Washington D.C., the capital of the United States, is not only a political center but also a rich treasure trove of culture and history. This city is a meeting point for numerous museums, art galleries, and historical sites, offering visitors the opportunity to deeply explore American and world culture. In the coming year, Washington D.C. will continue to assert its position as a leading cultural destination with a series of unique exhibitions, diverse in themes and forms. Let “Du lịch khắp thế gian” (Travel Around the World) help you plan a journey to discover the unique culture in Washington D.C. through these unmissable events.
Immerse Yourself in Art at the National Portrait Gallery
The National Portrait Gallery, a part of the Smithsonian Institution, celebrates individuals who have significantly impacted the history and culture of the United States through portraiture. From classic paintings to contemporary works, this gallery offers a multifaceted view of the people who have shaped America.
One of the most prominent events at the National Portrait Gallery is the exhibition Amy Sherald: The Great American Fact, running from November 19, 2024, to February 22, 2026. This exhibition showcases the work of Amy Sherald, one of the leading portrait artists of the 21st century. Sherald is renowned for her unique style, blending realism and abstraction, creating portraits that are both colorful and emotionally resonant. This exhibition not only displays her iconic portraits of Michelle Obama and Breonna Taylor but also presents a range of other works, marking the largest and most comprehensive exhibition of Sherald’s career to date.
Contemporary portrait art by Amy Sherald in "The Great American Fact" exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery.
Explore the “Amy Sherald: The Great American Fact” exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery to admire impressive contemporary portrait artworks.
Additionally, visitors can also explore the exhibition Isaac Julien: Lessons of the Hour—Frederick Douglass, on display until April 6, 2026. This exhibition is a unique combination of art and history, focusing on the life and legacy of Frederick Douglass, a renowned African American social reformer, orator, and writer. Isaac Julien’s moving image installation uses period-recreation scenes to offer viewers deep insights into Douglass’s life, achievements, and influence. This exhibition is a testament to the collaboration between the National Portrait Gallery and the Smithsonian American Art Museum, together celebrating important historical figures.
The “Isaac Julien: Lessons of the Hour—Frederick Douglass” exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery offers a profound artistic and historical experience about the reformer Frederick Douglass.
Discover Diverse Art Heritage at the National Gallery of Art
The National Gallery of Art is one of the world’s leading art museums, boasting an extensive collection spanning from the Middle Ages to contemporary art. This museum is not only a place to display classic artworks but also a space to explore new and diverse art trends.
From April 21, 2025, to July 20, 2025, the National Gallery of Art will host the exhibition Photography and the Black Arts Movement, 1955–1985. This exhibition is a grand tribute to the work of Black artists worldwide during the Black Arts Movement period. Featuring approximately 150 works by over 100 artists, this exhibition showcases the diversity and power of photographic art in reflecting and shaping the Black Arts Movement. Visitors will have the opportunity to admire works by prominent figures such as Gordon Parks, Carrie Mae Weems, Frank Stewart, and many other artists, gaining a deeper understanding of the role of art in the struggle for equality and social justice.
Photography exhibition banner for "Photography and the Black Arts Movement, 1955–1985" at the National Gallery of Art.
The “Photography and the Black Arts Movement” exhibition at the National Gallery of Art is an opportunity to discover the rich and meaningful art heritage of Black artists.
Experience the World of Espionage at the International Spy Museum
The International Spy Museum offers a unique and engaging experience, exploring the mysterious world of espionage. This museum not only displays artifacts related to the history of spying but also creates interactive experiences, helping visitors better understand the work of spies and sophisticated espionage techniques.
Until the end of April 2025, visitors can participate in the Bond in Motion exhibition at the International Spy Museum. This exhibition is a gift for fans of James Bond, the world-famous fictional spy character. The exhibition showcases 17 iconic vehicles from James Bond films, including cars, motorcycles, submarines, and many other special gadgets from Q Branch Garage. This is a rare opportunity to admire up close the four-wheeled “stars” that have contributed to the allure of the James Bond series.
Iconic James Bond vehicles displayed in the "Bond in Motion" exhibition at the International Spy Museum.
The “Bond in Motion” exhibition at the International Spy Museum is a fascinating journey into the world of Agent 007 and his legendary vehicles.
Explore Asian and Pacific Culture at the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center and National Museum of Asian Art
The Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center and the National Museum of Asian Art are ideal destinations for exploring Asian and Pacific culture and art. These museums display diverse collections, from traditional to contemporary art, from ancient cultures to emerging cultural expressions.
At the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center presents the exhibition Sightlines: Chinatown and Beyond, running until November 30, 2025. This exhibition explores the imprint of Asian Americans on the cultural and physical landscape of Washington D.C., especially Chinatown. The exhibition displays cultural products with Chinese, Korean, and Japanese heritage, including artworks, material culture, images, and graphic materials. This is an opportunity to learn about the contributions of the Asian American community to the development of the U.S. capital.
Exhibition view of "Sightlines: Chinatown and Beyond" at the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center, showcasing Asian American cultural contributions.
The “Sightlines: Chinatown and Beyond” exhibition at the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center explores the rich cultural heritage of the Asian American community in Washington D.C.
The National Museum of Asian Art also offers engaging exhibitions. Peacock Room REMIX: Whistler’s Mother, Curated by Hiroshi Sugimoto, running until May 31, 2027, explores the history and creation of the famous Peacock Room, a masterpiece of decorative art by James McNeill Whistler. The exhibition displays paintings, works on paper, decorative arts, and related documents, helping visitors better understand the origin story and complex history of this room.
Installation view of "Peacock Room REMIX: Whistler’s Mother, Curated by Hiroshi Sugimoto" at the National Museum of Asian Art.
The “Peacock Room REMIX: Whistler’s Mother, Curated by Hiroshi Sugimoto” exhibition at the National Museum of Asian Art takes visitors to explore one of the world’s most famous decorative art masterpieces.
Do Ho Suh: Public Figures, running until September 29, 2029, showcases a special sculpture by Korean artist Do Ho Suh, installed in front of the National Museum of Asian Art. The work Public Figures is a special version created for the museum, marking the presence of contemporary art in this space. This exhibition is a testament to the cultural and artistic exchange between Asia and the United States.
Contemporary sculpture "Public Figures" by Do Ho Suh exhibited at the National Museum of Asian Art.
The “Do Ho Suh: Public Figures” exhibition at the National Museum of Asian Art showcases the impressive contemporary sculpture by Korean artist Do Ho Suh.
John Akomfrah: Five Murmur, currently on display at the National Museum of African Art, is a visual essay by artist and filmmaker John Akomfrah, reflecting on the COVID-19 pandemic, the murder of George Floyd, and the Black Lives Matter protests. The exhibition uses archival footage and scenes to explore contemporary social issues such as post-colonialism, the diasporic experience, and collective memory.
Art installation "Five Murmur" by John Akomfrah at the National Museum of African Art, reflecting on recent historical and social events.
The “John Akomfrah: Five Murmur” exhibition at the National Museum of African Art is a thoughtful artwork about recent historical and social events.
Learn About American History and Culture at the National Museum of American History and Library of Congress
The National Museum of American History and the Library of Congress are invaluable repositories of American history and culture. These museums display artifacts, documents, and stories about the formation and development of the United States, from significant historical events to everyday aspects of life.
At the National Museum of American History, the Game Changers exhibition is currently on display, focusing on the intersection of invention, sports, and technology. The exhibition features artifacts such as the prototype Jogbra, football helmets with brain protection technology, Hawk-Eye cameras, and prosthetics for disabled athletes. This exhibition explores innovations in the field of sports and how they impact society.
Exhibition display of sports technology and innovations in "Game Changers" at the National Museum of American History.
The “Game Changers” exhibition at the National Museum of American History explores innovation and technology in sports.
The Library of Congress opened the new David M. Rubenstein Treasures Gallery with the exhibition Collecting Memories, running through 2025. This exhibition displays over 120 precious artifacts from the library’s collection, including Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, maps from the Lewis and Clark Expedition, and lyrics from The Sound of Music. This exhibition explores how cultures preserve the past and the importance of memory in shaping identity.
Exhibition view inside the Library of Congress's David M. Rubenstein Treasures Gallery, featuring historical documents and artifacts.
The “Collecting Memories” exhibition at the Library of Congress displays valuable historical artifacts and explores the role of memory in culture.
Explore Architecture and Design at the National Building Museum
The National Building Museum is the only museum in the United States dedicated to architecture, design, engineering, construction, and urban planning. This museum offers engaging and interactive exhibitions, exploring the role of the built environment in our lives.
The Building Stories exhibition, currently on display at the National Building Museum, is a journey to explore architecture and design through children’s books. The exhibition showcases the role of the built environment as a character in familiar childhood stories, providing an engaging experience for the whole family.
Interactive exhibit in "Building Stories" at the National Building Museum, focusing on architecture in children's literature.
The “Building Stories” exhibition at the National Building Museum explores architecture and design through the lens of children’s literature, offering an educational and fun experience for all ages.
Celebrate Native American Art at the National Museum of the American Indian
The National Museum of the American Indian is a museum dedicated to the life, culture, history, and art of Native Americans. This museum displays rich collections of Native culture, from traditional to contemporary art, from ancient cultures to contemporary communities.
The exhibition Unbound: Narrative Art of the Plains, running until January 20, 2026, celebrates the narrative art among Native nations in the Great Plains. The exhibition displays historical and contemporary works, from battle records to ledger drawings and popular culture, exploring the diversity and vitality of Native art.
Exhibition display of Native American narrative art in "Unbound: Narrative Art of the Plains" at the National Museum of the American Indian.
The “Unbound: Narrative Art of the Plains” exhibition at the National Museum of the American Indian celebrates the rich and diverse art heritage of Native Americans.
Connect with Nature at the United States Botanic Garden
The United States Botanic Garden is a green oasis in the heart of the capital, where visitors can explore the diversity of the plant world. This botanic garden is not only a place to relax but also a center for education and research on botany.
The Fierce Flora: Plants with Guts, Thorns, and Poison exhibition, currently on display at the United States Botanic Garden, explores the “fierce” aspect of the plant world. The exhibition showcases plant defenses against threats, as well as how they can be both harmful and beneficial to humans. This is a multi-sensory exhibition, offering a fresh perspective on the plant world around us.
Botanical exhibition "Fierce Flora: Plants with Guts, Thorns, and Poison" at the United States Botanic Garden, highlighting plant defenses.
The “Fierce Flora: Plants with Guts, Thorns, and Poison” exhibition at the United States Botanic Garden explores the “fierce” and surprising side of the plant world.
Celebrate Women and Social Activism at the National Museum of African American History and Culture
The National Museum of African American History and Culture is a national museum dedicated to the history and culture of African Americans. This museum displays stories of the struggles, achievements, and contributions of African Americans to American society.
The exhibition Making a Way Out of No Way: Black Women and the Movement for Social Change, currently on display at the National Museum of African American History and Culture, celebrates Mary McLeod Bethune, an African American educator, social activist, and community leader. The exhibition focuses on Bethune’s work with the National Council of Negro Women and the contributions of other women in the struggle for social change. This exhibition is an inspiration about the power of women and social activism.
Exhibition banner for "Making a Way Out of No Way: Black Women and the Movement for Social Change" at the National Museum of African American History and Culture, featuring Mary McLeod Bethune.
The “Making a Way Out of No Way: Black Women and the Movement for Social Change” exhibition at the National Museum of African American History and Culture celebrates pioneering women and their contributions to society.
Conclusion
Washington D.C. is a diverse and rich cultural destination, with countless museums and art galleries offering unique exploration experiences. A cultural journey through Washington D.C.’s unique exhibitions in the coming year promises to bring visitors memorable and profound experiences about the history, art, and culture of the United States and the world. Plan your trip today so you don’t miss these special cultural events!