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

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

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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

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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Brookland

Saint John Paul II National Shrine

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SPONSORED

Anacostia

Anacostia Community Museum

Welcome to the Anacostia Community Museum

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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

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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Downtown

National Gallery of Art

National Gallery of Art: Of the nation and for all the people.

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Brookland

Basilica of the National Shrine of the I...

The largest Roman Catholic church in the United States and North America, and is one of the ten largest churches in the world.

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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 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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National Mall

Art Museum of the Americas, Organization...

The oldest museum of modern and contemporary Latin American and Caribbean art in the United States

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DC Metro Area

Mexican Cultural Institute

The Mexican Cultural Institute of Washington, D.C. is committed to enriching the relationship between Mexico and the United States by sharing Mexico's vibrant cultural past and present with the local community

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H Street NE

Rorschach Theatre

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Foggy Bottom

Shear Madness

Shrieks of Laughter, Night After Night at Shear Madness

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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...

Couple walking with child during Capital Pride Parade - LGBTQ Summer Events in Washington, DC

2 Days Exploring LGBTQ+ Washington, DC

The nation’s capital is one of the most diverse—and welcoming—cities...

The Best City to Visit in 2025

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

Upcoming Cultural & Performing Art Events

Apr

30

2025

Virginia

In the Heights

Now - May 04, 2025

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Apr

30

2025

Virginia

Hedwig and the Angry Inch

Now - Jun 22, 2025

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Apr

30

2025

Downtown

"Sister Act" at Ford's Theatre

Now - May 17, 2025

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Apr

30

2025

National Mall

The Peace Trail on the National Mall

Now - May 30, 2025

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Apr

30

2025

Southwest & The Wharf

Fake It Until You Make It

Now - May 02, 2025

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Apr

30

2025

National Mall

In the Tower: Chakaia Booker

Now - Aug 03, 2025

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Apr

30

2025

National Mall

Elizabeth Catlett: A Black Revolutionary Artist

Now - Jul 06, 2025

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Apr

30

2025

Dupont Circle

Timeless Mucha: The Magic of Line

Now - May 18, 2025

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Apr

30

2025

Southwest & The Wharf

Bond In Motion Exhibition at the International Spy Museum

Now - Aug 29, 2025

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Apr

30

2025

Downtown

Film: War Paint—Women at War

Now - Apr 30, 2025

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May

01

2025

Dupont Circle

VIP Business to Business Breakfast

May 01, 2025

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May

01

2025

U Street

U Streets Jazzed Up Cocktail Tour

May 01, 2025 - Apr 29, 2027

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May

02

2025

Dupont Circle

The Magic Duel Comedy Show at Pinstripes Georgetown

May 02, 2025 - May 31, 2025

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May

02

2025

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Guided Tour of the Missing Soldiers Office

May 02, 2025 - Apr 24, 2027

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May

02

2025

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Cinco de Mayo: The Mexican Way

May 02, 2025

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May

02

2025

Southwest & The Wharf

Enigma Traitors with Dermot Turing

May 02, 2025

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May

03

2025

Virginia

Taste of Tysons Corner

May 03, 2025

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May

03

2025

Capitol Hill

Iconic Capitol Hill Architecture Tour

Now - Apr 26, 2027

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May

03

2025

Dupont Circle

Experience Egypt: A Celebration of Heritage, Art and Flavor

May 03, 2025

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May

03

2025

Virginia

Revolutionary War Weekend

May 03, 2025 - May 04, 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.

The District Blog

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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 Children's Museum

National Museum of the Marine Corps

National Postal Museum

ARTECHOUSE

Saint John Paul II National Shrine

Anacostia Community Museum

National Museum of the American Indian

National Museum of Women in the Arts

National Gallery of Art

Basilica of the National Shrine of the I...

National Portrait Gallery

National Museum of American History

Art Museum of the Americas, Organization...

Mexican Cultural Institute

Rorschach Theatre

Shear Madness

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+ Washington, DC

The Best City to Visit in 2025

Upcoming Cultural & Performing Art Events

30

Virginia

In the Heights

30

Virginia

Hedwig and the Angry Inch

30

Downtown

"Sister Act" at Ford's Theatre

30

National Mall

The Peace Trail on the National Mall

30

Southwest & The Wharf

Fake It Until You Make It

30

National Mall

In the Tower: Chakaia Booker

30

National Mall

Elizabeth Catlett: A Black Revolutionary Artist

30

Dupont Circle

Timeless Mucha: The Magic of Line

30

Southwest & The Wharf

Bond In Motion Exhibition at the International Spy Museum

30

Downtown

Film: War Paint—Women at War

01