What's New in the Washington, DC Area? New Attractions &Things to Do

The memorial honors the civil rights leader with a prominent landmark on the National Mall in Washington, DC. The memorial opened in August 2011.

The 2,000 seat concert hall opened in Downtown Silver Spring, Maryland, in September 2011. The Fillmore provides world-class entertainment from a diverse group of artists including rock, Latin, blues, jazz, folk, country and the spoken word.

Arena Stage, the Washington, DC area's largest not-for-profit theater, features a range of performances from American classics to premieres of new plays. The theater was remodeled and expanded. It reopened in October 2010.

The German-American Heritage Museum is the first national museum focusing on the history of German immigration and migration across the United States. Located on three floors of Hockemeyer Hall, the Washington DC museum features a variety of exhibitions, including several interactive kiosks and computers that let visitors research their own heritage and ties to Germany.

The recently remodeled museum includes exhibits that explore Lincoln’s life in the White House, milestones of the Civil War and details about the Assassination conspiracy that led to his death.

Find information about the new Capitol Visitor Center in Washington, DC, the largest expansion of the U.S. Capitol includes an exhibition gallery, two orientation theaters, a 550-seat cafeteria, gift shops, and restrooms. The Capitol Visitor Center opened on December 2, 2008.

The Smithsonian National Museum of American History reopened in November 2008 after an extensive renovation. Read about the renovations and new exhibits.

President Lincoln’s Cottage at the Soldiers’ Home in Washington, DC gives Americans an intimate, never-before-seen view of Abraham Lincoln’s presidency and family life. Robert H. Smith Visitor Education Center at Lincoln's Cottage features exhibitions that tell the story of Lincoln’s role as Commander-in-Chief.

The museum opened in Washington DC in 2008 and is an interactive museum exploring the history of crime, law enforcement, forensic science, crime scene investigation and the consequences of committing a crime.

Find information about the new 300-acre waterfront destination along the Potomac River, with hotels, restaurants, retail stores, condominiums, a marina, and much more.

Opening in early 2008, the Newseum in Washington, DC, explores news history, electronic news, photojournalism, world news and how the media have covered major historical events.

The 41,000-seat baseball stadium for the Washington Nationals is located in the South Capitol Street corridor of Washington, DC. Find out about its unique features, food options, tickets, transportation and more.

The world renowned wax museum is divided into four themed sections, each featuring an array of exhibits, interactive experiences and wax figures. Find information about the Washington, DC location, exhibits, hours and more.

George Washington operated a whiskey distillery and a water-powered gristmill near Mount Vernon. Take a guided tour of a reconstruction of George Washington's Distillery and Gristmill.

Signature Theatre in Arlington, Virginia, a professional theater producing groundbreaking musical theater and innovative contemporary work, new Signature Theatre facility in Shirlington Village.

The new National Marine Corps Museum uses interactive exhibits as a tribute to U.S. Marines. National Marine Corps Museum in Quantico, Virginia educates the public about the history and culture of the Marines.

The Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum reopens in Alexandria, Virginia, pharmacy and science museum in Old Town Alexandria,

The National Zoo opens its Asia Trail, a new series of exhibits that are part of a $53 million improvement project. See photos of the animals along the Asia Trail.

The National Garden, a three-acre garden located on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol, includes a First Ladies' water garden, an extensive rose garden, a butterfly garden, and a display of a variety of regional trees, shrubs and perennials.

See more than 25 of Washington's most notable espionage sites used by some of the nation's infamous spies.

The United States Air Force Memorial honors the millions of men and women who have served in the United States Air Force. The Air Force Memorial is located in Arlington, Virginia overlooking the Pentagon, the Potomac River and Washington DC.

The National Portrait Gallery and the Smithsonian American Art Museum reopen showcasing a newly restored historic building in Washington, DC. Find everything you need to know about visiting these special art museums in Washington, DC.