Discover D.C.’s Artistic Side

From legendary music venues to hidden museum collections, these places reveal the creative heart of the nation’s capital.

Sponsored By Washington.org

13 Places

Washington, D.C., is often associated with politics, monuments, and the machinery of government—but the city’s creative life is just as central to its identity. Beyond the marble memorials and corridors of power, D.C. is filled with spaces that celebrate artistic expression in all its forms. Historic theaters echo with decades of music history, neighborhood murals transform city blocks into open-air galleries, and museums preserve everything from intricate textiles to the very materials artists use to create their work.

Together, these places tell a broader story about the capital: one shaped by painters, performers, musicians, designers, and local communities. Whether tucked inside major institutions or splashed across unexpected corners of the city, these artistic landmarks showcase the imagination, experimentation, and cultural history that make Washington, D.C., so special.

Washington, D.C.

Renwick Gallery

The first purpose-built art gallery in the United States is once again open as a center of craft arts.

Added by lionsinwanderland

Washington, D.C.

'Ginevra de’ Benci' Portrait

The only Leonardo Da Vinci painting in the Western Hemisphere.

Added by heshsf

Washington, D.C.

Howard Theatre

Through the decades, Black music stars have performed at this historic hub for music and the arts.

Garrett Domier

Added by Garrett Domier

Washington, D.C.

Art Museum of the Americas

The most magical part of this Latin American and Caribbean art museum is a room covered in beautiful blue tiles from floor to ceiling.

The Wandering Afro

Added by The Wandering Afro

Washington, D.C.

Ben's Chili Bowl Mural

A gorgeous mural outside a beloved D.C. restaurant pays homage to famous Black Americans.

Washington, D.C.

The National Gallery's Art Materials Collection

The institution is sitting on a goldmine of 21,000 paints, varnishes, pigments, and primers preserved for posterity.

Elliot Carter

Added by Elliot Carter

Washington, D.C.

Hall of Fake Presidents

Where you can hail your favorite fictional commanders-in-chief.

Pat Cassels

Added by Pat Cassels

Washington, D.C.

Strom Party Animal

A public art jibe at one of the United States’ oldest and longest-serving senators.

bryanwoerner

Added by bryanwoerner

Washington, D.C.

The George Washington University Museum and The Textile Museum

Garments from across the globe call this hidden gem home.

Added by blimpcaptain

Washington, D.C.

Marilyn Monroe Mural

A tribute to the pop culture icon overlooks this Washington D.C. intersection.

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Washington, D.C.

Murals at Mount Pleasant Neighborhood Library

In an alcove of this historic library, you can find murals painted in the 1930s by an artist who went on to create some of Disney's most iconic animated films.

Added by dczippy

Washington, D.C.

Culture House

A historic neighborhood church is reborn as a psychedelic arts collective.

Elliot Carter

Added by Elliot Carter

Washington, D.C.

Atlas Performing Arts Center

The revival of a classic Art Deco theater.

Added by heshsf

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