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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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

National Mall

National Museum of the American Indian

Visit the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian

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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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SPONSORED

Capitol Hill

National Postal Museum

Smithsonian National Postal 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

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

Brookland

Saint John Paul II National Shrine

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SPONSORED

Anacostia

Anacostia Community Museum

Welcome to the Anacostia Community Museum

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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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Virginia

Whino

Whino is a 6,500 square foot modern art centric event space.

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Penn Quarter & Chinatown

National Portrait Gallery

The National Portrait Gallery gives visitors a chance to meet fascinating Americans from more than 225 years of history in its halls

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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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Capitol Hill

National Guard Memorial Museum

The museum takes visitors through 6,000 sq. ft. of artifacts, exhibits and images covering nearly 400 years of National Guard history in vivid detail.

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Foggy Bottom

National Museum of American Diplomacy

The first museum dedicated to telling the story of American diplomacy.

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National Mall

Discovery Theater

Discovery Theater is your source for live performances that celebrate the rich diversity of our region and our world

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Virginia

Arlington House

Former home of Robert E. Lee. Open daily 9:30 am–4:30 pm

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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

May

17

2025

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Isaac Mizrahi in Concert

Now - May 17, 2025

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May

17

2025

Downtown

"Sister Act" at Ford's Theatre

Now - May 17, 2025

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May

17

2025

National Mall

Elizabeth Catlett: A Black Revolutionary Artist

Now - Jul 06, 2025

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May

17

2025

Dupont Circle

Timeless Mucha: The Magic of Line

Now - May 18, 2025

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May

17

2025

National Mall

Back and Forth: Rozeal., Titian, Cezanne

Now - Apr 25, 2026

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May

17

2025

Eckington Flea

Now - May 24, 2025

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May

17

2025

National Mall

In the Tower: Chakaia Booker

Now - Aug 03, 2025

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May

17

2025

Dupont Circle

Essex Hemphill: Take care of your blessings

Now - Aug 31, 2025

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May

17

2025

Petworth

Bourbon and Bluegrass 2025

Now - May 18, 2025

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May

17

2025

Virginia

George Washington Whiskey Tasting

Now - Jun 28, 2025

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May

17

2025

Georgetown

History of Black Georgetown

Now - May 17, 2025

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May

17

2025

U Street

U Streets Jazzed Up Cocktail Tour

Now - Apr 30, 2027

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May

17

2025

Maryland

Comedy Shows Near Me - Arundel Mills

Now - May 15, 2027

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May

18

2025

Mount Vernon Square

The Delegate Presents The Magic Duel

Now - May 17, 2025

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May

18

2025

Logan Circle

Logan Circle Walking Tour

Now - Aug 31, 2025

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May

18

2025

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

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

Now - Jun 01, 2025

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May

18

2025

Virginia

Hedwig and the Angry Inch

Now - Jun 22, 2025

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May

18

2025

National Mall

The Peace Trail on the National Mall

Now - May 30, 2025

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May

18

2025

Capitol Hill

Twelfth Night

Now - Jun 22, 2025

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May

18

2025

Downtown

DC Latinx Pride

Now - Jun 08, 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

Celebrate WorldPride in Washington, DC: May 17 – June 8

Order Your Free Visitors Guide

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Exceptional Venus for Your Meeting in Washington, DC

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

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 Museum of the Marine Corps

National Museum of the American Indian

ARTECHOUSE

National Postal Museum

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performin...

National Museum of Women in the Arts

Saint John Paul II National Shrine

Anacostia Community Museum

DAR Constitution Hall

Whino

National Portrait Gallery

Hill Center at the Old Naval Hospital

National Guard Memorial Museum

National Museum of American Diplomacy

Discovery Theater

Arlington House

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

17

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Isaac Mizrahi in Concert

17

Downtown

"Sister Act" at Ford's Theatre

17

National Mall

Elizabeth Catlett: A Black Revolutionary Artist

17

Dupont Circle

Timeless Mucha: The Magic of Line

17

National Mall

Back and Forth: Rozeal., Titian, Cezanne

17

Eckington Flea

17

National Mall

In the Tower: Chakaia Booker

17

Dupont Circle

Essex Hemphill: Take care of your blessings

17

Petworth

Bourbon and Bluegrass 2025

17

Virginia

George Washington Whiskey Tasting

17

Georgetown