5 Washington, DC Exhibits You Must See Now

With 79 museums and countless exhibits in Washington, DC, it can be hard to decide which to visit. Here’s my choice for the 5 Washington, DC exhibits you must see now at Hirshhorn, Renwick Gallery, Artechouse, and the National Building Museum.

Disclosure: My visits to these exhibits were courtesy of the Washington, D.C. Tourism Board and Artechouse as part of #BloggersTaketheCity. All opinions are 100% mine.

You get free admission to all exhibits except at the Artechouse and the National Building Museum.

5 Washington DC Exhibits You Must See Now

XYZT: Abstract Landscapes at Artechouse

If you only have time to see one museum when you visit Washington, DC, you should pick the XYZT: Abstract Landscapes at Artechouse.

Artechouse offers immersive art experiences for all ages. Blending art, science, and technology, Artechouse delivers a unique, unforgettable experience.

Once you start playing with each of the ten interactive light sculptures, you will never want to leave. They’ll have to drag you kicking and screaming from Artechouse.

Our favorite was the moving screen. Picture a funhouse mirror where your body changes shapes.

The XYZT: Abstract Landscapes is on exhibit through September 3, 2017. Advance purchase tickets are sold out. But you can get walk-in tickets on a first come first serve basis.

Missed out? See the XYZT: Abstract Landscapes October 14, 2017 through April 22, 2018 at the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, MA.

Artechouse
1238 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024

The Hive at the National Building Museum

Visit the National Building Museum to see a 60-foot hive shaped structure made from 2,700 industrial sized paper tubes. The three interlocking chambers create an unusual sound and light display. The Hive is in on exhibit through September 4, 2017.

The National Building Museum
401 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
202-272-2448

The Parallax Gap at the Renwick Gallery

Don’t think you like modern art? Think again. The exhibits at the Renwick Gallery will change your perception of modern art.

A visit to the Renwick Gallery is a trip for the mind, each installation will surprise and amuse you.

Upon entering, your eyes focus on the Parallax Gap, a suspended ceiling made of fabric using a 3D printer.

Strolling through the gallery you’ll discover Yuken Teruya’s Notice – Forest, a tree made from a McDonald’s Happy Meal bag.

Parallax Gap exhibit ends on February 11, 2018.

Renwick Gallery
1661 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20006

Ai WeiWei’s Trace at the Hirshhorn

Check out Trace at the Hirshhorn. Political artist Ai WeiWei used 1.2 million Legos to create mosaic portraits of 176 “prisoners of conscience and political exiles.” You’ll recognize familiar faces like Nelson Mandela, Edward Snowden, and Martin Luther King.

Trace is WeiWei’s way to honor those who have suffered imprisonment or death for expressing their opinions. He chose Legos because it’s one of the most popular toys.

Be sure to look up and check out the walls. The WeiWei designed wallpaper “The Plain Version of the Animal That Looks Like a Llama but Is Really an Alpaca” features handcuffs, security cameras, and the Twitter logo. Trace runs through January 1, 2018.

Hirshhorn Museum
Independence Ave, Washington, DC 20024
202-633-1000

Yoko Ono Wish Tree

Pay a visit to the Hirshhorn Sculpture Garden and add your wish to the Yoko Ono Wish Tree. The live exhibit has been on permanent display for 10 years. Write down your wish and attach it to the tree. Wishes are gathered nightly for burial at the Iceland Imagine Peace Tower.

Hirshhorn Sculpture Garden
Independence Ave, Washington, DC 20024

What are your 5 Washington, DC exhibits that you must see?

Comment, share this post, tweet, or give me a +1.

Get the best credit card signup bonuses.

Follow us on Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram | Google+

Got a question? Or want help, suggestions, travel tips, learn how to travel for free, find out about travel deals, and maximize your miles and points? Use the subscription box below to sign-up and get post updates by email.

Traveling Well For Less has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Traveling Well For Less and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.

You can earn 75,000 points from all three personal Southwest cards: Southwest Rapid Rewards(R) Priority Credit Card, card_name, and card_name when you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.

Southwest Rapid Rewards(R) Priority Credit Card

The Southwest Rapid Rewards(R) Priority Credit Card is one of the easiest ways to travel more and spend less. You can earn 75,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first three months.

My favorite perks about this card are earning 4 upgraded boarding each year, 3X points on Southwest purchases, 2X points on internet, cable, phone, select streaming, ride share, hotel and car rental partners , $75 yearly Southwest credit, and no foreign transaction fees.

Learn more about the Southwest Rapid Rewards(R) Priority Credit Card and how to apply

card_name

The is an easy way to fly free. You can earn 75,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first three months.

My favorite perks about this card are earning 2 EarlyBird Check-Ins each year, 3X points on Southwest purchases, 2X points on internet, cable, phone, select streaming, ride share, hotel and car rental partners, and no foreign transaction fees.

Learn more about the card_name and how to apply

card_name

The card_name is the least expensive way to earn a Companion Pass from a credit card. You can earn 75,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first three months.

My favorite perks about this card are earning the 2 EarlyBird Check-ins every year, 2X points on Southwest purchases, internet, cable, phone, select streaming, ride share, hotel and car rental partners, and the lowest annual fee among all the Southwest credit cards .

Learn more about the card_name and how to apply

card_name

card_name is the best card to get started in the world of miles and points. It is the first card you should get to start traveling for free because the welcome offer is 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first three months.

My favorite perks about this card are earning 5X points on travel when booked through the Chase portal (2X if direct purchase), 3X points on dining, $50 yearly credit on hotels booked through the Chase portal, no foreign transaction fees, and transferring points to 13 airline and hotel partners like Hyatt, United, and Southwest.

Learn more about the card_name and how to apply

card_name

The card_name is one of my favorite cards for earning cash back card and travel rewards. It offers a welcome offer of unlimited matched cash back on all your purchases your first year.

My favorite perks about this card are earning 5% cash back on travel booked through the Chase Travel Portal, 3% cash back at drugstores and restaurants (including delivery and takeout), 1.5% cash back on all other purchases and no annual fee. When paired with cards like the card_name, you can use your points to travel for free.