

25

2025

Brookland

BFD Tuesdays

Feb 25, 2025 - May 27, 2025

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Feb

25

2025

Southwest & The Wharf

Agents of Change: African American Professionals in the Intelligence Community Reflect

Feb 25, 2025

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Feb

26

2025

Upper Northwest

Hold On, Change is Coming

Now - Mar 01, 2025

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Feb

27

2025

Maryland

20th Anniversary Class of Strathmore's Artist in Residence Program

Feb 26, 2025 - Jun 25, 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

15+ Speakeasy Bars & Hidden Cocktail Lounges 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.

ARTECHOUSE

National Museum of the American Indian

National Postal Museum

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performin...

National Museum of the Marine Corps

National Museum of Women in the Arts

Anacostia Community Museum

Saint John Paul II National Shrine

National Geographic Museum of Exploratio...

Spain-USA Foundation

Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art

Dumbarton House

District E Powered by Ticketmaster

National Air and Space Museum

National Museum of the United States Arm...

Signature Theatre

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

23

Dupont Circle

Winter Wonderland

23

Mount Vernon Square

Marvin Bowser's "BlackHair" at MVT Photo Walk

23

Virginia

Job

23

Virginia

In the Heights

23

National Mall

The Peace Trail on the National Mall

23

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Kunene and the King

23

Capitol Hill

The Flea Market at Eastern Market

23

Dupont Circle

Timeless Mucha: The Magic of Line

23

National Mall

The ’70s Lens: Reimagining Documentary Photography

23

Downtown

In Focus: Artists at Work

23