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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National Mall

National Museum of the American Indian

Visit the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian

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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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Foggy Bottom

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performin...

Book your meeting at the Nation's Cultural Center

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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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Brookland

Saint John Paul II National Shrine

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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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Virginia

DEA Museum

Now open! Navigate your way to a new experience.

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Petworth

Hook Hall

DC's premier event venue, beer garden, cafe and tavern featuring a large indoor and outdoor space located in the heart of Washington, DC.

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Capitol Hill

Hill Center at the Old Naval Hospital

Hill Center aims to broaden the horizons of all who enter by providing high-quality arts, education, and cultural programs to engage more fully in the life of our city.

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Dupont Circle

The Phillips Collection

Encounter superb works of modern art in an intimate setting at The Phillips Collection, an internationally recognized museum in Washington's vibrant Dupont Circle neighborhood.

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Capitol Hill

U.S. Capitol & Capitol Visitor Center

The Capitol Visitor Center is the main entrance to the U.S. Capitol and is located below the East Front plaza of the Capitol between Constitution and Independence Avenues.

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Congress Heights

CareFirst Arena

Entertainment and Sports Arena

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National Mall

Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art

The National Museum of Asian Art is dedicated to advancing public knowledge about the arts and cultures of Asia through exhibitions, publications, research and education.

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Downtown

The Octagon

Visit The Octagon, DC's oldest private residence

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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...

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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 Exploring 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

May

14

2025

National Mall

The Peace Trail on the National Mall

Now - May 30, 2025

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May

14

2025

Virginia

Hedwig and the Angry Inch

Now - Jun 22, 2025

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May

14

2025

Downtown

"Sister Act" at Ford's Theatre

Now - May 17, 2025

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May

14

2025

Capitol Hill

Twelfth Night

Now - Jun 22, 2025

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May

14

2025

Logan Circle

Logan Circle Walking Tour

Now - Aug 31, 2025

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May

14

2025

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Akira Kurosawa Explains His Movies and Yogurt (with live & active cultures!)

Now - Jun 01, 2025

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May

14

2025

Dupont Circle

Timeless Mucha: The Magic of Line

Now - May 18, 2025

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May

14

2025

National Mall

Back and Forth: Rozeal., Titian, Cezanne

Now - Apr 25, 2026

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May

14

2025

National Mall

Elizabeth Catlett: A Black Revolutionary Artist

Now - Jul 06, 2025

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May

14

2025

National Mall

In the Tower: Chakaia Booker

Now - Aug 03, 2025

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May

14

2025

Southwest & The Wharf

Bond In Motion Exhibition at the International Spy Museum

Now - Aug 29, 2025

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May

14

2025

Maryland

20th Anniversary Class of Strathmore's Artist in Residence Program

Now - Jun 25, 2025

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May

15

2025

U Street

U Streets Jazzed Up Cocktail Tour

May 15, 2025 - Apr 30, 2027

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May

16

2025

Downtown

DC Latinx Pride

May 16, 2025 - Jun 08, 2025

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May

16

2025

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Guided Tour of the Missing Soldiers Office

May 16, 2025 - May 08, 2027

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May

16

2025

Southwest & The Wharf

We Are Gathered

May 16, 2025 - Jun 13, 2025

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May

16

2025

Dupont Circle

The Magic Duel Comedy Show at Pinstripes Georgetown

May 16, 2025 - May 31, 2025

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May

17

2025

Maryland

Over My Head, I Hear Music in the AIR

May 16, 2025

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May

17

2025

Mount Vernon Square

The Delegate Presents The Magic Duel

May 16, 2025 - May 17, 2025

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May

17

2025

Capitol Hill

Iconic Capitol Hill Architecture Tour

Now - May 10, 2027

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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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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

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 American Indian

National Museum of Women in the Arts

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performin...

National Museum of the Marine Corps

National Postal Museum

Saint John Paul II National Shrine

ARTECHOUSE

DEA Museum

Hook Hall

Hill Center at the Old Naval Hospital

The Phillips Collection

U.S. Capitol & Capitol Visitor Center

CareFirst Arena

Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art

The Octagon

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+ Culture & Arts in Washington, DC

The Best City to Visit in 2025

Upcoming Cultural & Performing Art Events

14

National Mall

The Peace Trail on the National Mall

14

Virginia

Hedwig and the Angry Inch

14

Downtown

"Sister Act" at Ford's Theatre

14

Capitol Hill

Twelfth Night

14

Logan Circle

Logan Circle Walking Tour

14

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Akira Kurosawa Explains His Movies and Yogurt (with live & active cultures!)

14

Dupont Circle

Timeless Mucha: The Magic of Line

14

National Mall

Back and Forth: Rozeal., Titian, Cezanne

14

National Mall

Elizabeth Catlett: A Black Revolutionary Artist

14

National Mall

In the Tower: Chakaia Booker

14