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 United States Botanic Garden’s ‘Fierce Flora: Tales of Survival and Demise’
A multisensory exhibit dedicated to the unique survival mechanisms that plants have developed as a result of evolution!
The exhibit is fun for all ages and features some iconic ‘ferocious flora’ like Venus flytraps, prickly pear, thistle, and even poisonous plants.
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, which showcases everything bubbles in 10 beautifully unique and artistic rooms.
You can sign up for the waitlist here.3. Check out the five new galleries at the National Air and Space Museum
Just the other week, the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum unveiled five galleries at its Washington, D.C. location along the National Mall!
The location has been under renovation since 2018, and while all remaining galleries will not be opened until 2026, the following five galleries are now open to the public:
- Boeing Milestones of Flight Hall
- Futures in Space
- Barron Hilton Pioneers of Flight
- World War 1: The Birth of Military Aviation
- Allan and Shelley Holt Innovations Gallery
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. The Brick City exhibit at the National Building Museum
On view until August 2026, the Brick City exhibit features some of the world’s most iconic architecture recreated using simple LEGO® bricks by the UK-based artist, Warren Elsmore.
The unique exhibit featured scenes from New Orleans’ Bourbon Street during Mardi Gras, Japanese castles, and so much more!
8. Check out the 2025 James McLaughlin Memorial Staff Show at The Phillips Collection
Every year, the staff of The Phillips Collection takes part in their annual Staff Show, where they show their own artistic ability with an exhibit displaying their work.
The exhibition makes for a unique experience that any art enthusiast will enjoy!
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. Check out the Basquiat x Banksy exhibit at the Hirshhorn
The exhibit features two iconic paintings: Boy and Dog in a Johnnypump (1982) by Basquiat, and Banksy’s response, Banksquiat. Boy and Dog in Stop and Search (2018).
The works by such iconic artists who have had a profound impact on the world of art are worth checking out!
The exhibit will only be on site until October 26th of this year.
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 before summer.