Current exhibits, galleries, and museum shows in Washington DC. Art, history, science, and interactive exhibits.
49 results found
Presented by Black Artists of DC (BADC) and curated by Gia Harewood, the exhibit BLACK(ER) reprises an important exhibition from BADC's archive. In November 2009, Black Artists of DC (BADC) presented BLACK at the DC Arts Center, inviting 29 artists to interpret Black as concept, color, and racial...
In this course, participants will explore a variety of mixed-media approaches to art! Mixed media can unlock a variety of textures, styles, and imaginative avenues. Applying techniques such as perspective, shading, and color theory, participants will have the opportunity to work from reference...
Part of the Embassy of Japan's Public Affairs Section, this cultural center houses an art gallery and a 130-seat theater. Hosts lectures, workshops, cultural panels, film screenings, stage performances, and exhibitions promoting Japanese culture and strengthening US-Japan relations. Free entry for m
The oldest federally operated aquarium in the US, located in the Department of Commerce building. Tanks featuring freshwater and marine species from around the world. Free admission. Limited hours. A smaller, quieter alternative to the Natural History Museum's ocean exhibits. Unique inside-a-governm
Ceramic and pottery center in DC with classes, art gallery, community outreach, and workshops. Wheel throwing, hand-building, and glazing for all skill levels. Kids' classes and summer camps available.
Want to paint on textured surfaces, and introduce your child to the fun of paint? Come to Messy Art and paint for the fun of it! We’ll be painting on cardboard textured panels, layered with recycled materials, as to make layered painted parts of a giant collaborative art piece. Make dots, mix...
446-acre federal garden in Northeast DC managed by the USDA. Known for stunning azalea collections, a bonsai museum with 200-year-old trees, the iconic Capitol Columns, and the National Herb Garden. Free admission. Open daily 8am-5pm. Dogs allowed on leash.
Dedicated to architecture, design, engineering, construction, and urban planning. Housed in the spectacular 1887 Pension Building with its soaring Great Hall and massive Corinthian columns. Family programs and immersive summer installations. Open Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 11am-5pm.
Major professional sports arena and entertainment venue in downtown DC. Home of the Washington Capitals (NHL) and Washington Wizards (NBA). Also hosts concerts, WWE, boxing, college basketball, and major entertainment events. 20,000-seat capacity. Metro accessible (Gallery Place-Chinatown).
Beloved free outdoor ice skating rink between the National Gallery's East and West Wings on the National Mall. Open November through March. Skate rentals available. One of DC's most iconic winter experiences with the Capitol dome as backdrop. Free admission to skate; rental fee applies.
Mi Mascota de Ojos amarrillosMy Pet with Yellow Eyes A story about a special doll and her pet with yellow eyes. This story was written and told by Dr. Louise I. Greene-Rodríguez, from Puerto Rico. S
Unique covert communication objects from the collection of the NSA are now on display at the International Spy Museum in Washington DC. This pop up exhibition continues through May 2021.
About the Authors Alexa Patrick is a vocalist and poet from Connecticut. She is the author of Remedies for Disappearing (Haymarket Books, 2023) and holds fellowships from Cave Canem, the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, and more. Previous artistic partnerships of Alexa’s include...
Home of the Washington Capitals (NHL) and Washington Wizards (NBA). 20,000-seat arena in downtown DC's Penn Quarter neighborhood. Also hosts major concerts, family shows, boxing, and special events. Metro accessible (Red/Green/Yellow/Blue — Gallery Place). Surrounded by restaurants, bars, and shops.
The National Museum of African American History and Culture opened in 2016 on the National Mall. Explores more than 400 years of American history through the African American lens. 12 exhibition galleries covering history, community, culture, and military. Free timed entry passes required. One of th
Tips on getting to the International Spy Museum in Washington DC. Information on nearby parking spaces, discounted parking rates, and the nearest metro stop.
At intersection of art, science and technology ARTECHOUSE brings digital and innovative art to the public. Explore the most unique art destination in DC.
Over the years, our quirky little museum has been featured many times in the media. Here are a few of our favorite clippings.
NATIONAL ADVISORY COUNCIL The National Museum of Language is delighted to announce that the following individuals have agreed to join our newly created National Advisory Council: Dr. Joan Houston Hall
Premium escape room experience downtown near the National Portrait Gallery. Multiple themed rooms including Prison Break, Gold Rush, The Heist, and Playground. Family-friendly with unlimited hints. Accommodates 2-8 players. 60-minute games. Open daily 8am-midnight.
America's first museum of modern art, founded 1921 in a Dupont Circle townhouse. Intimate galleries with Renoir's Luncheon of the Boating Party, works by Rothko, Bonnard, Klee, and O'Keeffe. Artful Evenings with live music. Tue-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 12-7pm.
Visit International Spy Museum, a museum in Washington, DC. Exhibits and attractions include Making Sense of Secrets, Collection Highlights, Briefing Center, Stealing Secrets and 46 more. Hosts upcoming events.
The Potato Museum Book "The Potato Museum Book" uses artifacts from the collection to tell the potato's story in seven chapters. Origins: The potato’s journey from its ancient home in South America, i
The NMAI fosters a richer shared human experience through a more informed understanding of Native peoples.
Free guided and self-guided tours of the magnificent 1897 Thomas Jefferson Building, the oldest of the Library of Congress buildings. Highlights include the Great Hall with its soaring ceiling mosaics, the Main Reading Room with its painted dome, and rotating exhibitions. Tours depart from the visit
Located in the historic City Post Office near Union Station. Houses one of the world's largest stamp collections and exhibits on the history of the US mail, including historic mail planes and stagecoaches. Open daily 10am-5:30pm. Free admission.
Community arts center on Capitol Hill with classes in pottery, painting, drawing, printmaking, dance, yoga, and music for kids and adults. Gallery exhibitions and performances. After-school programs and summer camps. Open Mon-Sat with classes throughout the day.
The National Geographic Society is a global non-profit organization committed to exploring, illuminating, and protecting the wonder of our world.
Ana Mendieta - written by Jason Jenn Like many people, especially those raised in a small rural community in Iowa as I was, my early appreciation of art could be described as conservative, influence
Housed in a city unlike any other, our students gain an education unlike any other. Our students emerge with experiences that could only happen at GW.
Spy Museum tickets and opening hours. Discounts available for students, seniors, and children. Step into the shoes of a spy in DC's most interactive museum.
In conjunction with the current exhibit "BLACK(ER)" created in collaboration with Black Artists of D.C., please join curator Gia Harewood for a panel discussion in her series 'Giametry Lessons.'
Opened 2016 on the National Mall, the only national museum devoted exclusively to documenting African American life, history, and culture. Powerful exhibits from slavery through civil rights to present day. Open daily 10am-5:30pm. Free but timed-entry passes required.
America's living memorial to the Holocaust. Permanent exhibition takes visitors through the Nazi rise to power, the concentration camps, and liberation. Deeply moving and educational. Timed passes recommended. Open daily 10am-5:30pm. Free admission.
Visit, tour, worship, and more at Washington National Cathedral. Join us and explore the world's sixth-largest Gothic cathedral.
Learn about the world we design and build through unique exhibitions. Located in the historic Pension Building, one of the most awe-inspiring spaces in DC.
Iconic museum housing the Wright Brothers' 1903 Flyer, Spirit of St. Louis, Apollo 11 command module, and hundreds of aircraft and spacecraft. Interactive flight simulators and planetarium. Open daily 10am-5:30pm. Free but timed-entry passes required.
A living memorial to the Holocaust, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum inspires citizens and leaders worldwide to confront hatred, prevent genocide, and promote human dignity.
Interactive museum celebrating language and words in the renovated 1891 Franklin School. Voice-activated exhibits, a karaoke room, word puzzles, and a library of 1,000+ languages. Great for kids and adults. Open Wed-Mon 10am-5pm. Free admission.
Liberal arts university in the residential Spring Valley neighborhood of Northwest DC. Kay Spiritual Life Center hosts interfaith events. The Katzen Arts Center has gallery exhibitions open to the public. Athletics complex and regular cultural programming. Metro accessible (Red Line — Tenleytown).
Adams Morgan community arts center offering gallery exhibitions, live performances, and studio rentals. Two gallery spaces showcase emerging local and national artists. Regular programming includes theater, comedy, film screenings, and art openings. Heart of DC's creative community.
Home to the Star-Spangled Banner, Dorothy's ruby slippers, Abraham Lincoln's top hat, Julia Child's kitchen, and the First Ladies' gowns. Chronicles American culture, innovation, and identity. Open daily 10am-5:30pm. Free admission.
Houses one of the world's most important collections of Asian art and the world's largest collection of works by James McNeill Whistler, including the famous Peacock Room. Connected to the Sackler Gallery. Open daily 10am-5:30pm. Free admission.
STEAM-focused children's museum in the heart of DC. Hands-on exhibits exploring science, technology, engineering, art, and math through play. Dream Machine, interactive climbing structures, and maker spaces. Open Tue-Sun 9:30am-4:30pm. Timed-entry tickets required.
Home of America's founding documents: the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights displayed in the Rotunda. Public Vaults exhibit with interactive displays and rotating documents. Open daily 10am-5:30pm. Free admission, no reservations required.
Are you interested in literary fiction and nonfiction? Are you looking for a book club that meets in downtown DC? Join the longest-running book club hosted by DCPL! For June's meeting, we will be discussing Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar. About the book: Cyrus Shams is a young man grappling with an...