Things to do the week of April 29 – May 2, 2024
We've gathered up some things to do across the nation's capital, including museum exhibits, concerts, only-in-DC events and much more. Don't miss our things to do this weekend and things to do this month as well.
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Monday
Brilliant Exiles: American Women in Paris, 1900-1939
Be amazed by sixty defiant women who made the courageous decision to cross the Atlantic Ocean to pursue their artistic dreams immersed in the majesty of Paris and its dynamic cultural scene. Brilliant Exiles marks the first exhibition to focus on the impact of American women on Paris – and of Paris on American women – from 1900 to the outbreak of the second World War. You can gaze at portraits of icons such as Josephine Baker, Isadora Duncan, Zelda Fitzgerald, Loïs Mailou Jones, Edna St. Vincent Millay, Anaïs Nin, Gertrude Stein, Ethel Waters and Anna May Wong.
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission
National Portrait Gallery, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20001
AdMo Art Walk
Immerse yourself in the arts and culture of historic Adams Morgan through this year's AdMo Art Walk. Pathfinders will be able to discover the work of 23 local artists – as well as the 19 neighborhood businesses that will have pieces on display – with the option to map their own route or join one of the DC Arts Center's free guided walking tours. The first weekend kicks off with an Opening Night Reception on May 11, which is slated to include a special tour with commentary from the artists themselves.
More Info | Free Admission
2438 18th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
Do Ho Suh: Public Figures
South Korean artist Do Ho Suh has created a special edition of his work Public Figures for installation at the very front of the National Museum of Asian Art, signifying the next phase of the museum. Suh was commissioned for the project thanks to his outstanding international reputation. He was one of the earliest contemporary artists featured at the museum and this new sculpture will be the first installed outside the Freer Gallery of Art in more than 30 years.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
National Museum of Asian Art, 1050 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560
Tuesday
Jennifer Bartlett: In and Out of the Garden – Final Day
One of the most ambitious projects of Jennifer Bartlett’s career is the centerpiece of the latest exhibit at The Phillips Collection. During a 1979-80 winter stay at a friend’s rented house in Nice, France, Bartlett embarked on what would turn into a years-long quest to depict a small, rundown garden on the property from literally hundreds of perspectives. Known for her rigorous combination of mathematical elements, abstract expressionism and minimalism, Bartlett’s artistic interpretations of the garden evolved from freehand drawings to paintings on steel plates, canvas and glass, many of which are featured in the exhibition.
Hours & Admission
The Phillips Collection, 1600 21st Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
New Worlds: Women to Watch 2024
Discover how recent global turmoil has impacted and inspired women artists. Works by 28 artists are featured in New Worlds: Women to Watch 2024, offering pieces that explore a range of geographies, cultural viewpoints and perspectives. The exhibit immerses visitors in the National Museum of Women in the Arts’ renewed spaces. It is the seventh and largest installment of the museum’s Women to Watch exhibition series.
Hours & Admission
National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005
HAIR
Signature Theatre Company hosts a classic rock musical that broke new ground with its rebellion, spirit and psychedelic colors when it debuted in 1967. HAIR concerns a group of hippies on the verge of adulthood who champion freedom, pacifism and joy, but are confronted by a world thrown into chaos when one of their friends is drafted to the Vietnam War. The play features unforgettable songs such as “Aquarius,” “Let the Sunshine In,” and “Good Morning, Starshine”.
Tickets
Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, VA 22206
Wednesday
Passport DC
A month of programming across the city focuses on highlighting DC’s international culture. The Around the World Embassy Tour and the European Union Open House are annual highlights. Most events and tours can be enjoyed entirely free of charge. Read our guide to all of the fun and get more details at Events DC’s site below.
More Info
Hideaki Miyamura / Smithsonian Craft Show
Smithsonian Craft Show
Revel in the talents of craft and design artists from all across the U.S. at the annual Smithsonian Craft Show. In addition to the five-day show, programming also includes a Preview Night benefit and party, a panel of award winners called “Trio in Glass” and a luncheon and talk on the topic of “Saving Culture and Art in Crisis". All proceeds benefit Smithsonian programs and museums.
Tickets
National Building Museum, 401 F Street Northwest, Washington, DC 20001
Little Shop of Horrors
Originally a sci-fi/horror comedy film released in 1960, Little Shop of Horrors then became an off-Broadway musical in the early 1980s. Yet another film adaptation followed a few years later, showing how this timeless story of a floral shop assistant and his singing, deadly plant will always dazzle audiences. The historic Ford’s Theatre revives the dynamic production during its upcoming spring season. Make sure to use code DDCSHOP20 for 20% off your tickets to the show (valid for March 16 - April 6 & May 1-18; limit two tickets per purchase)!
Tickets
Ford's Theatre, 511 10th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Amm(i)gone
Creator and performer Adil Mansoor must decide whether he should bury his queerness from his devout Muslim mother in a wondrous performance that blends Greek tragedy, teachings from the Quran and audio conversations. Mansoor has created an extremely powerful personal story about locating love across faith that is not to be missed at DC's Woolly Mammoth Theatre.
Tickets
Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, 641 D Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
Thursday
Up Close with Paul Cézanne
The Phillips Collection unveils two recently conserved works by French painter Paul Cézanne in an exciting new exhibit. The major paintings, Mont Sainte-Victoire (1886-87) and Self-Portrait (1878-80), are part of the museum’s world-renowned collection by the legendary artist and will be displayed together for the first time in decades along with five other pieces by Cézanne. Learn about the conservation of Mont Sainte-Victoire and Self-Portrait and how it reveals details previously obscured by varnishes while providing insight into the artist’s process.
Hours & Admission
The Phillips Collection, 1600 21st Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
Pattern and Paradox: The Quilts of Amish Women
Learn about the fascinating connection between Amish Women and quilting thanks to a new exhibit at the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Over time, the practice has transcended its utilitarian roots and become a form of artistic expression for Amish Women. Treat your eyes to a wondrous mix of colors and patterns as you marvel at the innovation of extraordinary quilts.
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission
Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20004
ISEKAI: Blooming Parallel Worlds
ARTECHOUSE welcomes visitors to its seventh annual installation dedicated to celebrating the beauty of the cherry blossoms in DC. The museum treats your eyes to an exhibit inspired by the Isekai genre of Anime, allowing for the exploration of alternate universes stacked with colors, adventures and immersive technologies. Make sure to take advantage of tickets with a 10% discount.
Tickets (10% off)
ARTECHOUSE, 1238 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20024
Unknown Soldier
Arena Stage welcomes an elegiac musical that concerns Ellen Rabinowitz, who discovers a photo of an anonymous soldier while cleaning out her grandmother’s home. Daniel Goldstein and the late Michael Friedman penned this captivating tale of a woman’s journey to uncover the secrets of her family’s past, inevitably leading her towards the future.
Tickets
Arena Stage, 1101 6th Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
Places to Stay
Need some inspiration for a place to stay in between events? Washington, DC is filled with a multitude of hotels to fit your needs. Whether you are looking for that specialty boutique hotel or booking at your favorite hotel brand, Washington, DC's booking engine has it all. Find your stay today!
#Only1DC Photo of the Week
Do you know where you’ll be dining pre- or post-event? From pop-up restaurants to Michelin-starred hot spots to laid-back food halls, our DC food guide is perfect for helping you plan a more memorable experience.
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