Washington DC, the magnificent capital of the United States, is not only a political center but also a rich treasure trove of art and culture. With countless world-class museums and galleries, the city is always vibrant with exceptional art exhibitions, attracting visitors from all over the world. Below is a list of art exhibitions not to be missed in Washington, promising to bring you unique visual and spiritual experiences.
Amy Sherald: The American Sublime at the National Portrait Gallery
Amy Sherald: The American Sublime exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery, Washington DC
From November 19, 2024, to February 22, 2026, the National Portrait Gallery is honored to present Amy Sherald: The American Sublime, a pinnacle art event celebrating the talent of one of the greatest artists of the 21st century. Amy Sherald, renowned for her iconic portraits of Michelle Obama and Breonna Taylor, will bring a massive collection of works, marking the largest and most comprehensive exhibition of her career to date.
This exhibition is not only an opportunity to admire the works that have made Sherald famous but also a chance to delve deeper into her unique artistic style and the meaningful messages she conveys. Sherald is famous for her use of vibrant colors and bold compositions, combined with meticulous portrait painting techniques, creating works that are both modern and deeply personal. Through her portraits, Sherald explores themes of identity, race, and the existence of African Americans in contemporary society.
Visiting Amy Sherald: The American Sublime, you will immerse yourself in a colorful and emotional art world, and have the opportunity to contemplate important social issues reflected through the artistic lens of a great talent.
- Location: National Portrait Gallery, 8th St & G St NW, Washington, DC 20001
- Dates: November 19, 2024 – February 22, 2026
- Admission: Free
Photography and the Black Arts Movement, 1955–1985 at the National Gallery of Art
Photography and the Black Arts Movement exhibition at the National Gallery of Art, Washington DC
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, a grand event celebrating the significant contributions of Black artists in the field of photography worldwide. Spanning four turbulent decades, this exhibition showcases approximately 150 works by over 100 artists, including renowned names such as Gordon Parks, Carrie Mae Weems, Frank Stewart, Billy Abernathy, David C. Driskell, Lorna Simpson, and many other talented artists.
Photography and the Black Arts Movement is not just a display of outstanding photographic works, but also a journey to explore meaningful history and culture. The Black Arts Movement, which took place from the mid-20th century, was a crucial cultural movement aimed at promoting Black pride, identity, and power. This exhibition highlights the role of photography in recording, reflecting, and shaping this movement.
Through powerful and emotional photographs, the exhibition authentically portrays the lives, struggles, and achievements of the Black community during a challenging historical period. This is a great opportunity to learn about art history, culture, and society, while honoring the artists who have contributed to the diversity and richness of world art.
- Location: National Gallery of Art, 4th Street and Constitution Avenue NW Washington, DC 20565
- Dates: April 21, 2025 – July 20, 2025
- Admission: Free
Bond in Motion at the International Spy Museum
Bond in Motion exhibition at the International Spy Museum, Washington DC
For James Bond fans and those who love the mysterious world of spies, the International Spy Museum presents the Bond in Motion exhibition, running until the end of April 2025. This unique exhibition is a spectacular tribute to the legendary James Bond character, along with his allies and adversaries, by showcasing iconic vehicles that have appeared in the blockbuster James Bond film series.
With over six decades of captivating audiences on the silver screen, James Bond has become the quintessential spy in the hearts of millions of viewers. The Bond in Motion exhibition will take you into the thrilling world of James Bond, where you can witness firsthand 17 unique items from “Q Branch Garage,” including cars, motorcycles, submarines, and many other special vehicles.
This is not just an exhibition about vehicles, but also a journey to explore film history and popular culture. You will have the opportunity to learn about the creative process behind the unique spy vehicles, as well as the fascinating stories behind each James Bond film.
- Location: International Spy Museum, 700 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Washington, DC 20024
- Dates: Until the end of April 2025
- Admission: See details
Isaac Julien: Lessons of the Hour—Frederick Douglass at the National Portrait Gallery
Isaac Julien: Lessons of the Hour – Frederick Douglass exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery, Washington DC
Until April 6, 2026, the National Portrait Gallery continues to present another impressive exhibition: Isaac Julien: Lessons of the Hour—Frederick Douglass. This is the first joint acquisition between the National Portrait Gallery and the Smithsonian American Art Museum, reflecting the high appreciation for Sir Isaac Julien’s mesmerizing moving image installation.
The exhibition focuses on the life and legacy of Frederick Douglass (1818-1895), a renowned African American social reformer, orator, writer, and leader of the abolitionist movement. Isaac Julien has used multi-screen installation techniques, combining historical reenactments with contemporary artistic elements, to provide viewers with a deep and comprehensive look at Frederick Douglass’s life, achievements, activism, and intellect.
Lessons of the Hour is not just an art exhibition, but also a profound educational experience about history and culture. You will discover Frederick Douglass’s significant contributions to American society, as well as the timeless lessons that his life offers.
- Location: National Portrait Gallery, 8th & G, NW, Washington, DC 20001
- Dates: Until April 06, 2026
- Opening hours: 11:30 AM – 7:00 PM
- Admission: Free
Sightlines: Chinatown and Beyond at the Smithsonian American Art Museum
Sightlines: Chinatown and Beyond exhibition at the Smithsonian American Art Museum, Washington DC
The Smithsonian American Art Museum, in collaboration with the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center, presents the exhibition Sightlines: Chinatown and Beyond until March 30, 2025. This unique exhibition explores the imprint of Asian Americans on the physical and cultural landscape of Washington DC.
Located in a gallery overlooking DC’s vibrant Chinatown, Sightlines showcases a variety of cultural products with Chinese, Korean, and Japanese influences, while also highlighting the pan-Asian American and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) identities. Exhibits include artworks, material culture, images, and graphic materials, collected from Smithsonian collections and from local organizations such as the DC History Center and the Moorland-Spingarn Research Center at Howard University.
The Sightlines exhibition is not just an art display, but also a journey to explore cultural diversity and the contributions of the Asian American community to the development of Washington DC. You will have the opportunity to learn about the history, traditions, and rich cultural identity of this community.
- Location: Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th & G NW, Washington, DC 20004
- Dates: Until March 30, 2025
- Opening hours: 11:30 AM – 7:00 PM
- Admission: Free
Collecting Memories at the Library of Congress
Collecting Memories exhibition at the Library of Congress, Washington DC
The Library of Congress has just opened the new David M. Rubenstein Treasures Gallery with the exhibition Collecting Memories running until the end of 2025. This unique exhibition displays over 120 fascinating artifacts from the library’s invaluable collections, exploring how cultures preserve the past and pass on memories to future generations.
Collecting Memories includes priceless historical artifacts such as Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, maps from the Lewis and Clark Expedition, lyrics from the classic musical The Sound of Music, and many other valuable documents. The exhibition not only displays artifacts but also raises profound questions about the role of memory in shaping personal and collective identities.
Visiting Collecting Memories, you will have the opportunity to admire historical treasures and reflect on the importance of preserving and cherishing memories in our lives.
- Location: Library of Congress, 101 Independence Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20540
- Dates: Until the end of 2025
- Admission: Free
- Opening hours: See details
Unbound: Narrative Art of the Plains at the National Museum of the American Indian
Unbound: Narrative Art of the Plains exhibition at the National Museum of the American Indian, Washington DC
The National Museum of the American Indian celebrates the unique narrative art of Native nations in the Great Plains through the exhibition Unbound: Narrative Art of the Plains running until January 20, 2026. This fascinating exhibition showcases both historical and contemporary works, from battle scene ledger drawings to popular culture pieces, demonstrating the diversity and vitality of traditional narrative art.
Unbound is not just an art exhibition, but also a doorway to the rich culture and history of Native Americans. You will discover unique art forms, oral stories, and profound cultural values conveyed through the narrative art of the Plains.
- Location: National Museum of the American Indian, 4th Street & Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560
- Dates: Until January 20, 2026
- Admission: Free
- Details: See more
Ruffled Feathers: Whistler’s Peacock Room Restored at the National Museum of Asian Art
Ruffled Feathers: Whistler's Peacock Room Restored exhibition at the National Museum of Asian Art, Washington DC
The National Museum of Asian Art presents the exhibition Ruffled Feathers: Whistler’s Peacock Room Restored until August 31, 2027, exploring one of the capital’s most famous art spaces: The Peacock Room. This exhibition is located right next to the renowned Peacock Room, offering a comprehensive view of the creative process and complex history of this unique artwork.
The Peacock Room, a masterpiece by James McNeill Whistler, was originally designed for the London home of British businessman Frederick Leyland. The Ruffled Feathers exhibition tells the story of the Peacock Room’s origins and eventful history through paintings, works on paper, decorative arts, and many other supplementary materials.
Visiting this exhibition, you will not only admire the magnificent beauty of the Peacock Room, but also gain a deeper understanding of the creative process, conflicts, and fascinating stories behind this artistic masterpiece.
- Location: National Museum of Asian Art, 1050 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560
- Dates: Until August 31, 2027
- Opening hours: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Admission: Free
Do Ho Suh: Public Figures at the National Museum of Asian Art
Do Ho Suh: Public Figures exhibition at the National Museum of Asian Art, Washington DC
The National Museum of Asian Art continues to affirm its position as a leading contemporary art center with the exhibition Do Ho Suh: Public Figures running until September 29, 2029. Renowned Korean artist Do Ho Suh has created a special version of Public Figures to install in front of the museum, marking a significant milestone in the museum’s development history.
Do Ho Suh is known for his sculptures and installations exploring themes of space, identity, and memory. Public Figures is an impressive sculpture, consisting of thousands of small figures supporting an empty pedestal. This work evokes reflections on the role of the crowd, anonymity, and collective strength in modern society.
The Do Ho Suh: Public Figures exhibition is a rare opportunity to admire a meaningful contemporary artwork created by an internationally acclaimed artist. This is also the first sculpture installed outside the Freer Gallery of Art in over 30 years, affirming the continuous innovation and development of the National Museum of Asian Art.
- Location: National Museum of Asian Art, 1050 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560
- Dates: Until September 29, 2029
- Opening hours: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Admission: Free
Change Your Game at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History
Change Your Game exhibition at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, Washington DC
The Smithsonian National Museum of American History presents a unique and engaging exhibition: Change Your Game, developed by the Lemelson Center for Invention and Innovation. This exhibition explores the fascinating intersection of invention, sports, and technology through interactive elements and diverse exhibits.
Change Your Game showcases groundbreaking inventions that have changed the world of sports, from the 1970s Jogbra prototype, football helmets with advanced brain protection technology, Hawk-Eye cameras used in tennis, to prosthetics that help athletes with disabilities conquer extreme sports.
This exhibition is not only for sports enthusiasts, but also for anyone interested in creativity, innovation, and the impact of technology on our lives. You will have the opportunity to discover the fascinating stories behind sports inventions, as well as the relentless efforts of inventors to improve performance and safety in sports.
- Location: Smithsonian National Museum of American History, 1300 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560
- Dates: Ongoing
- Opening hours: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Admission: Free
Building Stories at the National Building Museum
Building Stories exhibition at the National Building Museum, Washington DC
The National Building Museum invites families to embark on a journey exploring architecture, construction, engineering, and design through the ongoing exhibition Building Stories. This exhibition, curated by children’s literature expert Leonard Marcus, is the first national exhibition to focus on the role of the built environment as a significant character in our childhood stories.
Building Stories showcases original artwork from children’s books, architectural models, construction toys, and engaging interactive elements. This exhibition is not only educational but also sparks children’s imagination and creativity, helping them better understand the world around them and the role of architecture in everyday life.
- Location: National Building Museum, 401 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
- Dates: Ongoing
- Admission: See details
- Opening hours: See details
John Akomfrah: Five Murmurings at the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art
John Akomfrah: Five Murmurings exhibition at the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art, Washington DC
The Smithsonian National Museum of African Art presents the ongoing exhibition John Akomfrah: Five Murmurings, a reflective visual essay by artist and filmmaker John Akomfrah on the tumultuous times we live in. This exhibition addresses the COVID-19 pandemic, the murder of George Floyd, and the global protests supporting the Black Lives Matter movement.
Five Murmurings uses a rich archive of images, including iconic artworks and footage from the turbulent 18-month period from 2019 to 2021, to explore themes of post-colonialism, the diasporic experience, and the concept of collective memory. This exhibition offers profound insights into the challenges and upheavals the world is facing, while also suggesting hope and human resilience.
- Location: Smithsonian National Museum of African Art, 950 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560
- Dates: Ongoing
- Opening hours: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Admission: Free
Glenn Kaino: Bridge at the Smithsonian American Art Museum
Glenn Kaino: Bridge exhibition at the Smithsonian American Art Museum, Washington DC
The Smithsonian American Art Museum showcases the impressive aerial sculpture Glenn Kaino: Bridge ongoing at the Luce Foundation Center. This work consists of 200 gold arms suspended from the ceiling, each arm a cast of Tommie Smith’s outstretched right arm, the American athlete who made a historic protest at the 1968 Olympic Games.
During the medal ceremony, Tommie Smith bowed his head and raised a black-gloved fist to protest racial discrimination. Decades later, Glenn Kaino collaborated with Smith to create Bridge, a powerful statement of solidarity, justice, and the fight for human rights.
- Location: Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th and G Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
- Dates: Ongoing
- Opening hours: 11:30 AM – 7:00 PM
- Admission: Free
Fierce Flora: Tales of Survival and Demise at the United States Botanic Garden
Fierce Flora: Tales of Survival and Demise exhibition at the United States Botanic Garden, Washington DC
The United States Botanic Garden invites visitors to explore the “fierce” side of the plant and animal world through the special exhibition Fierce Flora: Tales of Survival and Demise ongoing. This exhibition focuses on the incredible defenses of many plant species against harmful agents, herbivores, and the competition for survival.
Fierce Flora is a multi-sensory experience, showcasing the evolution of plants and how they can be both harmful and beneficial to humans. You will discover plant species with unique defenses, from sharp thorns and toxins to camouflage and symbiosis.
- Location: United States Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20001
- Dates: Ongoing
- Opening hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Admission: Free
Forces of Change: Mary McLeod Bethune and the Power of Black Women’s Activism at the National Museum of African American History and Culture
Forces of Change: Mary McLeod Bethune and the Power of Black Women’s Activism exhibition at the National Museum of African American History and Culture, Washington DC
The National Museum of African American History and Culture honors the significant contributions of educator, social activist, and local hero Mary McLeod Bethune through the exhibition Forces of Change: Mary McLeod Bethune and the Power of Black Women’s Activism ongoing. This exhibition focuses on Bethune’s extraordinary work with the National Council of Negro Women, as well as the contributions of other women who fought for social change.
Forces of Change features 75 images, 35 artifacts, a multimedia film, a 10-foot plaster sculpture of Bethune, and an interactive area. This exhibition provides a deep insight into the life and legacy of Mary McLeod Bethune, a pioneering woman who made significant contributions to education, civil rights, and the advancement of Black women.
- Location: National Museum of African American History and Culture, 1400 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560
- Dates: Ongoing
- Admission: Free
- Details: See more
Conclusion
Washington DC is truly an ideal destination for art lovers. With this diverse and rich list of art exhibitions, you are sure to find memorable cultural and artistic experiences in the US capital. Plan your visit today so you don’t miss the opportunity to explore these invaluable art treasures.