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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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

Brookland

Saint John Paul II National Shrine

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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

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

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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Southwest & The Wharf

The Anthem

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Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Shakespeare Theatre Company

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Virginia

National Museum of the United States Arm...

The National Museum of the United States Army

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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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Columbia Heights

Spain-USA Foundation

Enjoy and discover cultural events and works of internationally renowned Spanish artists in the fields such as design, urban culture, architecture, visual arts, performing arts, literature and music

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Mount Vernon Square

Cloakroom

DC's premier venue features 5,000 sq. ft. of space, a rooftop with panoramic views, a large stage, high-tech sound and lighting and luxe finishes.

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Penn Quarter & Chinatown

DC History Center

Learn about local Washington, DC history!

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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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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

Jul

02

2025

Virginia

Lives Bound Together: Slavery at Mount Vernon Exhibit

Now - Jul 02, 2027

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Jul

02

2025

National Mall

Elizabeth Catlett: A Black Revolutionary Artist

Now - Jul 06, 2025

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Jul

02

2025

National Mall

Back and Forth: Rozeal., Titian, Cezanne

Now - Apr 25, 2026

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Jul

02

2025

National Mall

In the Tower: Chakaia Booker

Now - Aug 03, 2025

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Jul

02

2025

Dupont Circle

Essex Hemphill: Take care of your blessings

Now - Aug 31, 2025

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Jul

02

2025

National Mall

Little Beasts: Art, Wonder, and the Natural World

Now - Nov 02, 2025

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Jul

02

2025

Southwest & The Wharf

Bond In Motion Exhibition at the International Spy Museum

Now - Aug 29, 2025

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Jul

03

2025

Virginia

The Untitled Unauthorized Hunter S. Thompson

Now - Jul 13, 2025

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Jul

03

2025

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Duel Reality

Now - Jul 20, 2025

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Jul

03

2025

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

LGBTJews in the Federal City

Now - Jan 04, 2026

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Jul

03

2025

Southwest & The Wharf

A Wrinkle in Time

Now - Jul 18, 2025

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Jul

03

2025

Dupont Circle

Happy Hour at Residents

Now - Jun 08, 2027

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Jul

03

2025

Logan Circle

Logan Circle Walking Tour

Now - Aug 31, 2025

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Jul

03

2025

U Street

U Streets Jazzed Up Cocktail Tour

Jul 03, 2025 - Apr 30, 2027

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Jul

03

2025

Dupont Circle

Phillips after 5: Summer Fiesta

Jul 03, 2025

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Jul

04

2025

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Guided Tour of the Missing Soldiers Office

Jul 04, 2025 - Jul 02, 2027

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Jul

04

2025

Downtown

July 4th at the National Archives

Jul 04, 2025

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Jul

04

2025

Downtown

Faces of Civil War Nurses: A Photo Exhibit

Jul 04, 2025 - Aug 30, 2025

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Jul

04

2025

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Friends N' Fireworks

Jul 04, 2025

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Jul

04

2025

Georgetown

4th of July at the River Club

Jul 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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Partner Content

The District Blog

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Your Guide to the 13 Coolest Neighborhoods in Washington, DC

Ways to Celebrate Fourth of July in DC

Order Your Free Visitors Guide

5 Reasons to Partner with a DMO

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Your Meeting Planner Toolkit

Museums with After-Hours Programming in Washington, DC

Learning on Location

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

Ways to Celebrate Fourth of July in DC

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.

Anacostia Community Museum

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performin...

Saint John Paul II National Shrine

National Children's Museum

National Museum of Women in the Arts

National Museum of the Marine Corps

National Postal Museum

ARTECHOUSE

The Anthem

Shakespeare Theatre Company

National Museum of the United States Arm...

Basilica of the National Shrine of the I...

Spain-USA Foundation

Cloakroom

DC History Center

Mexican Cultural Institute

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

02

Virginia

Lives Bound Together: Slavery at Mount Vernon Exhibit

02

National Mall

Elizabeth Catlett: A Black Revolutionary Artist

02

National Mall

Back and Forth: Rozeal., Titian, Cezanne

02

National Mall

In the Tower: Chakaia Booker

02

Dupont Circle

Essex Hemphill: Take care of your blessings

02

National Mall

Little Beasts: Art, Wonder, and the Natural World

02

Southwest & The Wharf

Bond In Motion Exhibition at the International Spy Museum

03

Virginia

The Untitled Unauthorized Hunter S. Thompson

03

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Duel Reality

03

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

LGBTJews in the Federal City

03