Things to Do This Week in Washington, DC

Tuesday

 

Library of Congress

The Source: Where Curiosity Sparks Discovery
Visit the Library of Congress and go straight to The Source, its new education center geared towards a worthwhile experience for the entire family. Dynamic and interactive elements will encourage curiosity and creativity and allow for the next generation to explore the Library’s collections, analyzing info and collecting new perspectives along the way.
Hours |  Free Admission
Library of Congress, 101 Independence Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20540
 

National Museum of American History

In Pursuit of Life, Liberty & Happiness
A bold exhibition explores the ideals of the Declaration of Independence. Across three floors and 300,000 square feet, visitors can encounter 250 significant objects, including the portable desk used by Thomas Jefferson to draft the Declaration of Independence. Another noteworthy artifact is the only surviving ship of the early U.S. Navy, the gunboat Philadelphia. This National Historic Landmark helped stall British forces and now undergoes an on-site conservation to preserve it for future generations.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. |  Free Admission
National Museum of American History, 1300 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560
 

National Museum of the American Indian

Stretching the Canvas: Ten Decades of Native Painting
The National Museum of the American Indian’s new exhibit surveys 10 decades of Native painting, demonstrating how seminal artists elevated the art form after World War I. In an environment that dismissed Native art, trendsetting painters like Fred Kabotie, Tonita Peña and Stephen Mopope advocated for themselves and carved out a space for their distinctive work. Later generations expanded the field even more, making for an exhibition that illustrates the breadth and depth of Native self-expression.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. |  Free Admission
National Museum of the American Indian, 4th Street & Independence Avenue 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
 

Wednesday

 

Studio Theatre

Purlie Victorious
Studio Theatre stages this satire that is sure to deliver timely social commentary and a healthy helping of madcap laughs. Originally staged in 1961 and revived on Broadway in 2023, Purlie Victorious immerses you in the Jim Crow South as our main character returns home to take back his father’s church and free sharecroppers from a ruthless racist.
Tickets
Studio Theatre, 1501 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20005
 

Washington Nationals

Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band
The Boss is coming to town. Nationals Park is going to be raucous when Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band take the stage for one of the most highly anticipated concerts of the year.
8 p.m. |  Tickets
Nationals Park, 1500 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
 

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
 

Thursday

 

Smithsonian Castle Temporary Reopening
While the Smithsonian Industries Building (known more commonly as "the Castle") has been closed for renovations since 2023, it will be temporarily reopened this summer to celebrate the nation's 250th anniversary. The Castle now features a cafe, shop and Visitor Center. Beginning June 2, be sure to catch the brand-new exhibit American Aspirations, which will include treasured artifacts such as Thomas Jefferson’s desk, Harriet Tubman’s hymnal and the gold flake that sparked the California gold rush.
 

National Museum of Women in the Arts

Shirley Gorelick: Figuring It Out
Through the 1960s and ’70s, Shirley Gorelick (1924–2000) created soulful portrayals of her circle of close friends. Nearly 40 paintings, drawings and prints reveal her bold realist style, which combines vigorous brushwork, heightened shadows and vivid patterns. The show centers on three large-scale paintings in the National Museum of Women in the Art’s collection, which are exhibited together for the first time.
Hours & Admission
National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005
 

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
 

Lincoln Theatre

Spain My Way: Live with José Andrés
DC legend and culinary mastermind José Andrés brings his latest cookbook, Spain My Way, to the Lincoln Theatre for an evening that will take the audience well beyond the page. Immerse yourself in the colorful and eclectic world of José as he tells the tales behind his favorite dishes, recipes and songs. Expect a celebration.
7 p.m. |  Tickets
Lincoln Theatre, 1215 U Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
 

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