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

Downtown

National Museum of Women in the Arts

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

VIEW DETAILS

SPONSORED

Capitol Hill

National Postal Museum

Smithsonian National Postal Museum

VIEW DETAILS

SPONSORED

Downtown

National Children's Museum

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

VIEW DETAILS

SPONSORED

National Mall

National Museum of the American Indian

Visit the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian

VIEW DETAILS

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.

VIEW DETAILS

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.

VIEW DETAILS

SPONSORED

Anacostia

Anacostia Community Museum

Welcome to the Anacostia Community Museum

VIEW DETAILS

SPONSORED

Foggy Bottom

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performin...

Book your meeting at the Nation's Cultural Center

VIEW DETAILS

Upper Northwest

Zenith Gallery

Zenith Gallery, the premiere source of art in WDC, 45 years, hundreds of artists in a wide range of styles & mediums from monumental to small.

VIEW DETAILS

Upper Northwest

Washington National Cathedral

Standing at one of the city's highest points, this soaring Gothic cathedral extends almost the length of two football fields and pierces the city's skyline.

VIEW DETAILS

Foggy Bottom

Shear Madness

Shrieks of Laughter, Night After Night at Shear Madness

VIEW DETAILS

Virginia

DEA Museum

Now open! Navigate your way to a new experience.

VIEW DETAILS

Woodley Park

Cathedral Choral Society

The Cathedral Choral Society presents masterworks of choral-orchestral repertoire in the majestic glow of Washington National Cathedral.

VIEW DETAILS

Maryland

The Fillmore Silver Spring

The Fillmore Silver Spring is the newest edition to downtown Silver Spring's historical arts community just minutes from Washington, DC.

VIEW DETAILS

Virginia

Arlington House

Former home of Robert E. Lee. Open daily 9:30 am–4:30 pm

VIEW DETAILS

Dupont Circle

Woodrow Wilson House

Dine intimately in the presidential Dining Room, enjoy cocktails throughout the main museum rooms or relax and unwind in the tranquil period garden.

VIEW DETAILS

Wildly Authentic Things to Do

Guests Taking Photo of Ben's Chili Bowl Mural

Learn More

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

10

2025

National Mall

In the Tower: Chakaia Booker

Now - Aug 03, 2025

VIEW DETAILS

May

10

2025

Dupont Circle

Timeless Mucha: The Magic of Line

Now - May 18, 2025

VIEW DETAILS

May

10

2025

National Mall

Her Brush, Her Story: A Special Art Tour at the National Gallery

Now - May 10, 2025

VIEW DETAILS

May

10

2025

National Mall

Elizabeth Catlett: A Black Revolutionary Artist

Now - Jul 06, 2025

VIEW DETAILS

May

10

2025

Eckington Flea

Now - May 24, 2025

VIEW DETAILS

May

10

2025

Virginia

George Washington Whiskey Tasting

Now - Jun 28, 2025

VIEW DETAILS

May

10

2025

U Street

U Streets Jazzed Up Cocktail Tour

Now - Apr 30, 2027

VIEW DETAILS

May

10

2025

U Street

The Harlem Renaissance in DC Walking Tour

Now - May 10, 2025

VIEW DETAILS

May

10

2025

National Mall

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

Now - May 11, 2025

VIEW DETAILS

May

11

2025

Downtown

Firsthand Experience: Hula Hoop

Now - May 10, 2025

VIEW DETAILS

May

11

2025

Downtown

"Sister Act" at Ford's Theatre

Now - May 17, 2025

VIEW DETAILS

May

11

2025

Virginia

Hedwig and the Angry Inch

Now - Jun 22, 2025

VIEW DETAILS

May

11

2025

National Mall

The Peace Trail on the National Mall

Now - May 30, 2025

VIEW DETAILS

May

11

2025

Penn Quarter & Chinatown

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

Now - Jun 01, 2025

VIEW DETAILS

May

11

2025

Logan Circle

Logan Circle Walking Tour

Now - Aug 31, 2025

VIEW DETAILS

May

11

2025

Capitol Hill

The Flea Market at Eastern Market

May 11, 2025 - May 25, 2025

VIEW DETAILS

May

12

2025

Capitol Hill

Iconic Capitol Hill Architecture Tour

Now - May 10, 2027

VIEW DETAILS

May

12

2025

Southwest & The Wharf

Bond In Motion Exhibition at the International Spy Museum

Now - Aug 29, 2025

VIEW DETAILS

May

13

2025

Brookland

BFD Tuesdays

May 13, 2025 - May 27, 2025

VIEW DETAILS

May

14

2025

Capitol Hill

Twelfth Night

May 14, 2025 - Jun 22, 2025

VIEW DETAILS

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

VIEW DETAILS

Downtown

Eaton Washington DC

VIEW DETAILS

Downtown

Hotel Zena

VIEW DETAILS

Adams Morgan

The LINE DC

VIEW DETAILS

Partner Content

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

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 Women in the Arts

National Postal Museum

National Children's Museum

National Museum of the American Indian

ARTECHOUSE

National Museum of the Marine Corps

Anacostia Community Museum

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performin...

Zenith Gallery

Washington National Cathedral

Shear Madness

DEA Museum

Cathedral Choral Society

The Fillmore Silver Spring

Arlington House

Woodrow Wilson House

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

10

National Mall

In the Tower: Chakaia Booker

10

Dupont Circle

Timeless Mucha: The Magic of Line

10

National Mall

Her Brush, Her Story: A Special Art Tour at the National Gallery

10

National Mall

Elizabeth Catlett: A Black Revolutionary Artist

10

Eckington Flea

10

Virginia

George Washington Whiskey Tasting

10

U Street

U Streets Jazzed Up Cocktail Tour

10

U Street

The Harlem Renaissance in DC Walking Tour

10

National Mall

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

11

Downtown

Firsthand Experience: Hula Hoop

11

Downtown