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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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

Foggy Bottom

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performin...

Book your meeting at the Nation's Cultural Center

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SPONSORED

Anacostia

Anacostia Community Museum

Welcome to the Anacostia Community Museum

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SPONSORED

Brookland

Saint John Paul II National Shrine

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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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National Mall

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

Located between 14th St. and Raoul Wallenberg Pl., SW (formerly 15th St

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Downtown

Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle

Established in 1840, St. Matthew's is the mother church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington

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Shaw

The Howard Theatre

One-of-a-Kind Private Event Experience: From Concert Venue to Corporate Awards Dinner

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Southwest & The Wharf

Arena Stage at the Mead Center for Ameri...

Tony Award-winning theater with a focus on the production, presentation, development and study of American voices from classics to world premieres.

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Foggy Bottom

Shear Madness

Shrieks of Laughter, Night After Night at Shear Madness

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Downtown

DAR Constitution Hall

Newly-renovated 3,702-seat facility capable of hosting a wide variety of events, including concerts, television, meetings, commencements and award shows

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Upper Northwest

Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens

One of the premier art collector's museums in the United States

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Georgetown

Tudor Place Historic House & Garden

Tudor Place offers unique and intimate settings perfect for special occasions.

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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...

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

09

2025

Virginia

Lives Bound Together: Slavery at Mount Vernon Exhibit

Now - Jul 08, 2027

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Jul

09

2025

National Mall

Back and Forth: Rozeal., Titian, Cezanne

Now - Apr 25, 2026

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Jul

09

2025

Dupont Circle

Essex Hemphill: Take care of your blessings

Now - Aug 31, 2025

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Jul

09

2025

National Mall

In the Tower: Chakaia Booker

Now - Aug 03, 2025

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Jul

09

2025

National Mall

Little Beasts: Art, Wonder, and the Natural World

Now - Nov 02, 2025

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Jul

09

2025

Downtown

Free Community Day with Extended Summer Hours

Now - Jul 09, 2025

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Jul

09

2025

Southwest & The Wharf

Bond In Motion Exhibition at the International Spy Museum

Now - Aug 29, 2025

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Jul

09

2025

Downtown

Arlo's Living Room Gallery: Rose Jaffe Exhibit Opening Reception

Now - Jul 09, 2025

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Jul

09

2025

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Author Talk with Dr. Jake Desai-Newsome: Pink Triangle Legacies

Now - Jul 09, 2025

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Jul

10

2025

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

LGBTJews in the Federal City

Now - Jan 04, 2026

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Jul

10

2025

Dupont Circle

Happy Hour at Residents

Now - Jun 08, 2027

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Jul

10

2025

Logan Circle

Logan Circle Walking Tour

Now - Aug 31, 2025

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Jul

10

2025

Virginia

Stone Soup… and Other Stories

Now - Jul 10, 2025

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Jul

10

2025

Southwest & The Wharf

A Wrinkle in Time

Now - Jul 18, 2025

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Jul

10

2025

Downtown

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

Now - Sep 07, 2025

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Jul

10

2025

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Ali Wong and Bill Hader Present

Now - Jul 27, 2025

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Jul

10

2025

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Duel Reality

Now - Jul 20, 2025

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Jul

10

2025

Virginia

The Untitled Unauthorized Hunter S. Thompson

Now - Jul 13, 2025

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Jul

10

2025

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Guided Tour of the Missing Soldiers Office

Jul 10, 2025 - Jul 08, 2027

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Jul

10

2025

Downtown

Faces of Civil War Nurses: A Photo Exhibit

Jul 10, 2025 - Aug 30, 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

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Your Guide to the 13 Coolest Neighborhoods in Washington, DC

What You Need to Know About Summer Restaurant Week

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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

What You Need to Know About Summer Restaurant Week

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

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performin...

Anacostia Community Museum

Saint John Paul II National Shrine

National Museum of the Marine Corps

National Postal Museum

ARTECHOUSE

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle

The Howard Theatre

Arena Stage at the Mead Center for Ameri...

Shear Madness

DAR Constitution Hall

Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens

Tudor Place Historic House & Garden

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

09

Virginia

Lives Bound Together: Slavery at Mount Vernon Exhibit

09

National Mall

Back and Forth: Rozeal., Titian, Cezanne

09

Dupont Circle

Essex Hemphill: Take care of your blessings

09

National Mall

In the Tower: Chakaia Booker

09

National Mall

Little Beasts: Art, Wonder, and the Natural World

09

Downtown

Free Community Day with Extended Summer Hours

09

Southwest & The Wharf

Bond In Motion Exhibition at the International Spy Museum

09

Downtown

Arlo's Living Room Gallery: Rose Jaffe Exhibit Opening Reception

09

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Author Talk with Dr. Jake Desai-Newsome: Pink Triangle Legacies

10

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

LGBTJews in the Federal City

10