Things to Do This Week in Washington, DC

Monday

National Gallery of Art

Beneath the Surface: Mining and American Photography – Through Aug. 23
Mining and photography are intertwined in American history, with the camera used to document labor practices for nearly 200 years. This new National Gallery of Art exhibit goes underground with 150 photographs that showcase how we’ve extracted resources from the Earth and that ceaseless removal’s impact on people and places.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. |  Free Admission
National Gallery of Art, 6th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20565
 

Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum

We Make History – May 30 – Jan. 2, 2028
In honor of America’s 250th anniversary, Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum dives into how communities in DC – and all over the country – collect, preserve and share local history. Stories of civic engagement and historical narrative-building will be at the center of this in-depth exhibit that showcases how American has been built one act, one document and one story at a time. Note that the museum is currently closed and will reopen along with the debut of the exhibit.
Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Place SE, Washington, DC 20020
 

Smithsonian American Art Museum

Grandma Moses: A Good Day's Work – Through July 12
Anna Mary Robertson Moses, who was dubbed “Grandma Moses” by the press, lived through the American Civil War, two world wars and the civil rights era. In the 1940s, she emerged as a central figure thanks to her unique tapestries of American life. The Smithsonian American Art Museum introduces her essential work to new generations with an in-depth exhibit.
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission
Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20004
 

Tuesday

Smithsonian Institution

American Aspirations – June 2 – July 26
Co-curated by Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch, American Aspirations brings together some of the Smithsonian’s most treasured objects to commemorate the Declaration of Independence and consider how founding ideals have been interpreted across generations. The special exhibit will be housed inside the majestic Smithsonian Castle, which is temporarily open through Sept. 7. Among the highlights: the desk Thomas Jefferson used while writing the Declaration, Sally Ride's in-space flight suit, a personal hymnal that belonged to Harriet Tubman and a candle stand used by George Washington.
8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. |  Free Admission
Smithsonian Castle, 1000 Jefferson Drive SW, Washington, DC 20560
 

The Motion
A fierce debate among four scholars becomes a journey through belief, memory and identity in a new play at the legendary Arena Stage.
Tickets
Arena Stage, 1101 6th Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
 

The Anthem

James Blake – June 2
Modern pop music has been shaped by James Blake, whose GRAMMY-winning work as a solo artist and collaborator shows an astute ability to combine soul, electronica, hip-hop and R&B. Blake’s tour for his latest LP, Trying Times, brings him to The Anthem for one night only.
8 p.m. |  Tickets
The Anthem, 901 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
 

Wednesday

National Children's Museum

Curious George: Let’s Get Curious! – Through Sept. 6
Kids will go crazy for this new exhibit at the National Children’s Museum, which immerses them in the world of Curious George through a variety of interactive experiences. Activations include an apartment building where kids use pulleys to move George, a construction site, mini-golf and the rocket George took to space.
Hours & Admission
National Children’s Museum, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004
 

Extended Hours at the National Gallery of Art’s Sculpture Garden – June 3 – Sept. 5
Summertime is the right time to visit the gorgeous (and totally free) Sculpture Garden at the National Gallery of Art. The museum meets the moment with extended hours for the garden from Wednesday through Saturday throughout the summer, remaining open until 8 p.m. and offering a special happy hour menu (5-7 p.m. except during Jazz in the Garden on Fridays).
More Information
National Gallery of Art, 700 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20565
 

Othello – May 19 – June 28
Shakespeare’s Earth-shaking tale of deceit, betrayal and paranoia is vividly staged by Simon Godwin with The Wire’s Wendell Pierce in the titular role. Shakespeare Theatre Company's Harman Hall serves as the venue.
Tickets
Harman Hall, 610 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
 

Woolly Mammoth Theatre

A Fine Madness – May 30 – June 28
Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company presents a special local tour of the latest work from company artist Justin Weaks. A Fine Madness will be staged at four different venues across the District. The piece lives at the intersection of “performance” and “event” as Weaks weaves his own story of growing up as a Black gay man in DC and HIV diagnosis with audience participation. His goal: to build a new archive inclusive of his experience and yours.
More Info & Tickets
 

Thursday

National Archives Foundation

Spirit of Independence Festival for the 250th – June 4-6 
The one-month countdown to July 4 starts with a three-day celebration on Constitution Avenue, filled with free family-friendly events, live performances, culinary experiences and special evening programming – all at the historic National Archives building. 
The National Archives, 700 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20408

DC Public Library

District Vibes / American Pride: How DC Changed American Culture – June 3 – Sept. 27
DC gave the world the football huddle, the modern blood bank and legends like Marvin Gaye. Discover the vibrant contributions of Washingtonians through images, artifacts, storytelling and free programs. The main exhibit location is Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, but satellite locations can be found across the city.
More Information |  Free Admission
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
 

Pippin 
Located in Arlington, Va., Signature Theatre regularly stages modern re-imaginings of classic productions. Next May, the company takes on Pippin. The coming-of-age tale will be brought to vivid life with wit, wonder and unforgettable music.
Tickets
Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, VA 22206
 

Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company

Feeling Afraid As If Something Terrible Is Going To Happen – June 4 – July 12
Studio Theatre hosts a new one-man show that goes on a stand-up comedian’s journey into (and potentially out of) love. All the stresses of modern life are touched upon as a painfully neurotic single person tries intimacy and encounters just a bit too much self-sabotage along the way.
Tickets
Studio Theatre, 1501 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20005
 

#Only1DC Fan Photos

Share your experiences with us using #Only1DC.