Arts and culture of Washington, D.C.

Washington, District of Columbia is a culturally active and diverse city in which the different forms of art are showcased throughout the city's many public and private institutions. One of the more well-known institutions in the city is the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, named as a "living memorial" to President John F. Kennedy, where artists and performing arts organizations present a wide variety of classical and contemporary performances daily. The Washington Ballet, Suzanne Farrell Ballet, Washington National Opera, and National Symphony Orchestra are just a few of the esteemed arts organizations based in D.C.

The Smithsonian Institution is a world-renowned museum, educational, and research complex that is based in D.C. and operates more than ten museums throughout the city, including the National Portrait Gallery, the National Air and Space Museum, and the National Museum of African American History and Culture. In addition, The District of Columbia Public Library has over two dozen public library branches in and around the district, which provide social services, events, and classes for both children and adults in the D.C. metro area.

Washington, D.C. is a national center for the arts and home to many thriving performing arts organizations and institutions.

The Washington D.C. dance scene began in 1944 when American ballet pioneer Mary Day founded the Washington School of Ballet, followed by The Washington Ballet in 1976. The School is still one of the foremost training schools in the United States and draws students from across the country and abroad to train in the nation's capital. Day, director of The Washington Ballet from 1976-1999, possessed a unique vision for American ballet and is credited with having trained countless influential dancers including Kevin McKenzie, now Artistic Director of American Ballet Theatre; Virginia Johnson, now Artistic Director of Dance Theatre of Harlem; as well as Amanda McKerrow, Marianna Tcherkassky, and Patrick Corbin.

...
Wikipedia