Free Things to Do: International Experiences in Washington, DC

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The 60-foot-tall, intricate Chinatown Archway is a signature of DC’s Chinatown neighborhood. It’s also a classic Instagram spot and overlooks one of the busiest intersections in the city, at 7th and H Streets NW. The Archway, which was constructed in 1982, features 7,000 tiles and 272 painted dragons and is filled with an array of colors.

Embassy of Canada

The Embassy of Canada features a free-to-enter art gallery that is open from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday. The gallery rotates exhibits, so make sure to check the website before you go to see what’s currently being displayed. These exhibits typically focus on work from Canadian and international artists.

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The vibrant and colorful world of Asian art is all around at this Smithsonian museum located on the National Mall. The National Museum of Asian Art's two galleries convey centuries of innovative work from Asian countries, providing historical, artistic and cultural insight that you cannot find anywhere else. The museum's famous Peacock Room is also a must-see.

The U.S. National Arboretum is home to the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum, a stunning collection of legendary, miniature Japanese and Chinese trees. The Japanese art of bonsai goes back more than a thousand years, with beautiful trees grown in artful containers. The art of penjing is an even earlier version of bonsai, with each having a calming effect on the observer. Learn of this fascinating art and its conservation elements for free at one of the city’s most beautiful locales.

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The Smithsonian National Museum of African Art possesses the largest publicly held collection of African art in the United States, with roughly 12,000 objects in total. Its mission: to teach visitors about African art in order to create a dialogue that crosses cultural boundaries. Spanning from the ancient to the contemporary, the museum provides a comprehensive look at the history of artistic expressions in Africa, presenting the continent through a creative lens only observable here.

Passport DC is an annual month-long celebration of international cultures that includes two chances to enter embassies in the District, free of charge. Embassy open houses occur in May, including the Around the World Embassy Tour and the European Union Embassies’ Open House. Each tour provides you with a glimpse into the art, culture and practices of societies from all over the world.

National Park Service

Located near the Tidal Basin in West Potomac Park, DC’s best spot for viewing cherry blossoms, the Japanese Lantern is a remarkable stone statue that is lit during the annual National Cherry Blossom Festival. The famous Lantern was gifted by the governor of Tokyo in 1954, standing as a symbol of the friendship between Japan and America.

Saint John Paul II National Shrine

Head to the Brookland neighborhood, also known as “Little Rome,” to learn more about the life and teachings of Saint John Paul II, who hailed from Poland, at the free-to-enter Saint John Paul II National Shrine. The shrine, open daily, features an interactive exhibit dedicated to the former pope and two intricate places of worship and reflection.

Old Korean Legation Museum

The Old Korean Legation building was constructed in 1877 and served as the house of Seth Ledyard Phelps, a Civil War naval hero and diplomat. The facility was the venue for conducting diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Korea until Japan stripped Korea of its sovereignty in 1905. The building returned to Korean hands in 2012, and now, you can discover detailed history of U.S.-Korea relations and the accomplishments of the original Korean Legation in its free-to-enter museum on the third floor. Walk-ins are not allowed; make sure to reserve entry beforehand.
 

If you’re looking for more fun and free things to do, there are plenty of other options. Discover 100+ free things to do in Washington, DC.