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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Brookland

Saint John Paul II National Shrine

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Anacostia

Anacostia Community Museum

Welcome to the Anacostia Community Museum

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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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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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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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Downtown

National Children's Museum

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

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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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DC Metro Area

Mexican Cultural Institute

The Mexican Cultural Institute of Washington, D.C. is committed to enriching the relationship between Mexico and the United States by sharing Mexico's vibrant cultural past and present with the local community

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Virginia

National Air and Space Museum Steven F. ...

Fly High at the National Air and Space Museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center

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Foggy Bottom

Shear Madness

Shrieks of Laughter, Night After Night at Shear Madness

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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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Downtown

National Gallery of Art

National Gallery of Art: Of the nation and for all the people.

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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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Dupont Circle

O Museum In The Mansion

With over 100 rooms and 80 secret doors, O Museum in The Mansion is one of the most unique experiences in the world.

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Columbia Heights

Spain-USA Foundation

Enjoy and discover cultural events and works of internationally renowned Spanish artists in the fields such as design, urban culture, architecture, visual arts, performing arts, literature and music

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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 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

11

2025

Logan Circle

Logan Circle Walking Tour

Now - Aug 31, 2025

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May

11

2025

Virginia

Hedwig and the Angry Inch

Now - Jun 22, 2025

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May

11

2025

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

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

Now - Jun 01, 2025

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May

11

2025

Downtown

"Sister Act" at Ford's Theatre

Now - May 17, 2025

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May

11

2025

National Mall

The Peace Trail on the National Mall

Now - May 30, 2025

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May

11

2025

Capitol Hill

The Flea Market at Eastern Market

Now - May 25, 2025

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May

11

2025

National Mall

Elizabeth Catlett: A Black Revolutionary Artist

Now - Jul 06, 2025

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May

11

2025

National Mall

In the Tower: Chakaia Booker

Now - Aug 03, 2025

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May

11

2025

Dupont Circle

Timeless Mucha: The Magic of Line

Now - May 18, 2025

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May

11

2025

National Mall

Mother's Day at The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City

Now - May 11, 2025

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May

12

2025

Capitol Hill

Iconic Capitol Hill Architecture Tour

Now - May 10, 2027

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May

12

2025

Southwest & The Wharf

Bond In Motion Exhibition at the International Spy Museum

Now - Aug 29, 2025

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May

13

2025

Brookland

BFD Tuesdays

May 13, 2025 - May 27, 2025

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May

14

2025

Capitol Hill

Twelfth Night

May 14, 2025 - Jun 22, 2025

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May

14

2025

Maryland

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

May 14, 2025 - Jun 25, 2025

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May

15

2025

U Street

U Streets Jazzed Up Cocktail Tour

Now - Apr 30, 2027

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May

16

2025

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Guided Tour of the Missing Soldiers Office

Now - May 08, 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

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

Now - May 31, 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

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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.

Saint John Paul II National Shrine

Anacostia Community Museum

National Museum of the Marine Corps

National Museum of the American Indian

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performin...

ARTECHOUSE

National Children's Museum

National Museum of Women in the Arts

Mexican Cultural Institute

National Air and Space Museum Steven F. ...

Shear Madness

Rubell Museum

National Gallery of Art

The Phillips Collection

O Museum In The Mansion

Spain-USA Foundation

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

11

Logan Circle

Logan Circle Walking Tour

11

Virginia

Hedwig and the Angry Inch

11

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

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

11

Downtown

"Sister Act" at Ford's Theatre

11

National Mall

The Peace Trail on the National Mall

11

Capitol Hill

The Flea Market at Eastern Market

11

National Mall

Elizabeth Catlett: A Black Revolutionary Artist

11

National Mall

In the Tower: Chakaia Booker

11

Dupont Circle

Timeless Mucha: The Magic of Line

11

National Mall

Mother's Day at The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City

12