Five DC Exhibitions You Can See Despite the Government Shutdown

Even as a federal shutdown looms over Washington, DC, the city stands resilient in the face of the imposing National Guard and the intimidating presence of ICE. In a spirited act of resistance, demonstrators are not only rallying but also establishing covert networks. These grassroots movements document roadblocks, raids, and the erasure of murals, elements of the Trump administration’s initiative to “clean up” DC.

In response, the streets have become canvases for stickers, stencils, and signs—indicative of a robust guerrilla art movement that resurges with each act of removal. Amid the unrest, Washington’s art scene flourishes, showcasing works that uplift the voices and experiences of communities grappling with police violence and border scrutiny, reflecting the cultural significance of those artists. The exhibitions below reveal how art can embody revolutionary and liberatory ideals.

Ange Martial Ménè: From Ancestral Traces to Contemporary Visions

American University Museum, 4400 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC
Through December 7

The Ivorian artist Ange Martial Ménè makes his debut in U.S. museums with a striking collection of acrylic paintings that delve into spiritual themes. Drawing inspiration from a diverse array of influences, from ancient cave art to Surrealism, Ménè invites viewers on a vibrant exploration marked by an intuitive artistic process and rich symbolism. A standout piece, “Genesis,” features abstract imagery of the oceanic realm, intertwining elements like surreal cephalopods and human figures. According to the exhibition catalog, it powerfully evokes the fundamental essence of nature in the universe’s inception.

Women Artists of the DMV: A Survey Exhibition

American University Museum, 4400 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC
Through December 7

Also hosted at American University Museum is an extensive survey showcasing women artists from the Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia regions (DMV). The broad exhibition features over 400 artists across 16 different venues, with 60 captivating works highlighted at this location. Although the exhibition claims to illustrate the diverse “superpowers” of the participating artists, it only hints at the powerful contributions made by individuals like Leigh Mosley, a pivotal lesbian photographer whose work chronicles the early LGBTQ+ activism in DC.

Nonetheless, the curated exhibition led by Lorecio Lennox Campello presents a meaningful glimpse into the impact of women artists on the national arts narrative through the remarkable works of artists such as Dora Patin, Sarah Bentley, Joey P. Mānlapaz, among many others. The exhibition catalog is also available for free download.

Notes on Form (Intimate Structures)

Maria and Alberto de la Cruz Gallery, Georgetown University, 3535 Prospect St NW, Washington, DC
Through December 7

McArthur Binion’s Notes on Form (Intimate Structures) offers a refreshing perspective for those who perceive abstraction as detached. He refers to his pieces as “self-portraits,” but intriguingly, they eschew human likeness. Binion employs oil stick and ink layered over personal documents—photos, address book pages, birth certificates—transforming the pigment into vessels of profound personal significance. The exhibition situates his work within the broader legacy of abstraction by Black artists in DC, from Alma Thomas to Sam Gilliam.

Additionally, exhibited at Georgetown University is Lorraine O’Grady: Miscegenerated Family Album at the Lucille M. & Richard F. X. Spagnuolo Art Gallery, also running through December 7.

Enduring Traditions: Celebrating the World of Textiles

The George Washington University Museum and The Textile Museum, 701 21st Street NW, Washington, DC
Through December 20 

Washington, DC boasts a vibrant community of textile innovators—demonstrated through signage at No Kings protests advocating for representation and freedom. Marking its centennial, the Textile Museum’s autumn exhibition delves into the many roles textiles fulfill within religious, political, and social contexts. Showcasing everything from intricate prayer rugs to ornately embroidered royal garments, the exhibition highlights textiles as vital aspects of our cultural heritage. It draws from the museum’s archives to feature its most captivating, colorful, and culturally significant textiles.

Arab Pop Art: Between East and West

MEI Art Gallery, Middle East Institute, 1763 N Street NW, Washington, DC
Through January 23, 2026

This exhibition, curated by Laila Abdul-Hadi Jadallah and Lyne Sneige, features works by 14 artists from the broader Arab world and its diaspora. It provides a nuanced exploration of how these artists blend traditional themes with the aesthetics of American Pop Art, utilizing satire as a method of political and cultural critique from the 1960s onwards. The showcase includes works from artists like Rasha Eleyan, Hassan Hajjaj, and Helen Zughaib, and aims to dismantle simplistic Western perceptions of Arab identities while highlighting their complexity.