January 3, 2008

Freer Gallery of Art Washington, D.C.

Galleries packed with Asian art, and James McNeill Whistler’s dazzling Peacock Room.

  Washington Mall, Culture, Free

January 25, 2007

National Gallery of Art Washington, D.C.

Home to the country’s only da Vinci, the NGA houses antiquity and modern art with everything in between. Take a break at the underground gelateria.

  Judiciary Square, Culture, Free

June 30, 2006

Smithsonian American Art Museum Washington, D.C.

The former Old Patent Office Building now houses the Portrait Gallery and an impressive collection of national art with a WiFi-stocked atrium in the middle.

  Penn Quarter, Culture, Free, Good for Groups

February 8, 2007

Hillyer Art Space Washington, D.C.

Often-edgy exhibitions of emerging artists with outdoor space and frequent events.

  Dupont Circle, Culture, Alfresco, Contemporary Art

November 16, 2006

National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden Washington, D.C.

The outdoor garden offers towering modern sculptures, free summer jazz concerts, and skating and hot chocolate in the winter.

  Downtown, Culture, Artsy, Free

September 14, 2006

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Washington, D.C.

D.C.’s artistic temple hosts marquee touring performances, symphonies, and a free daily show at the Millennium Stage, all with Potomac River views.

  Foggy Bottom, Culture, Free, Great View