ARTS AROUND HERE / THE WASHINGTON EDITION

Arts Around
Washington.

A gallery afternoon. A live set. Something that stays with you.

A focused selection of exhibitions, after-hours programs and art-making in Washington, DC.

Find your next outing ↓Places to know ↓

WORTH MAKING A PLAN FOR

On view. Coming up.

A short selection, with the details you need to take the next step.

ExhibitionWashington · National Mall

In the Library: Reimagining America by Design

George Washington University students reinterpret the Great Depression-era Index of American Design through research and exhibition-making.

Through Dec 31, 2026

National Gallery of Art · East Building Library Atrium

4th Street and Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20565

Free

The Library Atrium is open weekdays 11 a.m.–4:30 p.m., except federal holidays.

Reviewed 2026-11-01
National Gallery of ArtOrganizer details ↗

ExhibitionWashington · National Mall

Yoshitomo Nara: Sentinels of Stillness

Three monumental new heads inaugurate the Hirshhorn Sculpture Garden’s West Lawn as a place for curiosity, contemplation and rest.

Through Nov 7, 2027

Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden · West Lawn

Independence Avenue SW and 7th Street SW, Washington, DC 20560

Free

The installation is outdoors in the reopened Sculpture Garden. Check current garden hours and weather conditions before visiting.

Reviewed 2026-11-01
Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture GardenOrganizer details ↗

After hoursWashington · National Mall

National Gallery Nights: Gratitude

An after-hours evening of poetry, art-making, gallery activities and dancing closes the fall Gallery Nights season.

Nov 12, 2026 · 6:00 PM–9:00 PM EST

National Gallery of Art · East Building

4th Street and Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20565

Free; lottery registration required for advance passes

The lottery runs November 2 at 10 a.m. through November 5 at noon. A limited number of walk-up passes begin at 5:30 p.m.

Reviewed 2026-11-01
National Gallery of ArtOrganizer details ↗

WorkshopWashington · National Mall

Open Studio: Play with Clay

A free drop-in studio invites all ages to make playful clay sculpture inspired by Yoshitomo Nara’s new garden installation.

Nov 21, 2026 · 10:00 AM–2:00 PM EST

Hirshhorn Museum · Art School, Lower Level

Independence Avenue SW and 7th Street SW, Washington, DC 20560

Free; no reservation or ticket required

Drop in during the listed hours. Groups of ten or more should contact the museum in advance.

Reviewed 2026-11-01
Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture GardenOrganizer details ↗

Times are local to the venue. Exhibition dates describe the run, not daily opening hours. Ticket availability and plans can change; check the original organizer before going.

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Places to know.

Washington · National Mall

Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden

Modern and contemporary art, an outdoor sculpture garden and free public programs. Some events have separate registration details.

Explore the venue ↗

Washington · National Mall

National Gallery of Art

Two museum buildings, a sculpture garden, changing exhibitions and public programs. After-hours events can require a free lottery pass.

Explore the venue ↗

Washington · Lafayette Square

Renwick Gallery

The Smithsonian American Art Museum’s home for contemporary craft and decorative arts, with free admission.

Explore the venue ↗

Washington · Dupont Circle

The Phillips Collection

Modern and contemporary art in an intimate museum setting. Admission and timed-entry policies vary by day and exhibition.

Explore the venue ↗

Before you go.

Are all Smithsonian museums free?

Smithsonian museums such as the Hirshhorn and Renwick are free, but a particular program may require registration. Non-Smithsonian venues set their own admission policies.

Does this edition cover the wider DC region?

Not yet. This edition is mapped to the District of Columbia. Each listing names its venue and location rather than implying that every regional outing is nearby.

How does the National Gallery Nights lottery work?

The Gallery opens a free-pass lottery the week before each event and may offer a limited number of first-come walk-up passes. Use the original event page for the current deadline and entry instructions.

Invite someone along, then make your plan together. Find your group →