Every history and art lover’s dream, Washington D.C. is home to over 70 museums, including 19 free Smithsonian museums and galleries. With each museum boasting a rotation of numerous must-see exhibits, trying to choose where to start can be overwhelming.
Here, we’ve broken down a few exhibits coming to D.C. in 2025 you want to make sure you catch:
1. The National Museum of Women in the Arts
The NMWA has a psychdelic exhibition called “Uncanny” that highlights that surreal feeling that encapsulates the world ‘uncanny.” Think strange faces, weird art, and more. This exhibit will be concluding on August 10th of this year.
In addition to several other interesting exhibits, this museum is a must-visit in 2025!
2. This joyful exhibit is floating into D.C. this summer
This interactive bubble museum has been floating its way through the nation and it’s finally made its way to D.C. Beat the heat this summer at Bubble Planet that showcases everything bubbles in 10 beautifully unique and artistic rooms.
You can sign up for the waitlist here.3. Hirshhorn Museum
Opened September 29th, 2024, the “OSGEMEOS: ENDLESS STORY” exhibit is one of the largest displays of the Brazillian twin artists, Gustavo and Otavio Pandolfo.
The extremely interesting and innovative exhibit reflects the artists’ iconic use of modern styles like street graffiti and urban art, conveyed using mediums like wood and canvas.
Don’t miss their Basquiat x Banksy exhibit, running from now until October 26 of this year, organized by Betsey Johnson and presented as part of the museum’s 50th anniversary. From Basquiat, the piece to be displayed is his ‘Boy and Dog in a Johnnypump‘(1982), and from Banksy, it is his response piece that references the former piece by Basquiat, ‘Banksquiat. Boy and Dog in Stop and Search‘ (2018).
4. The Rubell Museum’s American Vignettes: Symbols, Society, and Satire
This exhibit showcases nearly 100 unique artworks from a variety of disciplines including paintings, sculptures, photos, and more!
The total body of work is a collection of over 40 emerging and established artists who each share their unique perspectives and experiences about calling the United States their home.
5. Dopamine Land: A Multisensory Experience
This incredible exhibit seems to turn fun into a scientific equation with ten unique rooms each of which triggers your senses differently; from lights with stunning visuals to a room dedicated to pillow fights, not to mention the oxygen aromatherapy bar at the end!
This place is a must-visit exhibit for anyone in D.C. and is perfect for any occasion, whether that be a unique date night with someone special or a fun plan to do with friends or family.
Location: 5333 Wisconsin Ave NW
6. You can explore one of the great wonders of the world in your own backyard
You can join the waitlist now for this amazing VR experience through Machu Picchu–complete without the difficult hike to reach it and high elevation! The exhibit will be a free-roaming experience through one of the great wonders of the world, so get your tickets here to sign up.
7. ARTECHOUSE – Hidden Wonders of the Ocean
The incredible immersive 3D art exhibit available at ARTECHOUSE is one of the most unique art experiences in the capital city!
The current viewing, ‘Twilight Zone: Hidden Wonders of the Ocean”, will be launching on January 9th and remain on display until March 3rd.
Location: 1238 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024
8. The Spy Museum’s “Bond in Motion” exhibit
Celebrating the decades of cultural influence and impact that the James Bond saga has had on society, The Spy Museum’s latest exhibition is centered around the various vehicles seen throughout the character’s legendary cinematic history. A total of 17 Bond vehicles ranging from his iconic Aston Martin to motorcycles, submarines, and a few of the creative inventions from the Q branch that he’s used on screen throughout the years.
Tickets to the Bond In Motion exhibit only are listed at $13 per person but if you want to fully experience the Spy Museum, a combo deal between General Admission to the museum and the Bond exhibit is available starting at $40 for adults and $29 for children.
Location: The Spy Museum
9. Capital Brutalism at the National Building Museum
This incredible exhibition at the National Building Museum focuses on the “brutalism” architecture wave that swept over the capital during the mid-20th century and will only be on view through February 17th.
Seeing the history of how this Cold War Era architectural style influenced the design and structure of the district while it was growing is one of the most unique and interesting stories that D.C. locals should take the time to learn!
Location: The National Building Museum
10. The Artist’s Experience: From Brotherman to Batman
This free exhibition, which will take place between March 12th and July 24th of 2025, will feature the works of 20 Black sequential artists from the world of comic art.
The exhibition will not only serve as an exploration of art styles but also an ode to the skill of visual storytelling and will include original work from one of DC Comics’ legendary Batman illustrators Denys Cowan.
This exhibit will be a great destination for children and adults alike!
Location: Phillips@THEARC, 1801 Mississippi Ave, SE, Washington, DC
11. Bone Hall at the National Museum of Natural History
One of the oldest bone exhibits in the U.S., the Bone Hall at the National Museum of Natural History has been housing some of these skeletons since 1881. The skeletons represent an unparalleled study collection of every major group of vertebrate animals from birds to turtles to dogs and cats.
We would also recommend visiting the butterfly pavilion which is temporarily closed for unplanned maintenance but will hopefully be reopened again before summer.