AU Museum Washington DC

Art from around the world

Katya from Washington DC

""The AU Museum" at the Katzen Arts Center in Washington DC is the region’s largest university facility for exhibiting art - it has a unique philosophy..."

The AU Museum at the Katzen Arts Center is the region’s largest university facility for exhibiting art: it spans three stories and has an outdoor sculpture garden. It is a bit out of the way of typical DC tourist attractions, but it is worth the visit.

The museum has a unique guiding philosophy: focus on international art, show political art, and support artists in the DC community. This philosophy, in addition to the quick turnaround of exhibitions (they have about 5 new exhibitions each season), make this a museum that is fun to visit. Plus, it is a beautiful space, inside and out.

There is a great store where you can buy books and catalogs, as well as handmade objects by local artisans.

*The museum is currently closed due to the pandemic. But, it is celebrating its 15th anniversary this fall with a variety of online exhibitions and museum memories. Online, you can also read about and view works from exhibitions that were canceled.

Art & culture

This week 25% off

with the code fall25

*on our yearly membership

Washington DC Spotter Katya

About me I am fortunate to have grown up in a family that values the importance of travel which instilled within me a sense of wanderlust. Traveling opens my mind and my eyes, constantly offering new perspectives on life. My favorite way to explore a city, foreign or familiar, is by walking wherever the wind takes me (which more often than not ends up at a farmers market, flea market or art gallery). Why Washington D.C. Yes, Washington D.C. often lives up to the stereotype of being a political swamp, but once you get beyond the suits and ties up on the Hill, there is a...

About this spot

4400 Massachusetts Avenue

US$

free

Website

Oct 30, 2025

Our Washington DC City Guide

Find your way with 101 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Washington DC guide.

Loved it? Join us!

Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Washington DC

Canal Park Ice Rink

Chill ice skating

The "Canal Park Ice Rink" in Washington DC is somewhat of a hidden gem in a quiet neighborhood but w/ plenty of nice things to do around...

Art & culture

JR

Denson

Nov 3, 2025

Yards Park

It's got everything

What I like most about "Yards Park" in Washington DC is it's a place that has everything. I come here most Saturdays to meet up with the run group...

Relaxing

Shopping

Snacks

JR

Denson

Nov 2, 2025

Studio Gallery

Longest running artist cooperative

"Studio Gallery" in Washington D.C. is a great place to pop into for a quick dose of inspiration. It's the longest-running artist cooperative in D.C.!

Art & culture

Katya

Barannik

Nov 2, 2025

Looped Yarn Works

DC's happiest yarn shop

"Looped Yarn Works" calls itself D.C.'s happiest yarn shop, and I can't argue with that. The shop is like your best friend's living room...

Art & culture

Relaxing

Shopping

Katya

Barannik

Nov 2, 2025

The Phillips Collection

Modern and contemporary

"The Phillips Collection" in Washington DC praises itself as America’s first museum of modern art, which encompasses art from the 1800s to today.

Art & culture

Katya

Barannik

Oct 31, 2025

Timber Pizza

The best pizza in D.C.

This is the best pizza place in Washington D.C. You don’t have to take just my word for it: Bon Appetit named Timber Best Pizzeria 2017...

"Un je ne sais Quoi" in Washington DC is my go-to place for a sweet fix with a French twist - it's the most authentic French bakery in the city!

Coffee & tea

Snacks

Katya

Barannik

Oct 25, 2025

Hains Point

Perfect day by the water

"Hains Point" in Washington DC is the perfect place to spend a sunny weekend afternoon. Pack a picnic and enjoy the day by the water with beautiful views!

Relaxing