Things to Do This Week in Washington, DC

Monday

Visit the new National Geographic Museum of Exploration
The highly anticipated National Geographic Museum of Exploration invites visitors to immerse themselves in the excitement of exploration and discovery. Expect cutting-edge technology that uncovers wildlife, communities and cultures from all over the world as well as an immersive outdoor courtyard. Visit the museum's website for more details on what to expect.
9 a.m. – 8 p.m. (last entry at 7 p.m.) |  Tickets
National Geographic Museum of Exploration, 1600 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20036
 

Driving America Forward: A Ford Experience at Union Station 
As part of America's 250th birthday celebration, Ford hosts a free experience that will showcase iconic vehicles, artifacts and stories from more than a century of American innovation and culture. Visitors can check out automotive icons like the 1941 Ford GP, a pre-Pearl Harbor prototype of the famous WWII 'jeep.' The experience will not just feature vehicles—visitors will learn how transportation, industry and innovation helped shape the nation's history through rare pieces from the Ford archives. The experience is free and open to the public. No ticket required.
Free Admission
Union Station, 50 Massachusetts Avenue NE, Washington, DC 20002
 

Smithsonian Institution

Voices and Votes: Exploring Democracy Across America
In the Arts and Industries Building (the Smithsonian’s second-oldest building and the country’s first national museum) right next to the Smithsonian castle, explore what American independence really means, and how that meaning has evolved over time from the American Revolution until now.
10 a.m. – 6 p.m. |  Free Admission
Smithsonian Arts + Industries Building, 900 Jefferson Drive SW, Washington, DC 20560
 

Tuesday

The Declaration's Promise 
In honor of America's 250th birthday, the Library of Congress showcases a range of rare artifacts that illustrate the promise found in the nation's original Declaration of Independence. Featured treasures include Thomas Jefferson’s rough draft of the Declaration, Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, Walt Whitman's writing pen and much, much more. Phrases from the Declaration are used to organize this dynamic exhibit.
Free Admission |  Hours
Library of Congress, 101 Independence Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20540
 

Visit the new Lincoln Memorial Undercroft
Just in time for America's 250th anniversary, the Lincoln Memorial invites visitors to experience its story in a whole new way. A century-old secret opens to the public on June 25 – 15,000 square feet of immersive exhibits right beneath your feet. Exhibits will also trace the construction history of the memorial and explore how its meaning has evolved across generations. Also, for the first time, original signed copies of both the Emancipation Proclamation and the 13th Amendment will be on display together, housed beneath the president who made them law. It's a once-in-a-generation opportunity to stand in the presence of the documents that reshaped America. Timed entry passes are required.
More Information
 

Photo by Michelle Grace Hunder

Beetlejuice 
The musical adaptation of Tim Burton's classic film comes to the National Theatre for a limited engagement in July. The ghost-with-the-most returns to DC by popular demand after a previous, very successful run at the historic venue. The strange and unusual Lydia Deetz meets a recently deceased couple and a demon who's really into stripes (make sure not to say his name three times). An adventure unlike any other unfolds from there, packed with unforgettable songs.
Tickets
National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004
 

Wednesday
 

Great American State Fair
The National Mall transforms into a huge state fair for the entire country. From Maine lobster rolls to Hawaii’s shimmering hula stage, Texas-sized steaks to Alaska’s towering ice carvings, all fifty states, territories and federal agencies showcase their food, culture and pride in an unforgettable, coast-to-coast celebration. You can register for tickets.
Register
National Mall, Between Constitution & Independence Avenues SW, Washington, DC 20050

Expansion of the National Air and Space Museum
A massive renovation project that began in 2018 concludes this year. Five new galleries will open on the museum’s 50th anniversary, including galleries focused on World War II aircraft and space technologies. The debut of these galleries also coincides with America's 250th anniversary. Visit the Air and Space Museum's website for more information.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. |  Free Admission
National Air and Space Museum, 650 Jefferson Drive SW, Washington, DC 20560
 

Arena Stage

CrazySexyCool: The TLC Musical
Creep your way to one of the coolest venues in DC for a musical based on the fascinating story behind one of the most successful female pop groups ever. CrazySexyCool follows T-Boz, Left Eye and Chilli on a riveting (mostly true) journey that includes hit songs such as “Waterfalls,” “Creep” and “No Scrubs”.
Tickets
Arena Stage, 1101 6th Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
 

Thursday

Smithsonian Institution

American Aspirations 
Co-curated by Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch, American Aspirations brings together some of the Smithsonian’s most treasured objects to commemorate the Declaration of Independence and consider how founding ideals have been interpreted across generations. The special exhibit will be housed inside the majestic Smithsonian Castle, which is temporarily open through Sept. 7. Among the highlights: the desk Thomas Jefferson used while writing the Declaration, Sally Ride's in-space flight suit, a personal hymnal that belonged to Harriet Tubman and a candle stand used by George Washington.
8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. |  Free Admission
Smithsonian Castle, 1000 Jefferson Drive SW, Washington, DC 20560
 

National Museum of Women in the Arts

Ms. Americana
The National Museum of Women in the Arts' (NMWA) take on nostalgia, Ms. Americana invites viewers to consider 250 years of the American experience through ten works of art by nine American women artists from the 18th through the 20th centuries. The paintings, which include still-lifes, portraits and landscapes, are curated from NMWA’s collection and were created by women who also owned businesses, traveled the world and engaged in politics. The scope here is broad and tender.
Hours & Admission
National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005
 

DC Public Library

District Vibes / American Pride: How DC Changed American Culture 
DC gave the world the football huddle, the modern blood bank and legends like Marvin Gaye. Discover the vibrant contributions of Washingtonians through images, artifacts, storytelling and free programs. The main exhibit location is Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, but satellite locations can be found across the city.
More Information |  Free Admission
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
 

Snarkitecture Architecture

THE PLAYGROUND
The National Building Museum has a penchant for hosting installations that double as spectacles. This summer will be no different with THE PLAYGROUND, which arrives just in time for Independence Day and celebrations for America's 250th anniversary. Infrastructure that is commonly outdoors is brought inside through nine unique activations that ask visitors to embrace exploration of the materials that make up the built environment around us. This type of interactive and immersive museum experience is unique to the National Building Museum and will be a popular destination throughout its run, so secure tickets at your earliest convenience.
Hours & Admission
National Building Museum, 401 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
 
 

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