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 Children's Museum

A playful learning adventure awaits at National Children's 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

Anacostia

Anacostia Community Museum

Welcome to the Anacostia Community Museum

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SPONSORED

Capitol Hill

National Postal Museum

Smithsonian National Postal 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

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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Dupont Circle

The Phillips Collection

Encounter superb works of modern art in an intimate setting at The Phillips Collection, an internationally recognized museum in Washington's vibrant Dupont Circle neighborhood.

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DC Metro Area

Mexican Cultural Institute

The Mexican Cultural Institute of Washington, D.C. is committed to enriching the relationship between Mexico and the United States by sharing Mexico's vibrant cultural past and present with the local community

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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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National Mall

National Archives Museum

Home to the original Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights, the National Archives holds more than 15 billion records.

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Dupont Circle

Woodrow Wilson House

Dine intimately in the presidential Dining Room, enjoy cocktails throughout the main museum rooms or relax and unwind in the tranquil period garden.

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Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Sixth & I

Sixth & I is a center for arts, entertainment, ideas, and Jewish life in Washington, DC.

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Embassy Row

Theatre Washington

Experience Theatre in Washington, DC

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Downtown

DAR Constitution Hall

Newly-renovated 3,702-seat facility capable of hosting a wide variety of events, including concerts, television, meetings, commencements and award shows

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Wildly Authentic Things to Do

Guests Taking Photo of Ben's Chili Bowl Mural

Learn More

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...

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...

Grab A Seat: Washington, DC’s Theaters Are Must-See Attractions

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...

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...

The Best City to Visit in 2025

Washington, DC shines with can’t-miss events, new exhibits and prais...

Upcoming Cultural & Performing Art Events

Apr

26

2025

Dupont Circle

Timeless Mucha: The Magic of Line

Now - May 18, 2025

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Apr

26

2025

National Mall

Elizabeth Catlett: A Black Revolutionary Artist

Now - Jul 06, 2025

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Apr

26

2025

National Mall

In the Tower: Chakaia Booker

Now - Aug 03, 2025

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Apr

26

2025

Eckington Flea

Now - May 24, 2025

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Apr

26

2025

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

"Sister Act" at Ford's Theatre: A Sensory-Friendly Performance

Now - Apr 26, 2025

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Apr

26

2025

U Street

U Streets Jazzed Up Cocktail Tour

Now - Apr 24, 2027

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Apr

27

2025

Downtown

"Sister Act" at Ford's Theatre

Now - May 17, 2025

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Apr

27

2025

Virginia

Hedwig and the Angry Inch

Now - Jun 22, 2025

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Apr

27

2025

National Mall

The Peace Trail on the National Mall

Now - May 30, 2025

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Apr

27

2025

Virginia

In the Heights

Now - May 04, 2025

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Apr

27

2025

Capitol Hill

The Flea Market at Eastern Market

Apr 27, 2025 - May 25, 2025

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Apr

28

2025

Capitol Hill

Iconic Capitol Hill Architecture Tour

Now - Apr 26, 2027

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Apr

28

2025

Southwest & The Wharf

Fake It Until You Make It

Now - May 02, 2025

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Apr

28

2025

Southwest & The Wharf

Bond In Motion Exhibition at the International Spy Museum

Now - Aug 29, 2025

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Apr

28

2025

Petworth

Monday Fun-Day

Apr 28, 2025

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Apr

29

2025

Brookland

BFD Tuesdays

Apr 29, 2025 - May 27, 2025

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Apr

30

2025

Downtown

Film: War Paint—Women at War

Apr 30, 2025

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May

01

2025

Dupont Circle

VIP Business to Business Breakfast

May 01, 2025

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May

02

2025

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Guided Tour of the Missing Soldiers Office

Now - Apr 24, 2027

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May

02

2025

Dupont Circle

The Magic Duel Comedy Show at Pinstripes Georgetown

Now - May 31, 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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Partner Content

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Learn more about how Washington, DC invests in the next generation of hospitality and tourism leaders.

The District Blog

Great Patios for Eating & Drinking in Washington, DC

Your Guide to the 13 Coolest Neighborhoods in Washington, DC

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.

ARTECHOUSE

National Children's Museum

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performin...

Anacostia Community Museum

National Postal Museum

National Museum of the Marine Corps

Saint John Paul II National Shrine

National Museum of Women in the Arts

The Phillips Collection

Mexican Cultural Institute

Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian Ameri...

National Archives Museum

Woodrow Wilson House

Sixth & I

Theatre Washington

DAR Constitution Hall

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

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

2 Days Exploring LGBTQ+ Washington, DC

The Best City to Visit in 2025

Upcoming Cultural & Performing Art Events

26

Dupont Circle

Timeless Mucha: The Magic of Line

26

National Mall

Elizabeth Catlett: A Black Revolutionary Artist

26

National Mall

In the Tower: Chakaia Booker

26

Eckington Flea

26

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

"Sister Act" at Ford's Theatre: A Sensory-Friendly Performance

26

U Street

U Streets Jazzed Up Cocktail Tour

27

Downtown

"Sister Act" at Ford's Theatre

27

Virginia

Hedwig and the Angry Inch

27

National Mall

The Peace Trail on the National Mall

27

Virginia

In the Heights

27

Capitol Hill