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

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

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

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

National Mall

National Museum of the American Indian

Visit the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian

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SPONSORED

Capitol Hill

National Postal Museum

Smithsonian National Postal Museum

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Dupont Circle

Anderson House–The American Revolution I...

Experience the history and splendor of Gilded Age Washington at Anderson House, a 1905 Beaux Arts mansion built as the winter home of Larz Anderson, an American diplomat, and his wife, Isabel

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National Mall

Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art

The National Museum of Asian Art is dedicated to advancing public knowledge about the arts and cultures of Asia through exhibitions, publications, research and education.

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DC Metro Area

Charlie Ross Magic

Charlie Ross is a corporate magician, combining sleight-of-hand artistry and mind-reading entertainment to engage and inspire professionals.

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Upper Northwest

The Washington Ballet

The Washington Ballet (TWB) 2023/24 Season of Discovery Tickets On-Sale Now!

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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 Natural History

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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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National Mall

National Museum of the American Latino

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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...

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 ...

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

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

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 of 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

Aug

27

2025

Southwest & The Wharf

Last Chance to Experience Bond In Motion at the International Spy Museum!

Now - Sep 01, 2025

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Aug

27

2025

Virginia

Lives Bound Together: Slavery at Mount Vernon Exhibit

Now - Aug 27, 2027

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Aug

27

2025

National Mall

Little Beasts: Art, Wonder, and the Natural World

Now - Nov 02, 2025

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Aug

27

2025

National Mall

Back and Forth: Rozeal., Titian, Cezanne

Now - Apr 25, 2026

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Aug

27

2025

Dupont Circle

Essex Hemphill: Take care of your blessings

Now - Aug 31, 2025

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Aug

27

2025

National Mall

American Landscapes in Watercolor from the Corcoran Collection

Now - Feb 01, 2026

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Aug

27

2025

Southwest & The Wharf

Bond In Motion Exhibition at the International Spy Museum

Now - Aug 29, 2025

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Aug

28

2025

Logan Circle

Logan Circle Walking Tour

Now - Aug 31, 2025

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Aug

28

2025

Virginia

Play On!

Now - Oct 05, 2025

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Aug

28

2025

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Guided Tour of the Missing Soldiers Office

Aug 28, 2025 - Aug 27, 2027

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Aug

28

2025

Southwest & The Wharf

DC Jazz Festival 2025

Now - Aug 31, 2025

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Aug

28

2025

Dupont Circle

Happy Hour at Residents

Now - Jun 08, 2027

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Aug

28

2025

National Mall

Special Exhibitions and Installations

Now - Jan 01, 2027

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Aug

28

2025

Dupont Circle

Secret Beer Gardens

Now - Oct 22, 2025

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Aug

28

2025

Downtown

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

Now - Sep 07, 2025

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Aug

28

2025

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

LGBTJews in the Federal City

Now - Jan 04, 2026

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Aug

28

2025

Downtown

Faces of Civil War Nurses: A Photo Exhibit

Aug 28, 2025 - Aug 30, 2025

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Aug

28

2025

U Street

U Streets Jazzed Up Cocktail Tour

Aug 28, 2025 - Apr 30, 2027

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Aug

29

2025

Downtown

Magician Andi Gladwin: Shuffled

Aug 29, 2025

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Aug

30

2025

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

The Delegate Presents The Magic Duel

Aug 30, 2025 - Oct 25, 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

The District Blog

Great Patios for Eating & Drinking in Washington, DC

Your Guide to the 13 Coolest Neighborhoods in Washington, DC

What You Need to Know About Summer Restaurant Week

Order Your Free Visitors Guide

The District Blog

Great Patios for Eating & Drinking in Washington, DC

Your Guide to the 13 Coolest Neighborhoods in Washington, DC

What You Need to Know About Summer Restaurant Week

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

ARTECHOUSE

Anacostia Community Museum

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performin...

National Museum of Women in the Arts

National Museum of the Marine Corps

National Museum of the American Indian

National Postal Museum

Anderson House–The American Revolution I...

Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art

Charlie Ross Magic

The Washington Ballet

Zenith Gallery

National Museum of Natural History

The Phillips Collection

National Museum of the American Latino

Wildly Authentic Things to Do

Where to Find the Most Colorful Street Murals in Washington, DC

Smithsonian Museums in Washington, DC

Discover the National Gallery of Art East Building in Washington, DC

Theaters & Performance Spaces to See a Show 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 of LGBTQ+ Culture & Arts in Washington, DC

The Best City to Visit in 2025

Upcoming Cultural & Performing Art Events

27

Southwest & The Wharf

Last Chance to Experience Bond In Motion at the International Spy Museum!

27

Virginia

Lives Bound Together: Slavery at Mount Vernon Exhibit

27

National Mall

Little Beasts: Art, Wonder, and the Natural World

27

National Mall

Back and Forth: Rozeal., Titian, Cezanne

27

Dupont Circle

Essex Hemphill: Take care of your blessings

27

National Mall

American Landscapes in Watercolor from the Corcoran Collection

27

Southwest & The Wharf

Bond In Motion Exhibition at the International Spy Museum

28

Logan Circle

Logan Circle Walking Tour

28

Virginia

Play On!

28

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Guided Tour of the Missing Soldiers Office

28

Southwest & The Wharf

DC Jazz Festival 2025

28

Dupont Circle

Happy Hour at Residents

28

National Mall

Special Exhibitions and Installations

28