Even when parts of Washington pause, the city never truly sleeps. Private museums, cultural landmarks, and hidden ateliers remain open—inviting guests of The Watergate Hotel to rediscover the capital through art, intrigue, and timeless culture.
John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
0.2 miles from The Watergate Hotel
The city’s iconic performing arts hub continues to host concerts, theater, and rooftop events overlooking the Potomac River.
kennedy-center.org
~1.5 miles — 100 Raoul Wallenberg Pl SW, Washington, DC 20024
Open daily 10:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m. (last entry to the Permanent Exhibition 4:30 p.m.)
Free admission, timed passes available online.
ushmm.org
~1.6 miles — 1600 21st St NW, Washington, DC 20009
Tue–Sat 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; Sun 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (Members 10–11 a.m.)
America’s first museum of modern art, home to O’Keeffe, Rothko, and Renoir.
phillipscollection.org
~1.8 miles — 925 13th St NW (Entrance on K St NW), Washington, DC 20005
Mon & Wed–Fri 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; Sat–Sun 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.; Tue closed.
Interactive language exhibits and immersive experiences. Free admission (suggested donation).
planetwordmuseum.org
~2 miles | 700 L’Enfant Plaza SW
Decode the city’s secrets in this immersive museum devoted to espionage, intelligence, and international mystery.
Hours: Sat–Mon 9 a.m.–7 p.m.; Tue–Fri 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Advance tickets recommended.
spymuseum.org
~2.1 miles | 400 4th St SW
Six floors of interactive displays and rare artifacts exploring the history and impact of one of the world’s most influential texts.
Hours: Mon–Sat 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sun 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
museumofthebible.org
~2.3 miles | 401 F St NW
Architecture as art. Inside a cathedral-like hall, discover exhibits on the designs that built America.
Hours: Thu–Mon 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
nbm.org
~2.5 miles | 65 I St SW
Contemporary art powerhouse featuring bold works from emerging and established artists.
Hours: Wed–Thu 11 a.m.–5 p.m.; Fri–Sat 11 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
rubellmuseum.org/dc
~2.8 miles | 2401 Foxhall Rd NW
A modernist estate housing Picasso, Monet, and Miró—nestled within five acres of sculpture gardens and quiet paths.
Hours: Tue–Sat 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; Sun–Mon closed.
kreegermuseum.org
For deeper exploration, D.C.’s private and nonprofit institutions remain open, from Hillwood Estate & Gardens and Anderson House to The Mansion on O Street, National Museum of Women in the Arts, and Washington National Cathedral.
Explore the full list of open attractions at the links below:
After a day spent exploring Washington reimagined, return to The Watergate Hotel for handcrafted cocktails, riverfront dining, and a sense of quiet intrigue only found here.
The Watergate Hotel — where D.C. never truly closes.
