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 Museum of Women in the Arts

First major museum in the world solely dedicated to championing women through the arts.

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Capitol Hill

National Postal Museum

Smithsonian National Postal Museum

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SPONSORED

Downtown

National Children's Museum

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

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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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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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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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Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Sixth & I

Sixth & I is a center for arts, entertainment, ideas, and Jewish life in Washington, DC.

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Downtown

The Octagon

Visit The Octagon, DC's oldest private residence

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Maryland

AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center

Board meetings, teleconferencing and broadcast video production by day; and elegant receptions and private screenings by nigh..

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Anacostia

The Go-Go Museum & Cafe

The Go-Go Museum & Café’s 16 interactive exhibits, recording studio and concert stages celebrate the past, present and future of go-go

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Virginia

Wolf Trap

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U Street

9:30 Club

Concert venue located a few blocks from the U Street Metro stop

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Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Smithsonian American Art Museum

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Embassy Row

Theatre Washington

Experience Theatre in Washington, DC

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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

Jun

16

2025

Southwest & The Wharf

Bond In Motion Exhibition at the International Spy Museum

Now - Aug 29, 2025

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Jun

16

2025

National Mall

Elizabeth Catlett: A Black Revolutionary Artist

Now - Jul 06, 2025

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Jun

16

2025

National Mall

Little Beasts: Art, Wonder, and the Natural World

Now - Nov 02, 2025

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Jun

16

2025

Dupont Circle

Essex Hemphill: Take care of your blessings

Now - Aug 31, 2025

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Jun

16

2025

National Mall

Back and Forth: Rozeal., Titian, Cezanne

Now - Apr 25, 2026

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Jun

16

2025

National Mall

In the Tower: Chakaia Booker

Now - Aug 03, 2025

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Jun

16

2025

Georgetown

River Club Happy Hour

Now - Jun 14, 2027

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Jun

17

2025

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

LGBTJews in the Federal City

Now - Jan 04, 2026

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Jun

17

2025

Logan Circle

Logan Circle Walking Tour

Now - Aug 31, 2025

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Jun

17

2025

Southwest & The Wharf

A Wrinkle in Time

Now - Jul 18, 2025

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Jun

17

2025

Capitol Hill

Twelfth Night

Now - Jun 22, 2025

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Jun

17

2025

Downtown

Ain't Too Proud - The Life and Times of the Temptations

Jun 17, 2025 - Jun 22, 2025

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Jun

17

2025

Dupont Circle

Happy Hour at Residents

Now - Jun 08, 2027

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Jun

17

2025

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Frankenstein

Now - Jun 22, 2025

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Jun

17

2025

Virginia

The Untitled Unauthorized Hunter S. Thompson

Now - Jul 13, 2025

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Jun

17

2025

Virginia

Hedwig and the Angry Inch

Now - Jun 22, 2025

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Jun

18

2025

Maryland

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

Jun 18, 2025 - Jun 25, 2025

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Jun

19

2025

Maryland

A Prairie Home Companion

Jun 18, 2025

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Jun

19

2025

Downtown

Original Emancipation Proclamation & General Order No. 3 On Display

Jun 19, 2025 - Jun 22, 2025

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Jun

19

2025

U Street

U Streets Jazzed Up Cocktail Tour

Jun 19, 2025 - Apr 30, 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 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

Ways to Celebrate Fourth of July in DC

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 Women in the Arts

National Postal Museum

National Children's Museum

ARTECHOUSE

National Museum of the American Indian

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performin...

Saint John Paul II National Shrine

National Museum of the Marine Corps

Sixth & I

The Octagon

AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center

The Go-Go Museum & Cafe

Wolf Trap

9:30 Club

Smithsonian American Art Museum

Theatre Washington

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

16

Southwest & The Wharf

Bond In Motion Exhibition at the International Spy Museum

16

National Mall

Elizabeth Catlett: A Black Revolutionary Artist

16

National Mall

Little Beasts: Art, Wonder, and the Natural World

16

Dupont Circle

Essex Hemphill: Take care of your blessings

16

National Mall

Back and Forth: Rozeal., Titian, Cezanne

16

National Mall

In the Tower: Chakaia Booker

16

Georgetown

River Club Happy Hour

17

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

LGBTJews in the Federal City

17

Logan Circle

Logan Circle Walking Tour

17

Southwest & The Wharf

A Wrinkle in Time

17

Capitol Hill