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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SPONSORED

Anacostia

Anacostia Community Museum

Welcome to the Anacostia Community 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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SPONSORED

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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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

Foggy Bottom

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performin...

Book your meeting at the Nation's Cultural Center

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Penn Quarter & Chinatown

National Law Enforcement Museum

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Penn Quarter & Chinatown

National Building Museum

The National Building Museum is America's leading cultural institution devoted to the history and impact of the built environment.

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Southwest & The Wharf

The Anthem

The Anthem is a music venue and auditorium in the Southwest Waterfront neighborhood of Washington, D

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Southwest & The Wharf

Museum of the Bible

Museum of the Bible: What's in it will truly surprise you!

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Petworth

President Lincoln's Cottage

President Lincoln's Cottage offers a unique, historic, and award-winning experience for locals and travelers alike!

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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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Congress Heights

CareFirst Arena

Entertainment and Sports Arena

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National Mall

National Museum of African Art

Devoted to the collection, exhibition, conservation and study of the arts of Africa

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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...

Couple walking with child during Capital Pride Parade - LGBTQ Summer Events in Washington, DC

2 Days Exploring LGBTQ+ Washington, DC

The nation’s capital is one of the most diverse—and welcoming—cities...

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...

The Best City to Visit in 2025

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Upcoming Cultural & Performing Art Events

Apr

18

2025

Petworth

Spring Break at President Lincoln's Cottage

Now - Apr 18, 2025

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Apr

18

2025

Dupont Circle

Timeless Mucha: The Magic of Line

Now - May 18, 2025

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Apr

18

2025

National Mall

In the Tower: Chakaia Booker

Now - Aug 03, 2025

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Apr

18

2025

Downtown

In Focus: Artists at Work

Now - Apr 20, 2025

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Apr

18

2025

Southwest & The Wharf

Bond In Motion Exhibition at the International Spy Museum

Now - Aug 29, 2025

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Apr

18

2025

National Mall

Elizabeth Catlett: A Black Revolutionary Artist

Now - Jul 06, 2025

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Apr

18

2025

Upper Northwest

47th Amethyst Anniversary

Now - Apr 19, 2025

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Apr

18

2025

U Street

U Streets Jazzed Up Cocktail Tour

Now - Apr 17, 2027

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Apr

19

2025

Mount Vernon Square

The Delegate Presents The Magic Duel

Now - May 17, 2025

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Apr

19

2025

Dupont Circle

The Magic Duel Comedy Show at Pinstripes Georgetown

Now - May 31, 2025

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Apr

19

2025

Downtown

Annie

Now - Apr 20, 2025

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Apr

19

2025

Foggy Bottom

Earth to Space Festival

Now - Apr 20, 2025

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Apr

19

2025

Capitol Hill

Shakespeare's Birthday Celebration

Apr 19, 2025

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Apr

19

2025

Logan Circle

Fighting Improv Smackdown Tournament

Now - Apr 19, 2025

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Apr

19

2025

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Uncle Vanya

Now - Apr 20, 2025

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Apr

19

2025

Capitol Hill

Iconic Capitol Hill Architecture Tour

Apr 19, 2025 - Apr 17, 2027

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Apr

19

2025

Downtown

"Sister Act" at Ford's Theatre

Now - May 17, 2025

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Apr

19

2025

Dupont Circle

Easter Tour & Candy

Now - Apr 21, 2025

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Apr

19

2025

Virginia

Hedwig and the Angry Inch

Now - Jun 22, 2025

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Apr

19

2025

Virginia

In the Heights

Now - May 04, 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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Learn more about how Washington, DC invests in the next generation of hospitality and tourism leaders.

Free Things to Do: Best of Washington, DC

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

Anacostia Community Museum

National Children's Museum

ARTECHOUSE

National Museum of the Marine Corps

National Museum of Women in the Arts

Saint John Paul II National Shrine

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performin...

National Law Enforcement Museum

National Building Museum

The Anthem

Museum of the Bible

President Lincoln's Cottage

National Museum of American Diplomacy

CareFirst Arena

National Museum of African Art

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

2 Days Exploring LGBTQ+ 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

The Best City to Visit in 2025

Upcoming Cultural & Performing Art Events

18

Petworth

Spring Break at President Lincoln's Cottage

18

Dupont Circle

Timeless Mucha: The Magic of Line

18

National Mall

In the Tower: Chakaia Booker

18

Downtown

In Focus: Artists at Work

18

Southwest & The Wharf

Bond In Motion Exhibition at the International Spy Museum

18

National Mall

Elizabeth Catlett: A Black Revolutionary Artist

18

Upper Northwest

47th Amethyst Anniversary

18

U Street

U Streets Jazzed Up Cocktail Tour

19

Mount Vernon Square

The Delegate Presents The Magic Duel

19

Dupont Circle

The Magic Duel Comedy Show at Pinstripes Georgetown

19