Harry Benson: Washington DC
Iconic Photographs for the Nation’s Capital
707-709 7th St., NW
Washington, DC 20001
Wed – Sun 10AMn – 5 PM; Open until 7PM on Capitals and Wizards home gamedays
Free Admission
www.harrybensondc.com
Located next door to the Capital One Arena, the gallery showcases over 150 photographs by the legendary photojournalist, Harry Benson. Benson is renowned for his photographic documentation of culture, music, movies, television, and sports through the 20th and 21st centuries.
The gallery spans two floors with over 10,000 square feet and will feature every president and first lady since Dwight Eisenhower, iconic photographs of athletes including Mohammed Ali, musicians, the Beatles arrival to the US, a historic chronicling of the civil rights movement in America and much more.
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 – Through 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 – Through 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 – Through 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 –
Through January 5
“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.
“Quiet Moments, MEG Group Show juried by Frank Van Riper – Jan. 7- 26
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.
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
Through 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 –
Through 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 – Through 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 Women in the Arts
1250 New York Ave., NW
Washington, DC. 20005
Tues. to Sunday 10am to 5pm
www.nmwa.org
Samantha Box: Confluences – Through March 23
“Bronx-based photographer navigates social and cultural landscapes through complex images exploring race, gender, class, and sexuality.”
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.
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 – Through Jan. 26
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
There’s still time to get a jump start on your photographs for next year’s holiday cards or simply enjoy the displays:
Longwood Gardens
1001 Longwood Rd.
Kennett Square, PA 19348
www.longwoodgardens.org
A Longwood Christmas – Through Jan. 12
Longwood’s West Conservatory and surrounding areas are decked out with gorgeous displays of lights, horticulture, ingenuity, and creativity.
Purchase advance tickets on the website.
Winter Walk of Lights at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens – Through Jan. 5
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 – Through Jan. 4
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.
Brookside Gardens of Lights – Through Jan. 5
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 – Through Mar. 2025
Carroll Creek Park
50 Carroll Creek Way
Frederick, MD
https://www.visitfrederick.org/sailing-into-the-winter-solstice/
Free
Luminocity Festival – Through Jan. 15
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 – Through 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.
Martin Luther King Day Free National Park Entry – Jan. 15
Frederick Fire In Ice – Jan. 31 6:00 – 9:00 PM and Feb. 1 (11 AM – 9 PM)
www.downtownfrederick.org
Live Ice Carving Demonstrations, Fire Performances
Visit the website for parking and shuttle information and event times
Plan Ahead:
DC Chinese New Year Parade – Year of the Snake – Feb. 2 at 2:00 PM
Gallery Place
www.dcparade.com
DC Tattoo Expo – Feb. 7 – 9
Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel
900 S Orme St., Arlington, VA 22204
www.dctattooexpo.com