National Portrait Gallery
1275 K St., NW, Suite 1000
Washington, DC
Daily 11:30 am – 7:00 pm
https://washington.org/event/photographic-memory-fifty-years-photography
Milestone Exhibit – 50 Years of Iconic Photography – Sept. 1, 2026 – Feb. 28, 2027
In recognition of the 50th anniversary of the founding of its photographs collection, the National Portrait Gallery presents more than 100 seminal works. Among the gems: the earliest known photograph of a U.S. First Lady and Alexander Gardner’s original “cracked-plate” portrait of Abraham Lincoln.
Smithsonian American Art Museum
8th and G Streets, NW
Washington, DC. 20004
Daily 11:30 am – 7:00 pm
Much Here is Beautiful:Photography Surveys of the US Bicentennial – Sept. 18, 2026 – April 18, 2027
This landmark exhibition takes a look back on the nation in the years surrounding 1976. The collection of 225 images captures striking images of communities across the US during a series of regional photographic projects funded by the National Endowment of the Arts.
Photo OpportunIty: Visit the Luce Foundation Center, 3rd Floor to see Glenn Kaino’s powerful arial sculpture Bridge. Comprised of 200 golden casts of Tommie Smith’s outstretched arm, it honors his famous 1968 Olympic protest against racial inequality, symbolized by his raised, black-gloved fist. The sculpture celebrates the lasting impact of Smith’s gesture as a symbol of Black solidarity and human rights.
Baltimore Museum of Art – Oct. 4, 2026 – Feb. 21, 2027
10 Art Museum Dr.
Baltimore, MD 21218
(443) 573-1700
www.artbma.org
Reserve Tickets Online
Flashback: Two Centuries of Baltimore Photography
Exhibition featuring over 200 images tracing Baltimore’s contribution to photography spanning 185 years.
National Gallery of Art
4th St. & Constitution Ave., NW
Washington, DC
10:00 Am – 5:00 PM
www.nga.gov
Sky Hopinka (Kicking the Clouds) –through Dec. 26, 2026 through photographs, poems and film, Sky Hopinka connects family, language, place and lived indigenous experience. West Building.
Remember Me – Nov. 7, 2026 – March 14, 2027 Picturing African Americans in Early Photography, depicting powerful stories of identity, resilience, and self- representation.
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
Two fine art photography exhibits, Living Geometry and What is Left Behind are presented from Oct. 13 – Nov. 22, 2026
Previous photographic exhibits may also be viewed online at www.multipleexposuresgallery.com under Exhibitions – Virtual Galleries.
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
200 N Arthur Ashe Blvd.
Richmond, VA 23220
Mon., Tues, Wed., Sat., Sun – 10am-5pm; Thurs., Fri – 10am – 9pm
https://vmfa.museum,/visit/plan-your-visit/
French Photography in the Age of Impressionism – Opening Nov. 21 The exhibition explores how French photographers in the 19th century helped reshape the way people saw and documented a rapidly changing society. It highlights how new photographic techniques allowed artists to capture everyday life, architecture and culture with greater freedom and detail.
Glen Echo Photoworks
7300 MacArthur Blvd.
Glen Echo, MD
301-634-2274
Gallery Hours: Saturday & Sunday 1-4 PM
www.glenechophotoworks.org/gallery
Gallery exhibits may be viewed using the above link.
National Portrait Gallery
Eighth & G Streets
Washington, DC 20001
www.npg.si.edu
Mon-Sun. 11:30 am – 7:00 pm
Star Power: Photographs from Hollywood’s Golden Age, by George Burrell (A Sequel) – through Jan. 10, 2027
Photographic Memory: Fifty Years of Collecting – Nov. 14, 2026 – Nov. 7, 2027 Celebrating the golden anniversary of the museum’s photographs collections, with an exhibition of more than 100 works from the daguerreian era to the current digital age.
Reserve Collection Highlights: Modern Prints from Matthew Brady’s Portrait Negatives – through May 14, 2028
Collection of the Portrait Gallery’s Civi War-era modern prints from the original photographic negatives. Portraits of Lincoln, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Ulysses Grant, and Emma, Queen of Hawaii are featured.
National Museum of Women in the Arts
1250 New York Ave, NW
Washington, DC. 20005
www.nmwa.org
Tues – Sun. 10 am – 5 pm
Marlo Pascual: Making Something of Nothing – current through Feb. 28, 2027 – created from the vintage photographs found in thrift stores the artist transforms the photographs using found objects and other techniques to promote deeper contemplation.
National Geographic Museum of Exploration
1600 M ST, NW
Washington, DC. 20036
www.moe.nationalgeographic.org
Sun – Mon 9am -8pm
Included with admission, the newly opened museum showcases various exhibits of National Geographic photographs that showcase the power of storytelling through unforgettable images of people, places and the planet. Note: some exhibitions require an add-on entry ticket.
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
Mid-Atlantic Photo Visions – Nov. 7-8
George Mason University – Mason Square
3351 Fairfax Dr., Arlington VA 22201
www.midatlanticphotovisions.org
Since 2003, MAPV has been the areas’ premier photography event featuring renowned speakers, engaging workshops, local photography competition and vendor exhibitors. Visit the website for the event schedule, ticket options and workshop offerings.
Adams Morgan Fall PorchFest – Nov. 7
12:00 – 5:00 PM
www.adamsmorgan.com
Free
Immersive neighborhood music festival featuring 100 performances on 20+ stages throughout the residential and commercial streets of Adams Morgan.
National Parks Day – Nov. 11. Free Entry to National Parks
Owl Moon Raptor Festival – Nov. 14
Black Hills Regional Park
Lake Ridge Dr.
Boyds, MD
Near Picnic Shelters C, I and J
Free, 12:00 – 4:00 PM rain or shine
www.owlmoon.org
Learn about birds of prey and a chance to photograph them up-close.
ZooLights – Nov. 20, 2026 – Jan. 3, 2027
Smithsonian National Zoo
3001 Connecticut Ave., NW
Washington, DC
www.nationalzoo.si.edu
Visit website to reserve tickets
U.S. Botanic Garden – Nov. 26, 2026 – Jan. 3, 2027
100 Maryland Ave., SW
Washington, DC
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
www.usbg.com
Free
Season’s Greetings – Annual tradition of iconic landmarks in Washington, DC made entirely from organic materials.
Delmarva Birding Weekends
https://delmarvabirding.com
Sunset Seabird Safari – Nov. 6
Chincoteague Birding Weekend – Nov. 7-8
Sunset Seabird Safari – Nov. 20
Smith Island and Tangier Island Cruise – Nov. 21
Sunset Seabird Safari – Dec. 11
Birding Enthusiasts: Some of the events may be sold out, but you can subscribe to their newsletter for early notification of tours or browse the website for personal trip ideas.
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