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 Children's Museum

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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

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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SPONSORED

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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Southwest & The Wharf

Rubell Museum

Rubell Museum DC brings the Rubell Family’s extensive contemporary art collection to the nation’s capital.

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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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National Mall

National Museum of American History

The National Museum of American History showcases national treasures, like the Star-Spangled Banner and special exhibits on girlhood and religion

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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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Capitol Hill

Hill Center at the Old Naval Hospital

Hill Center aims to broaden the horizons of all who enter by providing high-quality arts, education, and cultural programs to engage more fully in the life of our city.

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Virginia

National Museum of the United States Arm...

The National Museum of the United States Army

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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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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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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

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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...

The Best City to Visit in 2025

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Upcoming Cultural & Performing Art Events

Feb

27

2025

Dupont Circle

Winter Wonderland

Now - Feb 28, 2025

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Feb

27

2025

Mount Vernon Square

Marvin Bowser's "BlackHair" at MVT Photo Walk

Now - Feb 28, 2025

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Feb

27

2025

Virginia

Job

Now - Mar 16, 2025

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Feb

27

2025

Virginia

In the Heights

Now - May 04, 2025

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Feb

27

2025

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Kunene and the King

Now - Mar 16, 2025

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Feb

27

2025

National Mall

The Peace Trail on the National Mall

Now - May 30, 2025

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Feb

27

2025

Downtown

Shucked

Now - Mar 02, 2025

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Feb

27

2025

Virginia

Masters of Hawaiian Music

Now - Feb 27, 2025

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Feb

27

2025

Downtown

In Focus: Artists at Work

Now - Apr 20, 2025

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Feb

27

2025

Downtown

Samantha Box: Confluences

Now - Mar 23, 2025

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Feb

27

2025

Southwest & The Wharf

Bond In Motion Exhibition at the International Spy Museum

Now - Apr 25, 2025

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Feb

27

2025

National Mall

The ’70s Lens: Reimagining Documentary Photography

Now - Apr 06, 2025

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Feb

27

2025

National Mall

Spirit & Strength: Modern Art from Haiti

Now - Mar 09, 2025

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Feb

27

2025

Dupont Circle

Timeless Mucha: The Magic of Line

Now - May 18, 2025

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Feb

27

2025

Upper Northwest

Hold On, Change is Coming

Now - Mar 01, 2025

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Feb

27

2025

Upper Northwest

Hold On, Change is Coming

Now - Mar 01, 2025

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Feb

27

2025

Upper Northwest

Hold On, Change is Coming

Now - Mar 01, 2025

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Feb

27

2025

U Street

U Streets Jazzed Up Cocktail Tour

Now - Feb 26, 2027

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Feb

27

2025

Downtown

The Highest Calling: A Conversation With David M. Rubenstein

Now - Feb 27, 2025

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Mar

01

2025

Southwest & The Wharf

Girl Scout Sneak-In

Feb 28, 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

15+ Speakeasy Bars & Hidden Cocktail Lounges in Washington, DC

Your Guide to the 13 Coolest Neighborhoods in Washington, DC

Why DC is the Best City to Visit in 2025

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 Children's Museum

National Museum of Women in the Arts

ARTECHOUSE

Anacostia Community Museum

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performin...

National Postal Museum

Saint John Paul II National Shrine

National Museum of the American Indian

Rubell Museum

Sixth & I

National Museum of American History

Spain-USA Foundation

Hill Center at the Old Naval Hospital

National Museum of the United States Arm...

Spain-USA Foundation

Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art

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

27

Dupont Circle

Winter Wonderland

27

Mount Vernon Square

Marvin Bowser's "BlackHair" at MVT Photo Walk

27

Virginia

Job

27

Virginia

In the Heights

27

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Kunene and the King

27

National Mall

The Peace Trail on the National Mall

27

Downtown

Shucked

27

Virginia

Masters of Hawaiian Music

27

Downtown

In Focus: Artists at Work

27

Downtown

Samantha Box: Confluences

27