Home to the world’s largest collection of Shakespeare’s works, along with exhibitions, performances and programs exploring literature, history and culture.

• Shakespeare and the American Story (through Aug. 2): an exhibition examining Shakespeare’s influence on American politics, culture and civic identity.

The Library of Congress commemorates America’s 250th through rare historical treasures, exhibitions and evening programming connected to the nation’s founding ideals.

• The Two Georges: Parallel Lives in an Age of Revolution (through July 4): an unprecedented exhibition bringing together materials from George Washington and King George III.

• The Declaration’s Promise (opening July 3): rare artifacts including Jefferson’s rough draft of the Declaration of Independence and Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address.

• Live! at the Library: special evening events and programming themed around America’s 250th throughout the year.

One of DC’s newest cultural attractions, the Milken Center explores innovation, perseverance and opportunity in America through immersive storytelling and interactive galleries.

• Celebrating 250 Years: A Journey Through America with Robert Freimark (through July 27): a vibrant 50-state art exhibition 

Spirit of 2076 (through Dec. 31): a future-focused experience imagining America’s next 50 years.

The National Archives becomes one of the central hubs of America’s 250th celebration with multiple major exhibitions and events throughout 2026. 

• The American Story: a permanent immersive exhibition featuring original records, AI-powered experiences and iconic artifacts including George Washington’s annotated Constitution draft and the Louisiana Purchase Treaty. 

• Road to Revolution (through Aug. 6): traces the nation’s path to independence through Revolutionary-era documents. 

• Free and Independent: explores the creation, preservation and legacy of the Declaration of Independence. 

• Spirit of Independence Festival (June 4-6): concerts, chef collaborations, family programming and countdown celebrations leading to July 4. 

• On view: the Emancipation Proclamation and the 19th Amendment alongside America’s founding documents.

Explore architecture, design, engineering and urban planning through immersive exhibitions and large-scale installations for all ages.

• Snarkitecture (July 3 – Aug. 30): The studio behind The BEACH and Fun House brings a bold new immersive experience to the Great Hall, continuing the museum’s tradition of transforming its historic space into an immersive, large-scale public experience. 

• Coming Together (through fall): Enjoy programs, activations and an exhibition all about the past, present and future of American cities. See how places all over the U.S. have reimagined and reshaped their downtown districts in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The National Gallery anchors the city’s arts programming during the semiquincentennial with exhibitions, concerts and large-scale public events exploring the American story through visual art and music.

• Celebrating American Art: reimagined galleries showcasing iconic American masterpieces through new storytelling and interactive experiences.

• Dear America (through Sept. 20): more than 100 works exploring freedom, identity and the American experience across 250 years.

• American Icon: The US Flag in Art (June 6 – Dec. 6): an exhibition examining how artists have interpreted the American flag over time.

 “America’s front yard,” where the past, present and future come together among iconic monuments, memorials and museums.

• Great American State Fair (June 25 – July 10): all 50 states and territories showcase cuisine, music, crafts and performances.

• Rodeo 250 (June 25 – July 10): daily live performances showcasing the evolution of the American cowboy bring the history, culture and traditions of the American West to the heart of the nation's capital.

• Fourth of July:  a large-scale fireworks spectacular over DC’s monuments and memorials.

• National Mall Carousel: Reopened after a two-year refurbishment, the historic 1947 carousel was originally located at a Baltimore-area amusement park that became a focal point for local desegregation efforts.

• Lincoln Memorial undercroft (opening June 25): innovative visitor experiences beneath the Lincoln Memorial.

One of the country’s most visited museums marks America’s 250th with a major exhibition exploring the ideals at the heart of the nation’s story.

• In Pursuit of Life, Liberty & Happiness (opening May 14): a landmark exhibition featuring 250 iconic objects tied to American history, culture and identity.

The Natural History Museum celebrates one of America’s most iconic national symbols through new exhibitions and programming.

• Bison: Standing Strong: an exhibition exploring the history, symbolism and survival of the American bison.

• Imagining Bison (opening May 21): a companion exhibition examining artistic and cultural interpretations of the national mammal.

Discover Indigenous histories, cultures and contemporary voices through immersive exhibits and striking architecture.

• Making a Statement (through spring 2027): part of the museum’s commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, this special installation honors Native women’s heritage and military service through two dresses created a century apart, exploring identity, patriotism and cultural continuity.

America’s first major museum dedicated to women artists celebrates the semiquincentennial through exhibitions examining creativity, ambition and American identity.

• Ms. Americana (through Oct. 31): historic works by women artists exploring independence and creativity in America.

• Routed West (Sept. 18 – Jan. 17, 2027): a major quilt exhibition examining African American migration, resilience and heritage during the 20th century.

The National Portrait Gallery celebrates American innovation, culture and creativity through exhibitions and public events. 

• Spirit of Invention (June 26 – June 6, 2027): an exhibition exploring the history of American innovation and the U.S. Patent Office.

• America’s Presidents: Explore the portraits of all U.S. presidents in this permanent exhibition.

Discover secret doors, historic artefacts, quirky antiques and pop culture memorabilia in the Dupont Circle mansion where Rosa Parks once stayed.

Dig deeper with the museum's 51 Steps to Freedom® interactive app, transforming Washington, DC into the largest outdoor museum in the world — a living trail of stories that reveal why this city is the epicenter of American history and culture.

Celebrate American craft and creativity through exhibitions featuring contemporary art and immersive installations.

• State Fairs: Growing American Craft (through Sept. 7): The first exhibition dedicated to artists’ contributions to the great U.S. tradition of state fairs, with more than 240 artworks on view, dating from the mid-19^th century to the present. 

The historic Arts & Industries Building reopens for a limited time with exhibitions and programming focused on democracy, culture and America’s shared future.

• Voices & Votes: Democracy in America (June 16–Sept. 7): a special exhibition examining the history of democracy in the United States.

• Folklife programming and marketplace (June 16–Sept. 7): artisan demonstrations, handcrafted goods and cultural storytelling experiences.

• For the Common Good: The Smithsonian on Our Shared Future 250 (summer 2026): conversations with Smithsonian leaders, community partners and thought leaders

The iconic Smithsonian Castle temporarily reopens during America’s 250th celebration with special exhibitions and expanded visitor experiences on the National Mall.

• American Aspirations (June 2 – July 26): a special exhibition exploring how Americans have interpreted freedom and opportunity across generations.

An interactive, behind-the-scenes look at the White House and the people who have lived and worked there.

•  So You Want to See the President! (June 25 – June 2027): Commissioned by Franklin D. Roosevelt at the height of World War II, Norman Rockwell sketched the procession of visitors waiting for a moment with the Commander-in-Chief – the artist’s only known suite of four interrelated sketches.

A vibrant waterfront destination for dining, live music, events and views along the Potomac River.

• Clipper Around the World Race Fleet Week (June 17-22): public tours, international sailing crews and waterfront festivities.

• DC JazzFest: (Sept. 2-6): performances and events honoring jazz as an evolving American art form.

The historic Georgetown estate connected to Martha Washington’s descendants offers a window into early American life, politics and society.

Founding Fortunes: The Estate Sale of Martha Washington (through Dec. 31): The exhibition explores the 1802 public sale of Martha Washington’s household contents at Mount Vernon.