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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Foggy Bottom

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performin...

Book your meeting at the Nation's Cultural Center

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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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Downtown

National Children's Museum

A playful learning adventure awaits at National Children's Museum!

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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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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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National Mall

National Museum of the American Indian

Visit the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian

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Capitol Hill

National Postal Museum

Smithsonian National Postal Museum

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Penn Quarter & Chinatown

National Portrait Gallery

The National Portrait Gallery gives visitors a chance to meet fascinating Americans from more than 225 years of history in its halls

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National Mall

National Museum of Natural History

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Virginia

National Inventors Hall of Fame Museum

Find Inspiration at the National Inventors Hall of Fame Museum

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National Mall

Smithsonian Office of Visitor Services

Known as the Castle, the oldest of the 19 Smithsonian museums houses the Smithsonian Visitor Center, which offers volunteers ..

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Brookland

Alamo Drafthouse Cinema

Our Brookland location was opened in December 2021 boasting 9 auditoriums and a total of 870 seats.

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Downtown

The National Theatre

Located on Pennsylvania Avenue near the White House, the historic National is one of America's oldest, continually-operating theaters.

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Anacostia

Frederick Douglass National Historic Sit...

The Frederick Douglass National Historic Site preserves the last residence of Frederick Douglass (1818 -1895), one of the most prominent African American leaders of the 19th century

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Dupont Circle

O Museum In The Mansion

With over 100 rooms and 80 secret doors, O Museum in The Mansion is one of the most unique experiences in the world.

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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...

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...

A couple looks at a colorful painting at the Phillips Collection.

2 Days Exploring LGBTQ+ Culture & Arts in Washington, DC

Whether during Pride or year-round, visitors and locals can embrace ...

The Best City to Visit in 2025

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

Upcoming Cultural & Performing Art Events

May

10

2025

National Mall

In the Tower: Chakaia Booker

Now - Aug 03, 2025

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May

10

2025

Dupont Circle

Timeless Mucha: The Magic of Line

Now - May 18, 2025

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May

10

2025

National Mall

Her Brush, Her Story: A Special Art Tour at the National Gallery

Now - May 10, 2025

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May

10

2025

National Mall

Elizabeth Catlett: A Black Revolutionary Artist

Now - Jul 06, 2025

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May

10

2025

Eckington Flea

Now - May 24, 2025

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May

10

2025

Virginia

George Washington Whiskey Tasting

Now - Jun 28, 2025

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May

10

2025

U Street

U Streets Jazzed Up Cocktail Tour

Now - Apr 30, 2027

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May

10

2025

U Street

The Harlem Renaissance in DC Walking Tour

Now - May 10, 2025

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May

10

2025

National Mall

Mother's Day at The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City

Now - May 11, 2025

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May

11

2025

Downtown

Firsthand Experience: Hula Hoop

Now - May 10, 2025

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May

11

2025

Downtown

"Sister Act" at Ford's Theatre

Now - May 17, 2025

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May

11

2025

Virginia

Hedwig and the Angry Inch

Now - Jun 22, 2025

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May

11

2025

National Mall

The Peace Trail on the National Mall

Now - May 30, 2025

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May

11

2025

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Akira Kurosawa Explains His Movies and Yogurt (with live & active cultures!)

Now - Jun 01, 2025

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May

11

2025

Logan Circle

Logan Circle Walking Tour

Now - Aug 31, 2025

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May

11

2025

Capitol Hill

The Flea Market at Eastern Market

May 11, 2025 - May 25, 2025

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May

12

2025

Capitol Hill

Iconic Capitol Hill Architecture Tour

Now - May 08, 2027

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May

12

2025

Southwest & The Wharf

Bond In Motion Exhibition at the International Spy Museum

Now - Aug 29, 2025

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May

13

2025

Brookland

BFD Tuesdays

May 13, 2025 - May 27, 2025

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May

14

2025

Capitol Hill

Twelfth Night

May 14, 2025 - Jun 22, 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 Partnerships

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.

Saint John Paul II National Shrine

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performin...

ARTECHOUSE

National Children's Museum

National Museum of Women in the Arts

National Museum of the Marine Corps

National Museum of the American Indian

National Postal Museum

National Portrait Gallery

National Museum of Natural History

National Inventors Hall of Fame Museum

Smithsonian Office of Visitor Services

Alamo Drafthouse Cinema

The National Theatre

Frederick Douglass National Historic Sit...

O Museum In The Mansion

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+ Culture & Arts in Washington, DC

The Best City to Visit in 2025

Upcoming Cultural & Performing Art Events

10

National Mall

In the Tower: Chakaia Booker

10

Dupont Circle

Timeless Mucha: The Magic of Line

10

National Mall

Her Brush, Her Story: A Special Art Tour at the National Gallery

10

National Mall

Elizabeth Catlett: A Black Revolutionary Artist

10

Eckington Flea

10

Virginia

George Washington Whiskey Tasting

10

U Street

U Streets Jazzed Up Cocktail Tour

10

U Street

The Harlem Renaissance in DC Walking Tour

10

National Mall

Mother's Day at The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City

11

Downtown

Firsthand Experience: Hula Hoop

11

Downtown