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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Brookland

Saint John Paul II National Shrine

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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

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

Anacostia

Anacostia Community Museum

Welcome to the Anacostia Community Museum

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SPONSORED

Foggy Bottom

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performin...

Book your meeting at the Nation's Cultural Center

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SPONSORED

Capitol Hill

National Postal Museum

Smithsonian National Postal Museum

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Petworth

President Lincoln's Cottage

President Lincoln's Cottage offers a unique, historic, and award-winning experience for locals and travelers alike!

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Upper Northwest

Zenith Gallery

Zenith Gallery, the premiere source of art in WDC, 45 years, hundreds of artists in a wide range of styles & mediums from monumental to small.

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National Mall

National Museum of African Art

Devoted to the collection, exhibition, conservation and study of the arts of Africa

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National Mall

Discovery Theater

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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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Maryland

Strathmore

There is no place quite like Strathmore in the Washington area

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H Street NE

Rorschach Theatre

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Southwest & The Wharf

Arena Stage at the Mead Center for Ameri...

Tony Award-winning theater with a focus on the production, presentation, development and study of American voices from classics to world premieres.

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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...

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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

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Upcoming Cultural & Performing Art Events

Mar

25

2025

National Mall

The ’70s Lens: Reimagining Documentary Photography

Now - Apr 06, 2025

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Mar

25

2025

National Mall

Elizabeth Catlett: A Black Revolutionary Artist

Now - Jul 06, 2025

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Mar

25

2025

Dupont Circle

Timeless Mucha: The Magic of Line

Now - May 18, 2025

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Mar

25

2025

Southwest & The Wharf

Bond In Motion Exhibition at the International Spy Museum

Now - Apr 25, 2025

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Mar

25

2025

Downtown

In Focus: Artists at Work

Now - Apr 20, 2025

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Mar

26

2025

Capitol Hill

A Room in the Castle

Now - Apr 06, 2025

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Mar

26

2025

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

It's a MF Pleasure

Now - Mar 30, 2025

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Mar

26

2025

Georgetown

Cherry Blossom Tasting Menu

Now - Apr 06, 2025

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Mar

26

2025

Southwest & The Wharf

The Age of Innocence

Now - Mar 28, 2025

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Mar

26

2025

Downtown

"Sister Act" at Ford's Theatre

Now - May 17, 2025

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Mar

26

2025

Virginia

Julia Fischer and Jan Lisiecki

Mar 26, 2025

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Mar

26

2025

National Mall

The Peace Trail on the National Mall

Now - May 30, 2025

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Mar

26

2025

Virginia

In the Heights

Now - May 04, 2025

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Mar

26

2025

Upper Northwest

47th Amethyst Anniversary

Mar 26, 2025 - Apr 19, 2025

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Mar

26

2025

Downtown

Film: Holding Back the Tide

Mar 26, 2025

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Mar

26

2025

Maryland

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

Mar 26, 2025 - Jun 25, 2025

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Mar

27

2025

Maryland

Il Volo

Mar 26, 2025

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Mar

27

2025

Downtown

Wikipedia Edit-a-thon

Mar 27, 2025

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Mar

27

2025

U Street

U Streets Jazzed Up Cocktail Tour

Mar 27, 2025 - Mar 25, 2027

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Mar

27

2025

Downtown

Dear Miss Perkins with Rebecca Brenner Graham

Mar 27, 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

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Celebrate WorldPride in Washington, DC: May 17 – June 8

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.

Saint John Paul II National Shrine

National Museum of Women in the Arts

National Children's Museum

National Museum of the Marine Corps

ARTECHOUSE

Anacostia Community Museum

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performin...

National Postal Museum

President Lincoln's Cottage

Zenith Gallery

National Museum of African Art

Discovery Theater

The Go-Go Museum & Cafe

Strathmore

Rorschach Theatre

Arena Stage at the Mead Center for Ameri...

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

25

National Mall

The ’70s Lens: Reimagining Documentary Photography

25

National Mall

Elizabeth Catlett: A Black Revolutionary Artist

25

Dupont Circle

Timeless Mucha: The Magic of Line

25

Southwest & The Wharf

Bond In Motion Exhibition at the International Spy Museum

25

Downtown

In Focus: Artists at Work

26

Capitol Hill

A Room in the Castle

26

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

It's a MF Pleasure

26

Georgetown

Cherry Blossom Tasting Menu

26

Southwest & The Wharf

The Age of Innocence

26

Downtown

"Sister Act" at Ford's Theatre

26