What’s new in Washington, DC

With the eyes of the world on Washington, DC this fall, now is an ideal time to visit to explore what’s new in DC this autumn and beyond.

Along with new museum exhibits and inspiring cultural attractions, there are plenty of exciting developments taking place in DC over the coming months.

New Developments and Anniversaries

Folger Shakespeare Library renovation

The Folger Shakespeare Library celebrated its grand reopening in June following an extensive, four-year renovation. Its inaugural permanent exhibition features the library’s 82-copy collection of First Folios, the first published copies of Shakespeare’s works. Produced in 1623, the books represented the first time that roughly half of the Bard’s plays appeared in print and Folger’s collection of copies is the largest in the world. The reimagined space boasts two modern, state of the art exhibition halls featuring literary and historical pieces that have seldom been displayed to the public. New gardens, research spaces and accessible visitor amenities are just a few of the additions to this Capitol Hill landmark. www.folger.edu

National World War I Memorial’s A Soldier’s Journey sculpture wall (September 2024)

Set to be installed in September 2024, A Soldier’s Journey memorial commemorates the 100th anniversary of the war’s end and honours its 4.7 million servicemen and women. It will be the longest free-standing bronze sculpture in the Western hemisphere at 58 feet (17.8 meters). The sculpture by Sabin Howard will feature 38 figures depicting the journey of a recurring American soldier and representing the larger American experience of World War I.

https://www.nps.gov/places/000/national-world-war-i-memorial-future-site.htm

National Museum of the American Indian’s 20^th Anniversary (2024)

The National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2024, marking two decades of dedication to preserving diverse cultures, histories, and contemporary lives of Native peoples. Since its opening, the museum has become a vital space for Indigenous voices, showcasing a vast collection of artifacts, artworks, and exhibits. www.americanindian.si.edu

Hirshhorn Museum’s 50^th Anniversary (2024)

The Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden – the contemporary art brand of the Smithsonian Institution’s network – is undergoing a renovation of its Sculpture Garden and opening a landmark exhibition to celebrate its 50^th anniversary. Many of the sculptures include masterworks by Auguste Rodin, Lucio Fontana, Barbara Hepworth, Henry Moore and Sterling Ruby. www.hirshhorn.si.edu

Duke Ellington’s 125^th birthday year (2024)
Celebrate DC-born American jazz icon Duke Ellington’s life and accomplishments on Black Broadway alongside DC’s U Street corridor, a historically influential Black neighborhood which served as a prominent symbol of Black culture and sophistication. Black Broadway includes DC’s Duke Ellington statue and the historic Howard Theatre where Ellington often played alongside other Black musical leaders.

New Exhibitions

The People’s House: A White House Experience (Opening 23 September 2024)
Set to open at 1700 Pennsylvania Avenue, “The People’s House” will immerse visitors in the story of the White House, its inhabitants and the people who have dedicated their careers to its legacy and impact. The modern space will feature the latest in projection and display technology in expansive exhibits and galleries, including a 1:5 scale replica of the South façade. The architectural story from 1790 to the present comes to life through cinematic lighting, immersive audio narration and embedded video monitors. Take a seat behind the Resolute Desk in a full-scale replica of the Oval Office. Visitors can now reserve free passes through October https://thepeopleshouse.org 

National Portrait Gallery: “Always to Return” (18 October 2024 – 6 July 2025)

Felix Gonzalez-Torres explores portraiture and the construction of identity through this exhibition The Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery and the Archives of American Art present Felix Gonzalez-Torres: Always to Return, an exhibition focused on the artist’s deep engagement with portraiture and the construction of identity, as well as how history is told and inherited. https://www.si.edu/exhibitions/felix-gonzalez-torres-always-return:event-exhib-6724

Smithsonian National Zoo: Return of the Giant Pandas (TBC – End of 2024)

As part of the Smithsonian National Zoo’s 52-year-old conservation partnership with the China Wildlife Conservation Association, they’re preparing to welcome two new bears — Bao Li and Qing Bao —by the end of 2024. Washington, DC is the only city in the U.S. where visitors can see the pandas free of charge. https://nationalzoo.si.edu/dcpandas

Upcoming Events

DC JazzFest’s 20^th Anniversary (31 August – 1 September 2024)

A pillar of the DC community for 20 years, the DC JazzFest will take place at The Wharf over Labor Day weekend and is set to attract thousands of visitors. The DC Jazz Festival brings together heritage, history, culture and music and this year’s edition will feature performances from Grammy-winning multi-instrumentalist Jacob Collier and his Djesse Vol. 4 Solo Show, Kenny Barron, Dianne Reeves with John Beasley, Bill Frisell, and more. www.dcjazzfest.org

National Christmas Tree Lighting – Presidents Park (TBC December 2024)

The National Christmas Tree is one of DC’s claims to fame during the holidays for good reason. The conifer lives in President’s Park on the White House Ellipse, where it’s surrounded by trees decorated with handmade ornaments from 56 U.S. states and territories and is accompanied by nightly musical performances throughout the holiday season. https://www.thenationaltree.org/

National Menorah Lighting – White House Ellipse (25 December 2024)

Chanukah kicks off with this lighting ceremony of the world’s largest menorah on the White House Ellipse, which greets all with latkes, doughnuts, menorah kits and dreidels. Music from the United States Navy Band will add a soundtrack to the scene. As is the custom, a new candle is illuminated on each of the eight days of Hanukkah. Tickets are available from 1 November 2024. https://nationalmenorah.org/

WorldPride (23 May – 8 June 2025)

Washington, DC is gearing up to host an unforgettable celebration of diversity, and unity at WorldPride 2025. DC is the perfect backdrop for this iconic event and next year’s WorldPride event is of great historical significance, with 2025 marking the 50th anniversary of Capital Pride, first held in 1975. Festivities will include the International Choral Festival, in addition to several music concerts, and the Capital Cup Sports Festival, with currently over 20 planned sports taking place. Washington, DC will also host the International WorldPride Human Rights Conference, allowing visitors to hear from guest speakers, participate in workshops, and learn more about queer history. https://worldpridedc.org/ and https://www.capitalpride.org/ 

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