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

SPONSORED

Anacostia

Anacostia Community Museum

Welcome to the Anacostia Community 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

Foggy Bottom

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performin...

Book your meeting at the Nation's Cultural Center

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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

Brookland

Saint John Paul II National Shrine

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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

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

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

The National Theatre

Located on Pennsylvania Avenue near the White House, the historic National is one of America's oldest, continually-operating theaters.

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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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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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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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Georgetown

The Magic Duel Comedy Show

Have DC's Favorite Comedy Show at Your Next Event

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National Mall

National Archives Museum

Home to the original Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights, the National Archives holds more than 15 billion records.

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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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Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Clara Barton Missing Soldiers Office Mus...

Clara Barton Missing Soldiers Office Museum

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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

Washington, DC shines with can’t-miss events, new exhibits and prais...

Upcoming Cultural & Performing Art Events

Mar

31

2025

National Mall

The ’70s Lens: Reimagining Documentary Photography

Now - Apr 06, 2025

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Mar

31

2025

Downtown

In Focus: Artists at Work

Now - Apr 20, 2025

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Mar

31

2025

Dupont Circle

Timeless Mucha: The Magic of Line

Now - May 18, 2025

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Mar

31

2025

National Mall

Elizabeth Catlett: A Black Revolutionary Artist

Now - Jul 06, 2025

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Mar

31

2025

Downtown

Women's History Month

Now - Mar 31, 2025

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Mar

31

2025

Southwest & The Wharf

Bond In Motion Exhibition at the International Spy Museum

Now - Aug 29, 2025

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Mar

31

2025

Petworth

Monday Fun-Day

Now - Apr 28, 2025

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Mar

31

2025

Downtown

Cherry Blossoms at Love, Makoto

Now - Apr 13, 2025

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Apr

01

2025

National Mall

The Peace Trail on the National Mall

Now - May 30, 2025

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Apr

01

2025

Capitol Hill

A Room in the Castle

Now - Apr 06, 2025

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Apr

01

2025

Downtown

"Sister Act" at Ford's Theatre

Now - May 17, 2025

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Apr

01

2025

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

Uncle Vanya

Now - Apr 20, 2025

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Apr

01

2025

Foggy Bottom

Earth to Space Festival

Now - Apr 20, 2025

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Apr

01

2025

Virginia

In the Heights

Now - May 04, 2025

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Apr

01

2025

Georgetown

Cherry Blossom Tasting Menu

Now - Apr 06, 2025

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Apr

01

2025

Brookland

BFD Tuesdays

Apr 01, 2025 - May 27, 2025

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Apr

02

2025

Upper Northwest

47th Amethyst Anniversary

Apr 02, 2025 - Apr 19, 2025

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Apr

03

2025

Southwest & The Wharf

Fake It Until You Make It

Apr 03, 2025 - May 02, 2025

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Apr

03

2025

U Street

U Streets Jazzed Up Cocktail Tour

Apr 03, 2025 - Mar 27, 2027

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Apr

03

2025

Dupont Circle

Phillips after 5: Cherry Blossom Jamboree

Apr 03, 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.

Anacostia Community Museum

ARTECHOUSE

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performin...

National Museum of the American Indian

Saint John Paul II National Shrine

National Children's Museum

National Museum of Women in the Arts

National Museum of the Marine Corps

The National Theatre

National Portrait Gallery

National Building Museum

U.S. Capitol & Capitol Visitor Center

The Magic Duel Comedy Show

National Archives Museum

National Air and Space Museum Steven F. ...

Clara Barton Missing Soldiers Office Mus...

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

31

National Mall

The ’70s Lens: Reimagining Documentary Photography

31

Downtown

In Focus: Artists at Work

31

Dupont Circle

Timeless Mucha: The Magic of Line

31

National Mall

Elizabeth Catlett: A Black Revolutionary Artist

31

Downtown

Women's History Month

31

Southwest & The Wharf

Bond In Motion Exhibition at the International Spy Museum

31

Petworth

Monday Fun-Day

31

Downtown

Cherry Blossoms at Love, Makoto

01

National Mall

The Peace Trail on the National Mall

01

Capitol Hill

A Room in the Castle

01