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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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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Capitol Hill

National Postal Museum

Smithsonian National Postal Museum

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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

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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Brookland

Saint John Paul II National Shrine

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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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Shaw

Eighteenth Street Lounge

Stunningly furnished venue with outdoor patio, a max capacity of up to 300 guests, located directly across from the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Options for live entertainment, full bar service, and catering.

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National Mall

National Museum of the American Latino

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Columbia Heights

Spain-USA Foundation

Located in the 16th Street, NW Historic District, the Former Residence of the Ambassadors of Spain serves as the headquarters of the Cultural Office of the Embassy of Spain

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Maryland

Live! Casino & Hotel

Live! is Maryland's #1 Tourist Attraction

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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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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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Downtown

National Environmental Museum and Educat...

National Environmental Museum and Education Center

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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...

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

May

22

2025

Downtown

Kimberly Akimbo

Now - Jun 01, 2025

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May

22

2025

Downtown

DC Latinx Pride

Now - Jun 08, 2025

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May

22

2025

Southwest & The Wharf

We Are Gathered

Now - Jun 13, 2025

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May

22

2025

Capitol Hill

Twelfth Night

Now - Jun 22, 2025

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May

22

2025

Logan Circle

Logan Circle Walking Tour

Now - Aug 31, 2025

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May

22

2025

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

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

Now - Jun 01, 2025

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May

22

2025

National Mall

The Peace Trail on the National Mall

Now - May 30, 2025

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May

22

2025

Virginia

Hedwig and the Angry Inch

Now - Jun 22, 2025

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May

22

2025

National Mall

Little Beasts: Art, Wonder, and the Natural World

Now - Nov 02, 2025

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May

22

2025

National Mall

Back and Forth: Rozeal., Titian, Cezanne

Now - Apr 25, 2026

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May

22

2025

Southwest & The Wharf

Bond In Motion Exhibition at the International Spy Museum

Now - Aug 29, 2025

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May

22

2025

National Mall

In the Tower: Chakaia Booker

Now - Aug 03, 2025

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May

22

2025

National Mall

Elizabeth Catlett: A Black Revolutionary Artist

Now - Jul 06, 2025

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May

22

2025

Dupont Circle

Essex Hemphill: Take care of your blessings

Now - Aug 31, 2025

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May

22

2025

U Street

U Streets Jazzed Up Cocktail Tour

Now - Apr 30, 2027

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May

22

2025

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Sex Work in Civil War Washington and Beyond

Now - May 22, 2025

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May

23

2025

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Guided Tour of the Missing Soldiers Office

May 23, 2025 - May 21, 2027

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May

23

2025

Dupont Circle

The Magic Duel Comedy Show at Pinstripes Georgetown

May 23, 2025 - May 31, 2025

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May

23

2025

Downtown

DC Black Pride Opening Reception

May 23, 2025

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May

24

2025

Capitol Hill

Iconic Capitol Hill Architecture Tour

May 24, 2025 - May 17, 2027

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

Order Your Free Visitors Guide

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Your Meeting Planner Toolkit

Museums with After-Hours Programming in Washington, DC

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Top Ways Washington, DC is a Sustainable City

Member Testimonials

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.

National Museum of Women in the Arts

National Museum of the Marine Corps

National Postal Museum

National Children's Museum

ARTECHOUSE

Anacostia Community Museum

Saint John Paul II National Shrine

National Museum of the American Indian

Eighteenth Street Lounge

National Museum of the American Latino

Spain-USA Foundation

Live! Casino & Hotel

Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art

9:30 Club

Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian Ameri...

National Environmental Museum and Educat...

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 of LGBTQ+ Culture & Arts in Washington, DC

The Best City to Visit in 2025

Upcoming Cultural & Performing Art Events

22

Downtown

Kimberly Akimbo

22

Downtown

DC Latinx Pride

22

Southwest & The Wharf

We Are Gathered

22

Capitol Hill

Twelfth Night

22

Logan Circle

Logan Circle Walking Tour

22

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

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

22

National Mall

The Peace Trail on the National Mall

22

Virginia

Hedwig and the Angry Inch

22

National Mall

Little Beasts: Art, Wonder, and the Natural World

22

National Mall

Back and Forth: Rozeal., Titian, Cezanne

22