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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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

Downtown

National Children's Museum

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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

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

Capitol Hill

National Postal Museum

Smithsonian National Postal Museum

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Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Warner Theatre

The Warner is host to a variety of televised events, award shows, conferences, film screenings and unique dinners on stage.

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U Street

9:30 Club

Concert venue located a few blocks from the U Street Metro stop

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Downtown

Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian Ameri...

Permanent collection and exhibitions of American crafts. This gem of a museum, located in a historic building near the White House, is dedicated to exhibiting the finest American crafts from the 19th century to the present

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Mount Vernon Square

Never Looked Better DC

Located in historic Blagden Alley.

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Anacostia

The Go-Go Museum & Cafe

The Go-Go Museum & Café’s 16 interactive exhibits, recording studio and concert stages celebrate the past, present and future of go-go

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Downtown

The Octagon

Visit The Octagon, DC's oldest private residence

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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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Upper Northwest

Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens

One of the premier art collector's museums in the United States

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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...

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A variety of performances grace stages throughout the District – her...

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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 ...

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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

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Grandfather of Go-Go Chuck Brown Mural by Aniekan Udofia

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Upcoming Cultural & Performing Art Events

Feb

22

2025

Virginia

The Second City

Now - Feb 22, 2025

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Feb

22

2025

Virginia

George Washington's Birthday Celebration with a Behind-the-Scenes Mansion Tour

Now - Feb 22, 2025

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Feb

22

2025

Downtown

Samantha Box: Confluences

Now - Mar 23, 2025

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Feb

22

2025

Dupont Circle

Timeless Mucha: The Magic of Line

Now - May 18, 2025

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Feb

22

2025

Eckington Flea

Now - May 24, 2025

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Feb

22

2025

Downtown

In Focus: Artists at Work

Now - Apr 20, 2025

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Feb

22

2025

National Mall

The ’70s Lens: Reimagining Documentary Photography

Now - Apr 06, 2025

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Feb

22

2025

National Mall

Spirit & Strength: Modern Art from Haiti

Now - Mar 09, 2025

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Feb

22

2025

Upper Northwest

Hold On, Change is Coming

Now - Mar 01, 2025

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Feb

22

2025

National Mall

Cinema & Conversation: Screening of Will (1981)

Now - Feb 22, 2025

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Feb

22

2025

Upper Northwest

Hold On, Change is Coming

Now - Mar 01, 2025

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Feb

22

2025

Upper Northwest

Hold On, Change is Coming

Now - Mar 01, 2025

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Feb

22

2025

U Street

U Streets Jazzed Up Cocktail Tour

Now - Feb 20, 2027

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Feb

22

2025

Downtown

Mentalist Brian Curry The Good Liar

Now - Feb 22, 2025

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Feb

23

2025

Logan Circle

Laughing Matters

Now - Feb 22, 2025

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Feb

23

2025

Southwest & The Wharf

Don't Tell Comedy Show

Now - Feb 22, 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

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

Virginia

Job

Now - Mar 16, 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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Free Things to Do: Best of Washington, DC

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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 Women in the Arts

National Children's Museum

National Museum of the Marine Corps

Anacostia Community Museum

National Museum of the American Indian

Saint John Paul II National Shrine

National Postal Museum

Warner Theatre

9:30 Club

Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian Ameri...

Never Looked Better DC

The Go-Go Museum & Cafe

The Octagon

National Gallery of Art

Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens

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

22

Virginia

The Second City

22

Virginia

George Washington's Birthday Celebration with a Behind-the-Scenes Mansion Tour

22

Downtown

Samantha Box: Confluences

22

Dupont Circle

Timeless Mucha: The Magic of Line

22

Eckington Flea

22

Downtown

In Focus: Artists at Work

22

National Mall

The ’70s Lens: Reimagining Documentary Photography

22

National Mall

Spirit & Strength: Modern Art from Haiti

22

Upper Northwest

Hold On, Change is Coming

22

National Mall

Cinema & Conversation: Screening of Will (1981)

22

Upper Northwest