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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National Mall

National Museum of the American Indian

Visit the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian

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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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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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Downtown

National Children's Museum

A playful learning adventure awaits at National Children's Museum!

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Brookland

Saint John Paul II National Shrine

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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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Anacostia

Anacostia Community Museum

Welcome to the Anacostia Community Museum

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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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National Mall

Smithsonian Office of Visitor Services

Known as the Castle, the oldest of the 19 Smithsonian museums houses the Smithsonian Visitor Center, which offers volunteers ..

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Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company

An innovator in the development of new plays earning a reputation for staying plugged in to the mad temper of the times (New York Times).

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Southwest & The Wharf

Rubell Museum

Rubell Museum DC brings the Rubell Family’s extensive contemporary art collection to the nation’s capital.

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Southwest & The Wharf

International Spy Museum

Experience an interactive mission at the International Spy Museum!

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Downtown

Hedy's Rooftop

Hedy's Rooftop at Hotel Zena

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National Mall

National Museum of the American Latino

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U Street

Lincoln Theatre

The Lincoln Theatre, built in 1922, was a cultural center of D

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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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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

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

Explore the Connected Capital

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 American Indian

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performin...

National Museum of Women in the Arts

National Children's Museum

Saint John Paul II National Shrine

National Museum of the Marine Corps

Anacostia Community Museum

ARTECHOUSE

Smithsonian Office of Visitor Services

Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company

Rubell Museum

International Spy Museum

Hedy's Rooftop

National Museum of the American Latino

Lincoln Theatre

U.S. Capitol & Capitol Visitor Center

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