Exploring Youth Culture in Washington, D.C. Beyond the Festivals

The Smithsonian Folklife Festival takes center stage in Washington, D.C. each July, but it’s far from the sole representation of youth culture in the area. Visitors arriving early or seeking a breather from the bustling festival grounds can explore various museums nearby, offering free exhibitions that highlight the contributions of young people to society and artwork crafted by participants of this year’s festival.

OSGEMEOS: Endless Story

For those interested in the festival’s “Streetwise” theme, which accentuates how youth express their creativity in public spaces, the exhibition at the Hirshhorn Museum might fit the bill.

OSGEMEOS: Endless Story showcases the most extensive U.S. collection of works by Brazilian twin artists Gustavo and Otavio Pandolfo, recognized globally as OSGEMEOS. Featuring numerous pieces debuting outside Brazil, the exhibition includes “scores of rarely seen drawings illuminating the evolution of OSGEMEOS’s artistic journey, from their childhood home’s walls to urban freeways and iconic building façades, along with documentation of their outdoor graffiti and murals,” according to the museum. Guests will be immersed in vibrant art influenced by their mother’s embroidery, American hip-hop culture, breakdancing, and graffiti, as well as a whimsical universe crafted in their childhood.

When: Open Monday from noon to 5:30 p.m., Tuesday–Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Where: Hirshhorn Museum, Independence Ave. SW and Seventh St. SW, Washington, D.C. 20560

Delighting Krishna: Paints of the Child-God

Hosted by the National Museum of Asian Art, Delighting Krishna invites visitors to “envision a god who manifests as a playful child, as you share joyous moments dancing in meadows and gifting him fruits and flowers.” This exhibition explores how the Hindu Pushtimarg community connects with the divine while caring for the child-god Krishna, deriving both joy and insight in return.

When: On view until August 24, open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Where: Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, Gallery 24, 1050 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, D.C. 20013

Family Workshop | Draw and Display

Participants can tour the Delighting Krishna: Paints of the Child-like God exhibition and create fabric artwork inspired by South Asian pichwai paintings. A variety of craft materials will be available to help showcase their creations. This workshop is designed for families with children aged six to eleven, with advance registration recommended.

When: Saturday, July 12, 2025, 1:30–3 p.m. and 3–4:30 p.m.

Where: ImaginAsia Studio, National Museum of Asian Art, 1050 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, D.C. 20013

Greensboro Lunch Counter

In 1960, during a time when racial segregation was legally sanctioned, four Black American college students staged a sit-in at a “whites only” counter in Greensboro, North Carolina. Rather than leaving, they refused to budge, stirring national attention and sparking a youth-led movement against inequality.

Visit the actual Woolworth’s lunch counter and stools where the students protested. This piece is part of a broader exhibition, In Pursuit of Life, Liberty & Happiness, spanning three floors of the museum.

When: Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Where: National Museum of American History, 1300 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20560

Building Trades: Work at D.C. Memorials

In a fast-paced city, taking the time to observe can feel unnatural, but it offers valuable insight. Focus on the hand-carved inscriptions found at some of D.C.’s most significant memorials, crafted by stone carver Nicholas Benson, engaged in the Washington National Cathedral Earthquake Restoration Project. Explore his artistry at the World War II Memorial, Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, and Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial.

When: Open twenty-four hours every day

Where: National World War II Memorial, 1750 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, D.C. 20024; Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, 1964 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, D.C. 20004; Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial, 540 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, D.C. 20202

The Teen Experience by the Museum of Contemporary American Teenagers

Celebrating a century since the term “teenager” gained recognition in American culture, MoCAT hosts a variety of events, including presentations at this year’s festival and The Teen Experience exhibition, created in collaboration with American University. This exhibition showcases emerging artists’ perspectives on teenage life in 2025 through drawings, paintings, mixed media, and expansive, interactive installations. These works originate from students in the Montgomery County Public Schools Visual Art Center.

When: On view until August 10, Wednesday–Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: American University Museum, Katzen Arts Center, 4400 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20016

Gallery Talk – The Teen Experience

Join curators and artists from MoCAT’s The Teen Experience exhibition for an engaging discussion about the project. Advance registration is required.

When: Friday, June 27, 2 to 3 p.m.

Where: American University Museum, Katzen Arts Center, 4400 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20016

THE INVISIBLE SKATE THEORY

This exhibition highlights D.C. region’s growing skate culture, featuring items from Imilla Skate, an all-female skate collective from Bolivia that participated in the 2024 Smithsonian Folklife Festival. Curated by Kat “Gato” Salazar, the festival’s skate coordinator, THE INVISIBLE SKATE THEORY shines a spotlight on communities forming on cities’ peripheries, creating third spaces of innovation that enrich the contemporary skateboarding landscape.

When: On view until August 16, Wednesday–Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: Mason Exhibitions Arlington, 3601 North Fairfax Dr., Arlington, VA 22201

With youth culture embedded in the D.C. scene, don’t forget to channel that vibrancy at the festival grounds, where diverse individuals and cultures unite from July 2 to July 7, all working towards heritage preservation.

In exploring the essence of youth culture through these exhibitions, it’s essential to acknowledge that even the most insightful reviews and feedback can’t rival personal experience. On GetTransfer, visitors can hire a driver from verified providers at competitive prices, enabling you to make informed choices without overspending or face disappointment. This platform prioritizes convenience, affordability, and a broad array of vehicles, ensuring every traveler can find their perfect ride. Start planning your next adventure and secure your worldwide transfer with GetTransfer.com.