Open Daily, 11:30 a.m.–7:00 p.m
Free Admission

Examines the role of sculpture in understanding and constructing the concept of race in the United States. The exhibition brings together 82 sculptures created between 1792 and 2023 and ranging in size from palm-sized coins to monumental statues created from diverse media such as bronze, marble, shoes, paper, and hair. Made by 70 different artists, these sculptures are displayed to allow for juxtapositions of historical and contemporary works that invite dialogue and reflection on notions of power and identity. 

The Shape of Power: Stories of Race and American Sculpture

August 19, 2025-February 8, 2026
The Staff Show is named in honor of James McLaughlin (1909–1982)—a gifted still-life painter whose journey with the museum began as a student at the Phillips Gallery Art School under the mentorship of founder Duncan Phillips. McLaughlin’s deep connection to the museum spanned decades, during which he played an integral role in shaping its artistic community. His legacy continues to inspire through this annual tribute to creativity, dedication, and artistic excellence.

James McLaughlin Staff Show

One of America’s most beloved musicals is coming back, dusted off and spit-shined for a new generation. All the elements that made it famous are there: a diehard love of baseball, one man’s fateful (and hilarious) pact with the Devil, and Broadway's sexiest femme fatale...but gently re-tooled for its first major revival in the 21st Century. Featuring iconic songs like “Whatever Lola Wants” and “Who’s Got the Pain?,” this production immerses audiences in a whirlwind of temptation, ambition, love, and sacrifice in this bold new adaptation by Lortel Award winner Will Power and Pulitzer and Tony Award winner Doug Wright, with additional lyrics by Tony Award winner Lynn Ahrens, and directed and choreographed by Tony Award winner Sergio Trujillo.

Damn Yankees

September 11, 2025 - October 12, 2025

Philadelphia’s African Baptist Church, 1832: a mother and daughter guard the grave of their husband and father to deter resurrectionists from pillaging it for science.  

Today, on the same grounds: another mother and daughter work as counselors at what is now a summer camp. Timelines collide, reminding us to find joy in our present even as we exhume our nation’s buried past. 



The Great Privation

September 19, 2025 — October 12, 2025
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his inner circle imagined a pluralistic society in which equality and justice is guaranteed for all. In the face of surveillance, intimidation, arrests and life threats, five giants form a powerful coalition to advance civil rights and shape a defining moment in American history. Together, Dr. King, Coretta Scott King, Bayard Rustin, Stanley Levison and Clarence B. Jones plan the March on Washington and craft the speech that would galvanize the nation and inspire generations to advance America’s efforts to turn a dream into reality.

The American Five

Never-before-seen photographs alongside images of cultural icons reveal the medium’s central role during a pivotal era of creative expression
Washington, DC—The National Gallery of Art presents Photography and the Black Arts Movement, 1955–1985, an exhibition exploring the work of American and Afro-Atlantic diaspora photographers in developing and fostering a distinctly Black visual culture and identity.

Photography’s Role in the Black Arts Movement

From Succession writer Miriam Battye comes a razor sharp, not-quite-romantic comedy about the absurdity of modern dating in the seemingly endless quest to find “the one.”  
 
After matching online, a man and a woman meet for a date. Although they start off on the (very) wrong foot, they slowly begin to let down their guard in the hope that this time they’ve found something real. 

Strategic Love Play

Luna, an outgoing immigrant from the Philippines, and the more cautious Jane, recently arrived from South Korea, meet in a near-empty grocery store on Thanksgiving Day, 1973. Their husbands are working. Alone in a country they don’t know, they join forces to celebrate Thanksgiving together.  Over wine and a stubbornly frozen turkey, these new Americans and even newer friends discuss Soul Train and Jane Fonda, chart the shape of their homesickness, and consider the cost of pursuing an American dream.   

The Heart Sellers

A soulful new dramatic-comedy about love, legacy, and, of course, a cutthroat game of Spades.
Written by Reggie D. White and directed by Lili-Anne Brown, Fremont Ave. is a raw, electric world premiere that moves across decades with the force of memory and the rhythm of Spades.

Fremont Ave

October 9, 2025 11:00am – 9:00pm

Upcoming dates:
Friday, October 10, 2025 11:00am – 9:00pm
Saturday, October 11, 2025 11:00am – 9:00pm
Sunday, October 12, 2025 11:00am – 9:00pm

Race The District

Because They’re Funny (BTF) is D.C.’s premier comedy festival, bringing together today’s biggest names and the next generation of rising stars. Named one of USA Today’s Top 10 New Festivals, BTF returns October 10-12, 2025, to The Wharf with headline performances, showcases, screenings, and unforgettable comedy experiences.

Because They're Funny

12noon - 6pm
Those in the know, know: Snallygaster is the District’s biggest & beastliest beer festival, bar none. And on October 11, 2025 the merry monster makes its triumphant return to DC for its 13th year as a rollicking tribute to the wonderful world of craft beer. Festival goers can expect a mind-boggling selection of no fewer than 450 highly sought-after draft beers, gravity kegs and bottle + can pours from 175+ of the finest American and international producers set against a backdrop of local food trucks and two stages of live music. 

Snallygaster

Sunday, October 12 · 2 - 6pm EDT
For nearly a century, New England & Mid-Atlantic watermen competed for the abundant seabeds of the East Coast in hostile & violent skirmishes known as the Oyster Wars. Today, there's no war, just a coming together of the finest oyster farms, best breweries & most talented chefs.

On Sunday, October 12th, please join us at The Salt Line as we host an afternoon event showcasing the talents of some of the best local chefs, breweries, and oyster farms spanning the Eastern Seaboard! Your ticket price includes oysters and tastings from the following chefs and restaurants. Featured chef's tastings will be served from 3-6PM, and a la carte brewery selections will be available via cash bar.

Oyster Wars

YES: The Fragile 2025 Tour

Step into the world of Twilight (2008) like never before with Twilight In Concert, a cinematic live-to-film event that brings the beloved saga to life through live music. Featuring a breathtaking performance by a 12-piece ensemble of rock and orchestral musicians, this extraordinary experience allows fans to relive Bella and Edward’s epic love story in a way that is both intimate and mesmerizing.

Twilight In Concert

OCT 18–NOV 16, 2025
The eccentric son of a wealthy businessman wreaks havoc when he embarks on a crusade to unveil the false foundations of his friend’s life. Ignorant of the adults’ machinations, a young girl tries to shield a fragile creature from the hurts of the world. 

The Wild Duck

Join us as we take you on a journey into the colorful and fantastical world of LUZIA, set in a make-believe Mexico, where you will be treated to stunning visual surprises and breathtaking acrobatic performances. LUZIA deftly guides you through the locations, people, and sounds of both classical and contemporary Mexico, taking you from urban locations like an old movie set and a smoke-filled dance hall to the beach and barren desert.

LUZIA - Cirque Du Soleil

Oct. 18 - Oct. 19, 2025
9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Included with admission
Adults (Ages 12+): $28
Youth (Ages 6-11): $15
Children (Ages 0-5): Free

Celebrate the crisp autumn season with 18th-century activities and demonstrations at the Farm at Mount Vernon.


Fall Harvest Family Days

War divides nations. Love divides the heart.

Duty versus desire. Loyalty versus love. Aida is a drama of impossible choices and secret identities. Aida’s heart belongs to Radamès, but there’s a twist—she’s a princess in captivity, and he’s the enemy’s general. As war rages and princess Amneris seeks Radamès for herself, Aida must pick between her heart and her country.

Aida

Tuesday October 14 - Washington Capitals vs. Tampa Bay Lightning
Friday October 17 - Washington Capitals vs. Minnesota Wild
Sunday October 19 - Washington Capitals vs. Vancouver Canucks
Tuesday October 21 - Washington Capitals vs. Seattle Kraken

Washington Capitals 

Washington Wizards vs. Toronto Raptors (Pre-Season)

Thursday, Oct 23
7:30PM
On the heels of announcing her highly anticipated forthcoming album A Matter of Time, coming August 22, and its lead single “Tough Luck,” GRAMMY®-winning Icelandic-Chinese artist, composer, producer and multi-instrumentalist Laufey has confirmed the “A Matter of Time Tour” in partnership with AEG Presents. Suki Waterhouse (Memoir of a Sparklemuffin, I Can’t Let Go) will support on all dates.

Fall Things To Do