Gordon Parks, Husband and Wife, Sunday Morning, Detroit, Michigan (Bert Collins and Pauline Terry), 1950
Things to do the week of Jan. 6-9, 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
Gordon Parks: Camera Portraits from the Corcoran Collection
The National Gallery of Art honors one of the best set of eyes in American history with a 25-portrait exhibition. Gordon Parks revolutionized photography in post-World War II America, situating his subjects in their environment while also paying close attention to their expression, character and dress. You can see images of Muhammad Ali and Leonard Bernstein alongside shots of a Harlem gang leader and a Detroit couple in this moving tribute that features some of Parks’ most beloved photographs.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free Admission
National Gallery of Art, 4th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC
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
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
Tuesday
Suchitra Mattai: Myth from Matter – Final Week
The National Museum of Women in the Arts hosts the first solo exhibition in DC dedicated to the work of Suchitra Mattai, who explores themes of history, heritage and identity across her multidisciplinary work. The Indo-Caribbean artist examines mythology, personal narratives and colonial history through the lens of women and people of color, especially those from Southeast Asia. Visitors can see large-scale textile installations, paintings, collages and sculptures, as well as related pieces from Europe and Southeast Asia.
Hours & Admission
National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005
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
O Tree Jubilee – Final Week
Even outside of the holiday season, the Mansion on O Street is a wonder to behold—a mind-bending, multilevel miracle that rewards repeated visits to search for its secret doors and hidden treasures. Add some of the District’s most creative Christmas trees to the mix and you’re sure to be dazzled. These trees (and wreaths and gingerbread houses) are created and donated by volunteers, landscape architects and florists, and you can try to win your favorites! Who wouldn’t want Oscar the Grouch as a tree?
Tickets
O Museum in the Mansion, 2020 O Street NW, Washington, DC 20036
Wednesday
Free Community Days at the National Museum of Women in the Arts
The recently expanded National Museum of Women in the Arts welcomes visitors with free admission twice each month. Acquaint yourself with one of the coolest art collections in the District without paying a cent. You’ll have some extra cash left over to explore the museum’s jaw-dropping gift shop.
Register
National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005
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
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum – Final Week
Sondheim takes ancient Rome in one of the greatest musical comedies ever. This Tony Award-winning play zeroes in on three neighboring households who notice, just outside their front doors, the exploits of a rowdy gang which includes a Roman slave, a soldier, a lovesick man and a gorgeous courtesan. You’re in for some retro Broadway brilliance at Signature Theatre in Arlington, Va.
Tickets
Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, VA 22206
Thursday
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
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
Craig Robinson
Comedian Craig Robinson started as a Chicago public school teacher and is now recognizable face to anyone that has seen "The Office." Best known for not only his stint at Dunder Mifflin but his roles in hit films and TV shows like "Killing It," "Dolemite Is My Name," "This is the End" and "Hot Tub Time Machine," Craig has hopes to help people find humor and joy in their everyday life. Beyond the screen, he delivers a standout live show, blending stand-up comedy with music for a night packed with nonstop fun.
Tickets
DC Improv Comedy Club & Restaurant, 1140 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036
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