National Gallery of Art
4th St. & Constitution Ave., NW
Washington, DC
10:00 Am – 5:00 PM
www.nga.gov
Gordon Parks: Camera Portraits from the Corcoran Collection – July 14, 2024 – Jan. 12, 2025. West Building, Ground Floor – Gallery G22
The exhibition presents 25 portrait images Parks made between 1941 and 1970, speaking to larger stories of the civil rights movement, the African American experience and American culture.
In the Library: Life in the Impressionists’ Paris – Sept. 4, 2024 – Jan. 17, 2025
A selection of approximately 40 photographs and prints representing a period of social, cultural, industrial and political change in Paris.
The 70’s Lens: Reimagining Documentary Photography – Oct. 6, 2024 – April 6, 2025
Approximately 100 works by more than 80 artists examine how photographers reinvented documentary practice during this radical shift in American life. The questions these artists explored – about photography’s ethics, truth and power continue to be considered today.
National Archives Museum
700 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Washington, DC
www.archivesfoundation.org
Power and Light: Russell Lee’s Coal Survey – March 16, 2024 – Dec. 7, 2025
The exhibit features a collection of photographs that explore the under-researched and never-before-exhibited images of those who helped build our nation post-WWII.
Multiple Exposures Gallery
The Torpedo Factory Art Center, Studio 312
105 Union St.
Alexandria, VA 22314
www.multipleexposuresgallery.com
Mon-Sun 11 am – 5 pm
“Capital Perspectives,” MEG Group Show juried by Noe Todorovich – Nov. 19, 2024 – Jan. 5, 2025
“An exhibit of modern-day life in Washington, DC as seen by people who live, work and love here.” This exhibit can be viewed virtually by accessing the tab, Current Show, Capital Perspectives.
Previous photographic exhibits may also be viewed online at www.multipleexposuresgallery.com under Exhibitions – Virtual Galleries.
Glen Echo Photoworks
7300 MacArthur Blvd.
Glen Echo, MD
www.glenechophotoworks.org
Gallery Hours: Saturday 1-4 PM
Coffee & Critique, A Celebration – Nov. 15, 2024 – Jan. 5, 2025
This exhibit features a selection of works by photographers in our long-standing photo critique group: Coffee & Critique. Coffee & Critique is a free monthly event for photographers to share and discuss current work with fellow artists. It is run by photoworks instructor and executive director, Kare Keating.
Current Online Gallery Exhibits include:
Learning to See Beyond the Surface, by Carolona Zumaran-Jones
Lewis Schrager – Significant Insignificance
Summer School – Student Exhibit (check out the images by Maude Svvenson)
Good Sports
Past Exhibits may also be viewed online under Galleries
National Portrait Gallery
Eighth & G Streets
Washington, DC 20001
www.npg.si.edu
Mon-Sun. 11:30 am – 7:00 pm
Picturing the Presidents: Daguerreotypes and Ambrotypes
May 31-2024 – June 8, 2025
To mark the 2024 presidential election year, this exhibit features some of the earliest photographic images of the eleven men who attained the nation’s highest office.
Star Power: Photographs from Hollywood’s Golden Age, by George Hurrell –
March 1 – January 4, 2026
The preeminent photographer created timeless images of Hollywood’s most glamorous icons of the 1930s and 1940s.
Brilliant Exiles: American Women in Paris 1900-1939 – April 26-Feb. 23, 2025
“Through portraiture and biography, “Brilliant Exiles: American Women in Paris, 1900–1939” illuminates the accomplishments of sixty convention-defying women who crossed the Atlantic to pursue personal and professional aspirations in the vibrant cultural milieu of Paris. As foreigners in a cosmopolitan city, these “exiles” escaped the constraints that limited them at home.”
National Museum of African American History & Culture
1400 Constitution Ave, NW
Washington, DC 20560
Mon: 12:00PM – 5:30 PM; Tues – Sun. 10:00AM – 5:30PM
Free Timed-Entry Passes Required
Forces for Change: Mary McLeod and Black Women’s Activism
July 19, 2024 – Ongoing
Featuring 75 images, artifacts and multimedia film, the exhibit illuminates connections across time to Black women changemakers who continue Mary McLeod Bethune’s social justice legacy.
Anacostia Community Museum
1901 Fort Place, SE
Washington, DC
(202) 633-4820
ACM Main Gallery
Bold and Beautiful Vision: A Century of Black Arts Education in Washington, DC, 1900-2000 – current until March 2, 2025
Through original artworks, rare video footage, photography and artistic artifacts, A Bold and Beautiful Vision traces the story of teachers and students who made Washington, DC a truly unparalled center for Black arts education.
DC History Center
801K Street
Washington, DC. 20001
Thurs – Fri, 12pm – 7pm
Sat – Sun, 12pm – 6pm
www.dchistory.org
DC Home Rule 50
The exhibit explores themes of self-governance, full citizenship, free elections, and DC statehood and features contemporary images by emerging photographers.
The Big Picture
A display of panoramic photographs depicting DC’s 20th century.
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
200 N. Arthur Ashe Boulevard
Richmond, VA 23220
(804) 340-1405
https://vmfa.museum/exhibitions/exhibitions/long-arc-photography-american-south-since-1845/
Admission is Free to permanent collection galleries. The cost for special exhibitions varies.
A Long Arc: Photography & the American South since 1845 – Oct. 5, 2024 – Jan. 26, 2025
This is the first major exhibit in more than 25 years to explore the full history of photography in and about the South. The evocative images capture the everyday lives and ordinary places while contemplating the region’s role in shaping American history and identity and its critical impact on the development of photography. Adults $12, Seniors (65+) $10
While you’re there, here are some additional photography exhibits currently on display:
American, born Hungary: Kertesz, Capa, and the Hungarian America Photographic Legacy – Oct. 5, 2025 – Jan. 26, 2025. Your ticket to Long Arc includes admission to this exhibit.
Home/Grown: Photographs by Susan Worsham and Brian Palmer – Sept. 16, 2024 – April 6, 2025. Free
Washington Post
Photography section: https://www.washingtonpost.com/photography/
Going Out Guide: https://www.washingtonpost.com/goingoutguide/
Art Section: https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/art/
Events
The DMV is glowing brightly this holiday season. If you love to photograph vibrant lights and colorful displays, here are some must-see spots along with some classic winter events.
Washington DC Temple Festival of Lights – Dec. 5, 2024 – Jan. 1, 2025
9900 Stoneybrook Dr.
Kensington, MD 20895
www.dctemplevisitorscenter.org
Christmas Lights 4:45 – 9:00 PM
Entrance and Parking are Free
The Festival of Lights features over 500,000 Christmas lights, Nativity creches and Christmas tree decorations from around the world.
The 53rd Annual Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade – Dec. 7
11 AM to 1 PM
Old Town Alexandria
www.visitalexandria.com
Celebrating Alexandria’s Scottish heritage, dozens of Scottish clans dressed in colorful tartans parade through the streets of Old Town, joined by pipe, drum bands and of course, Scottish Terriers.
Later that evening, head down to the Old Town Alexandria Waterfront for the Holiday Boat Parade of Lights. Dockside festivities 2 to 8 pm. Boat parade begins at 5:30 pm and travels to The Wharf.
Fireworks display will cap off the parade at 8 PM at the District Pier at The Wharf, 101 District Square SW, Washington, DC 20024
Winter Walk of Lights at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens – Nov. 8, 2024 – Jan. 5, 2025
9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court
Vienna, VA
www.novaparks.com
Buy advanced timed tickets on the website. Hours vary with date.
Half-mile winter walk on a paved trail is aglow with sparkling lights, and displays featuring nature and holiday themes.
Zoo Lights – Nov. 22, 2024 – Jan. 4, 2025
Smithsonian National Zoo
3001 Connecticut Ave NW
Washington, DC 20008
www.nationalzoo.si.edu
The National Zoo transforms into an enchanting wonderland with zoo lights. Timed tickets are required for entry and can be bought online. Cost $6 and $30 parking per vehicle. Proceeds directly benefit animal care and conservation science.
Winter City Lights – Nov. 23 – Dec. 29
4501 Olney-Laytonsville Rd
Olney, MD
www.wintercitylights.com
Free Parking
Ticket prices vary depending upon date and time. Advance purchase highly recommended.
A magical, immersive Christmas lights experience of 1 million twinkling lights and 200,000 square feet of displays spanning 18 acres in a festive outdoor setting. The hike is a 1.5 mile long trail of lights, displays and music through woods and a mulched path.
Brookside Gardens of Lights – Nov. 22, 2024 – Jan. 5, 2025
1800 Glenallan Ave.
Wheaton, MD
https://montgomeryparks.org/parks-and-trails/brookside-gardens/special-events/garden-of-lights/
The annual Garden of Lights display returns to transform Brookside Gardens into a magical winter wonderland. Tickets are now available and must be purchased online. Cost $10.
Sailing Through the Winter Solstice – Nov. 23, 2024 – Mar. 2025
Carroll Creek Park
50 Carroll Creek Way
Frederick, MD
https://www.visitfrederick.org/sailing-into-the-winter-solstice/
Free
Luminocity Festival – Nov. 24, 2024 – Jan. 15, 2025
501 Perry Parkway
Gaithersburg, MD
Thurs – Mon 4:30pm – 9:30pm
https://luminocityfest.com/
Price: Starting at $20
A 6-acre wonderland of light installations.
Seasons Greetings Holiday Exhibit – Nov. 28, 2024 – Jan. 5, 2025
United States Botanic Garden
100 Maryland Ave., SW
Washington, DC
https://www.usbg.gov/visit/exhibits/seasons-greenings-holiday-exhibit-2024-0
This year’s “Season’s Greenings” features thousands of poinsettias, D.C. landmarks made from plants inside the Conservatory, model trains in the outdoor gardens, and festive lights and decor throughout the Garden.