Arts & Culture

Get acquainted with the thriving arts and culture scene in Washington, DC.

Guide to African American History & Culture in Washington, DC

With its Southern connections, Washington, DC has always had a significant African American population. Before the Civil War, the city was home to a growing number of free blacks who worked as skilled craftsmen, hack drivers, businessmen and laborers, and slave auctions were outlawed altogether in...

Guide to Free Embassy Tours in Washington, DC During Passport DC

Passport DC is a month-long festival in May that pays tribute to Washington, DC's thriving international culture. As part of the festival, the first two Saturdays in May are devoted to embassy open houses. Consider this your chance to stroll Embassy Row – a stretch of Massachusetts Avenue NW that...

7 Reasons to Check Out the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington, DC

Each summer, the National Mall plays host to the Smithsonian Folklife Festival , a massive, kid-friendly celebration of cultures across the globe. The 2018 edition takes place from June 27 – July 1 and July 4-8. This year's festival focuses on the cultures of Armenia and Catalonia, as well as a...

14 Theaters & Performance Spaces to See a Show in Washington, DC

Washington, DC is a theater town. With theaters big (think the Kennedy Center, Warner Theatre and National Theatre) and intimate (Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company and Shakespeare Theatre Company), a range of performances and cultural experiences are offered up for every taste in the nation's capital...

3 Days of Spring Adventures in Washington, DC

Morning Start with a leisurely stroll around the National Mall 's Tidal Basin to see the world-famous cherry blossoms. With more than 3,000 blossoms in bloom, springtime in DC is truly a sight worth seeing. Be sure to include a stop at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, which features more tha...

9 Ways to Celebrate the Chinese New Year in Washington, DC

Chinese New Year, also known in modern Chinese as the “Spring Festival,” begins on Feb. 16. The nation's capital is rich with Chinese culture, so it’s no wonder that the city features numerous ways to celebrate the holiday. We’ve detailed events and activities in Washington, DC that can help you...

14 Famous Painters That You Can Discover in Washington, DC

We probably don’t need to tell you that Washington, DC has a great lineup of art museums , including the National Gallery of Art, the Phillips Collection and many more. However, it can be difficult to decide how to approach your journey through these galleries. We’ve laid out where you can find...

Visiting the Smithsonian Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden in Washington, DC

What is the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden and where is it? The Smithsonian Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden displays some of the most unique artworks in modern and contemporary art, including painting, sculpture and photography. Located at the corner of 7th Street and Independence...

Visiting the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC

Where and what is the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History? The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) is located at 14th Street and Constitution Avenue NW on the National Mall . The four-level museum opened on Sept. 24, 2016, becoming the...

3 Days of Summer Fun in Washington, DC

Morning Start your day with breakfast at the Willard Intercontinental Hotel , where Martin Luther King, Jr. completed his "I Have a Dream" speech. It’s a short walk from the Willard to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial , the newest landmark on the National Mall . Once you're down there, visi...