Arts & Culture in Washington

Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum

Museum documenting the history of aviation & space exploration, with displays of vehicles & more.

Smithsonian American Art Museum

Art museum & National Portrait Gallery housed in the third-oldest federal building in the capital.

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Popular Smithsonian museum with unique exhibits on African American history, culture & community.

Smithsonian National Postal Museum

Museum exploring the history of the U.S. postal service, from the Pony Express to stamp collections.

Warner Theatre

Art deco movie palace now staging performances by well-known bands, comedians & dance troupes.

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

From dinosaur exhibits to displays of rare gems, this acclaimed museum celebrates the natural world.

National Geographic Museum of Exploration

Compact museum displaying photographs & rotating exhibits on scientific expeditions & explorations.

Museum of the Bible

Immersive exhibits, including a recreation of Jesus's Nazareth, plus ancient scrolls & rare Bibles.

National Archives Museum

Ford's Theatre

The site of Lincoln's assassination, this historic theater offers nightly performances & tours.

National Gallery of Art

Permanent collection holds American & European works in 2 buildings & a sculpture garden.

Smithsonian National Museum of American History

Vast, venerable museum chronicling American history through displays such as Julia Child's kitchen.

National Portrait Gallery

Major, free-admission museum with art works portraying influential Americans throughout history.

National Building Museum

Museum dedicated to architecture, engineering & design, with exhibits for kids as well as adults.

Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum

Museum branch showcasing handicrafts, textiles & decorative arts by contemporary national artists.

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

Esteemed cultural center hosting plays, music & dance shows in its multiple theaters plus art tours.

Hirshhorn Museum

Renowned modern & contemporary art museum with serene sculpture gardens right on the National Mall.

International Spy Museum

Interactive look at the history of espionage features a large collection of spy artifacts & devices.

National Museum of the American Indian

Artifact exhibits & modern interactive displays examine the history & culture of Native Americans.

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

Preserving the memory of the Holocaust with permanent & traveling exhibits & educational programs.