Search the Around Town DC Directory for upcoming events and programs.
Museums, Embassies, and Cultural Opportunities
As you well know, the District has a wealth of museums and cultural opportunities for DC residents and tourists alike. Many are even free, or offer discounted rates to older adults. In addition to enjoying the museum’s collections or special exhibits, there are also a number of education opportunities like lecture series, guided tours, and more.
In Wards 2 and 3, there are some hidden gems that you might not know about, including:
American University Museum at the Katzen, in AU Park, is free and open to the public. It hosts rotating exhibitions of contemporary art from around the globe and the Alper Initiative, a dedicated research and display space for the art history of Washington, DC.
https://www.american.edu/cas/museum/
Dumbarton Oaks Research Library and Collection, located in Georgetown, has amazing historic gardens to visit as well as a museum supporting the pursuit of the humanities as a whole, with particular focus on the disciplines of Byzantine, Pre-Columbian, and Garden and Landscape Studies. There are also lectures and concerts. Admission to the museum is free. For seniors, the garden is $8, but during the winter months is free.
The Embassy of Argentine Republic: sign up for their emailed newsletter with upcoming cultural activities.
Heurich House Museum is also referred to as “The Brewmaster’s Castle.” Located in Dupont Circle, this historic house is one of the last remaining mansions in the neighborhood. It was built by Heinrich Heurich from 1892-94. He was a German immigrant, local brewer, and philanthropist. There are volunteer opportunities to lead tours or work in the garden. Docent-led tours are available Thursday-Saturday for a suggested donation of $10.
Korean Cultural Center Washington DC offers many events. Subscribe to their email list here.
The Kreeger Museum is an art museum on Foxhall Road in the Palisades that features 19th and 20th century paintings by Monet, Picasso, Renoir, and others, along with a permanent collection of works of prominent Washington artists and examples of traditional African and Asian Art. You can also enjoy the five-acre gardens filled with sculptures. Senior admission is $8.
https://www.kreegermuseum.org/index
The Kennedy Center in Foggy Bottom also offers many free and low-cost activities, including free concerts every evening on their millennium stage, and live streamed performances.
http://www.kennedy-center.org/
The Mansion on O Street and the O Street Museum in Dupont Circle is a one-of-kind DC treasure that has to be seen to be believed. There are specialized tours of this 100-room facility, plus concerts, and other events. And everything is for sale!
National Geographic Museum, the same organization that publishes the familiar yellow-bordered magazine, also has a museum in downtown DC. The exhibitions change regularly and there are also a variety of events. Senior admission is $12 for the museum and events prices vary.
https://www.nationalgeographic.org/
The National Law Enforcement Museum is located at historic Judiciary Square in downtown DC. Discover artifacts from the nation’s most infamous true crime cases such as the O.J. Simpson Trial, Boston Marathon bombing, and the D.C. area Sniper attacks. Revisit major historical events such as the Seal Team Six raid on Osama Bin Laden’s compound — or Eliot Ness’ investigation into Al Capone’s illicit bootlegging operation. Take on the vital role of a 911 Emergency Operator by answering calls and making tough decisions; or challenge your split-second decision making in our training simulator used in the field and led by former law enforcement professionals. Experience all this and more at DC’s newest and most interactive museum perfect for all ages and interests. https://lawenforcementmuseum.org/
The National Museum of Asian Art sends monthly updates. Sign up for their newsletter here.
National Museum of American Jewish Military History documents and preserves the contributions of Jewish Americans to the peace and freedom of the United States, educates the public concerning the courage, heroism and sacrifices made by Jewish Americans who served in the armed forces, and works to combat anti-Semitism. It is located in Dupont Circle and admission is free to all.
The Phillips Collection, located in Dupont Circle, is home to a collection of more than 4,000 works ranging from masterpieces of French impressionism and American modernism to contemporary art. There are also regular concerts to enjoy. Admission varies from free to $8 to $12 for seniors, depending on the day and event.
https://www.phillipscollection.org/
The Textile Museum is part of George Washington University, and is located in Foggy Bottom. The museum is dedicated to expanding the public knowledge and appreciation of the artistic merits and cultural importance of the world’s textiles. Exhibits change regularly. The museum also houses a collection of Washingtonia. Donations are encouraged for admission, but not required.
https://museum.gwu.edu/about-us
Tudor Place is an historic house in Georgetown and a designated National Historic Landmark. Built by a granddaughter of Martha Washington and her husband, it was completed in 1816, lived in by six generations of a single family, and opened to the public in 1988. You can visit the beautiful house and gardens and, if you love history and/or gardening, there are lots of volunteer opportunities for you. Senior admission (62+) is $8. http://www.tudorplace.org/
Woodrow Wilson House, in Dupont Circle, is a national historic landmark and house museum that focuses on President Wilson’s “Washington Years (1912-1924)”. There are volunteer opportunities. Senior admission (62+) is $8. Guided tours start on the hour until 3PM.
https://www.woodrowwilsonhouse.org/
Additionally, if you’re looking for up-to-date information on theater, music, and dance performances, galleries, classes, and more, a great resource for you is CultureCapital.com. You can search by date, location, and interest –and choose from among 300 arts presenters throughout the Washington, DC Metro region (including Maryland and Virginia). There are even categories for Festivals, Food, Lectures, Films, and Free and Family events.