A huge perk of living in DC are the many museums full of all kinds of exhibitions. Even better, there’s always something new to enjoy. Here are four good ones that opened recently, with plenty of time to see them before they close, including one that is permanent.
Grandma Moses: A Good Day’s Work
Whee: American Art Museum | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Through July 12, Daily, 11:30am – 7pm
Admission: Free
This exhibit showcases paintings by artist Anna Mary Robertson “Grandma” Moses, who didn’t even start painting until her 70’s — and something about her work is very calming and so charming. Over 80 pieces in the galleries depict life on her family farm and rural landscapes, many of them memories from her many decades. It’s neat to view the works from a few feet back, then step closer to get a look at the details. (I love the simple dot eyes and smiles on faces!)
The American Story
Where: National Archives | Constitution & 4th NW, DC
When: Permanent | Daily, 10am – 5:30pm
Admission: Free
Extending through nine galleries, The American Story is an interactive exploration of the people, ideas, and events that shaped 250 years of U.S. history, all of it highlighting records in the National Archives. See original artifacts and documents, experience immersive mediascapes, view iconic photographs, and much more. It’s very engaging, and the juxtaposition of state-of-the-art media highlighting some of the country’s oldest documents (the originals of some in the next gallery over) is fascinating.
The Stars We Do Not See: Australian Aboriginal Art
Where: National Gallery of Art | National Mall, DC
When: Through March 1 | Daily, 10am – 5pm
Admission: Free
This exhibition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art is vibrant and interesting, with a fantastic mix of art works and mediums. Colorful totem poles, dot paintings, sculptures, photography and video, even skateboards are on display and convey stories about the world’s longest continuous culture. Throughout the many galleries, see pieces created as early as the late 1800’s and as recent as the present.
Big Things for Big Rooms
Where: Hirshhorn Museum | National Mall, DC
When: Through July 4, 2027 | Daily, 10am – 5:30pm
Admission: Free
Just like the title says, the works in this exhibit are big. With just one in each of the 10 galleries, the installations were created with both a large space and visitors’ engagement with the work in mind. Most of them do this using everyday items, though they’re all very different from each other. All of it together is a visual adventure and a compelling display of creativity.
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