Things to do the week of Jan. 13-16, 2025
We've gathered up some things to do across the nation's capital, including museum exhibits, concerts, only-in-DC events and much more. Don't miss our things to do this weekend and things to do this month as well.
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Monday
Paris 1874: The Impressionist Moment
Discover the origins of one of the most important art movements in history thanks to a new exhibit at the National Gallery of Art. The museum is replicating a legendary exhibit from Paris in 1874 that helped bring about the dawn of Impressionism. In the display, you can view beloved paintings by Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Paul Cézanne, Edgar Degas, Camille Pissaro and many more.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission
National Gallery of Art, 6th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC
Ice skate in DC
Lace up some skates and triple axel 'round the District at popular ice skating rinks at the National Gallery of Art’s Sculpture Garden, Washington Harbour in Georgetown, Canal Park in Capitol Riverfront and The Wharf. Make sure to read our detailed breakdown of each spot.
Tuesday
Breaking It Down: Conversations from the Vault
A new exhibit offers a deep dive and new takes on several artists who are essential mainstays of the Phillips Collection, including Georges Braque, Richard Diebenkorn, Arthur Dove, Sam Gilliam, Paul Klee and Georgia O’Keeffe. Visitors can also admire a growing collection of pieces by contemporary masters, including Sean Scully, Sylvia Snowden, Renée Stout and Joyce Wellman.
Hours & Admission
The Phillips Collection, 1600 21st Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
National Museum of African American History and Culture
In Slavery's Wake
The National Museum of African American History and Culture's new exhibit offers a dynamic mix of history, art and media. Visitors can observe connections between Black freedom-makers across time and join in a global conversation on the continued impacts of slavery and colonialism. The multi-lingual experience features 100 objects, 250 images and 10 multi-media interactives and films.
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily | Reserve Timed Passes
Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture, 1400 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560
Wednesday
Anacostia Community Museum
A Bold and Beautiful Vision: A Century of Black Arts Education in Washington, DC, 1900-2000
The Anacostia Community Museum sheds light on fascinating local history with an exhibit featuring captivating original artworks, rare video footage and can't-miss artifacts including Alma Thomas’s paintbrushes and watercolor paint set, an early 20th-century lifelike marionette that William Buckner made with his local high school students, original Elizabeth Catlett prints that once hung in the halls of her DC high school and Sam Gilliam pieces from his tenure as a teacher at McKinley Technical High School. Experience the influence, power and creativity of the Black artist-educators who empowered generations of DC students.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission
Smithsonian's Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Place SE, Washington, DC 20020
The Print Generation
Early in the 20th century, a new generation of Japanese print artists took hold of the entire process of creation, from designing to carving to printing. The new approach, known as “sōsaku hanga”, led to raw and unique works throughout a period of turmoil in Japan. Many of these fascinating pieces are on display in this exhibit at the National Museum of Asian Art.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
National Museum of Asian Art, 1050 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560
This Morning, This Evening, So Soon: James Baldwin and the Voices of Queer Resistance
Guest curated by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Hilton Als, the National Portrait Gallery’s new exhibit focuses on one of the most important American writers of the 20th century. James Baldwin beautifully spoke out against injustice throughout his stirring career. He and other queer artists had to keep their sexuality hidden even while speaking up for civil rights. In addition to portraits of Baldwin, the exhibit also highlights many of his contemporaries including Lorraine Hansberry, Barbara Jordan, Bayard Rustin, Essex Hemphill and Marlon Riggs.
11:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Free Admission
National Portrait Gallery, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20001
Thursday
JewCE: The Jewish Comics Experience – Through March 23
A hero is a hero, but which iconic comic book character(s) can be called a real mensch? Find the answer and learn some fascinating trivia at the Capital Jewish Museum, which explores the theme of superheroes from the 1930s to the 1960s with Jewish backgrounds. Whether these well-loved protagonists had Jewish creators or celebrated their own bar mitzvahs in the comic’s pages, fun facts and a history of chutzpah await. Contemporary graphic novels and DC-focused lore are also included.
Tickets
Lillian and Albert Small Capital Jewish Museum, 575 3rd Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
Samantha Box: Confluences – Through March 23
The National Museum of Women in the Arts presents stunning documentary and studio-based photographs from Bronx-based artist Samantha Box in her first solo exhibition in the nation’s capital. Box’s two major bodies of work are seen together for the first time, revealing complex conversations around nationality, race, class, gender and sexual orientation.
Hours & Admission
National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005
OSGEMEOS: Endless Story – Through July 6
Gustavo and Otavio Pandolfo are the identical twin brothers that comprise OSGEMEOS, which is Portuguese for “the twins.” The Hirshhorn Museum presents the first U.S. survey and the largest American exhibition of work by the duo to date. In total, the full-floor exhibit features roughly 1,000 artworks, photos and archival materials that detail OSGEMEOS’ unique artistic voice that combines heritage, urban art, graffiti and magical elements.
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Free Admission
Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden, Independence Avenue & 7th Street NW, Washington, DC 20560
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