As 2022 draws to a close, it’s time to look forward to 2023. For Washington DC that includes the openings of world-class museum exhibitions, restaurants, theatre shows and more.
Whether it’s visiting the incredible National Air and Space Museum, tasting exquisite cuisine at Minetta Tavern, or watching amazing performing arts, you won’t have to look far to find a reason to book your next visit to the capital city of the United States for 2023.
This snapshot gives an overview of all the can’t-miss news, attractions and openings coming to the city in 2023.
New Exhibitions
The National Air and Space Museum has reopened following a multi-year renovation
Having reopened in October 2022 with eight brand new exhibitions, the National Air and Space Museum is undoubtedly a must-visit on any trip to DC. The museum is the most-visited in DC and features exhibitions including Wright Brothers and the Invention of the Aerial Age where visitors can see the historic Wright Flyer and Destination Moon featuring unrivalled artefacts such as Neil Armstrong’s spacesuit and the Apollo 11 Command Module. There are a further 15 renovated exhibits set to open in the museum over the next three years. Entry to the museum is free.
The National Asian Art Museum celebrates its 100th anniversary
Beginning in November and continuing throughout 2023, the National Asian Art Museum is busy with a year of celebrations for its centennial. The museum first opened in 1923 and was the Smithsonian’s first art museum on Washington, DC’s National Mall. The museum is planning special centennial exhibitions which introduce many works of art which have never seen before in the United States. 2023 will also see the introduction of its newly created Peacock Room, its new Introductory Hall and its first gallery devoted to modern and contemporary art with four video-based exhibitions.
National Museum of Women in the Arts to reopen in autumn 2023 after transformative renovation
Having been closed to the public since August 2021, the world’s first major museum solely dedicated to championing women artists, DC’s National Museum of Women in Arts has announced it will reopen its extensively renovated building in autumn 2023. The museum is housed in a 1908 Classical Revival structure listed on the National Register of Historic Places and following the renovations it will feature expanded exhibition spaces, re-envisioned public programming areas, and improved amenities and accessibility for visitors.
New Performing Arts
The United Ukrainian Ballet to make U.S. Debut in February 2023
United by the tragedy of war and an ardent hope for the future, The United Ukrainian Ballet will make its U.S. debut at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC between 1 – 5 February 2023, with the U.S. premiere of world-renowned choreographer Alexei Ratmansky’s Giselle. Consistin
Broadway’s dearly beloved musical, Beetlejuice, is coming to DC in May 2023
For two weeks only, between May 16th through to May 28th, the Broadway adaptation of Tim Burton’s iconic film will hit the DC stage at The National Theatre. This hilarious musical, directed by Tony Award winner Alex Timbers, tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teenager whose whole life changes when she meets a recently deceased couple and a demon with a thing for stripes.
New Attraction
Visit the US Park Police Horse Mounted Patrol Stables
Opening in spring 2023 these stunning Tudor-style stables will be a state-of-the-art, environmentally sustainable home for the U.S. Park Police Horse Mounted Patrol Unit. They will include a learning and education centre that will welcome the public and teach them about the horses and their history on the National Mall. There will also be self-guided tours and the opportunity to view the horses within the paddocks. Located across from the Martin Luther King Memorial, the stables are within walking distance of the Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall. Integrating the stables into the space on the National Mall will further enrich the story of the mounted park police who service the national park.
New Restaurant Openings
New York icon Minetta Tavern makes its DC debut
Originally opened in 1937 in New York City, this big city staple is set to open in 2023. Now headed by London-born restauranteur, Keith McNally, Minetta Tavern has been described as “Parisian steakhouse meets classic New York City tavern”, a narrative the team is ensuring remains true. Plans for its new Union Market location include a sensational private dining room and a secret roof bar.
East Coast hitmaker Stephen Starr to launch Pastis in Union Market
In 2023 Stephen Starr will duplicate the Meatpacking District’s scene-y bistro in DC’s Union Market. The new site will get all dolled up for its new life as Pastis, providing a glamorous backdrop for a French menu filled with beef bourguignon, sardines, escargot, and weekly specials like decadent dover sole and duck confit.
Latest News From DC
Washington DC celebrates the completion of phase two of The Wharf with 2023 events
In October 2022 phase two of Washington’s innovative and vibrant waterfront neighbourhood, The Wharf, was completed. Spanning more than 3.5 million square feet, The Wharf is filled with stunning architecture, prime residential and retail space, and exceptional culinary and entertainment options. The Wharf has become known as the region’s top destination for public events with more than 100 signature activations each year, including The District’s Holiday Boat Parade, Bloomaroo at the Home of the Cherry Blossoms, Mardi Gras Parade at The Wharf, Oktoberfest, and Running of the Chihuahuas Family Fun Day. To celebrate the completion, alongside the five-year anniversary of the Wharf’s grand opening, there will be nine months of community events and experiences featuring performances by DC artists and neighbourhood favourites.
The Capital Pride Alliance Selected to Host WorldPride 2025 in
InterPride, an international association of over 400 Pride organisations from over 70 countries, have announced that the Capital Pride Alliance (CPA) has been selected to host WorldPride in 2025. WorldPride DC 2025 will feature a vibrant and innovative slate of cultural programs that highlight the best that Washington, DC has to offer. It will include a Human Rights Conference, in partnership with the 34th annual DC Black Pride, along with partner events, such as Trans Pride, Latinx Pride, AAPI Pride, Silver Pride, and Youth Pride. The proposed dates for WorldPride DC are May 22nd – June 8th 2025.
