Running until May 10, the Museum of Illusions D.C. will transform into an immersive and interactive experience centered around Washington, D.C.’s cherry blossoms. Featuring the work of local D.C.-Maryland-Virginia (DMV) area artist Hiba Alyawer, curators have transformed rooms in the museum into vivid recreations of D.C.’s famous flowers, alongside two special workshops focused on painting and plants. Tickets start at $28.95 with senior and child discounts.
Taking place in the U.S. Botanic Gardens’ Conservatory from April 10 to Oct. 12, “America’s State Flowers” is a floral exhibition honoring U.S. flowers in celebration of the country’s 250th anniversary. Featuring the official flowers of each state or territory, the exhibition includes living plants, artistic displays, botanical illustrations and herbarium specimens.
Take a stroll through the CityCenterDC, a downtown shopping and dining complex, this weekend to witness the annual return of the much-loved and much-anticipated Pink Lantern installations. As spring reaches its height, these pink lanterns adorn Palmer Alley every year to accentuate the sweet-smelling flowers. The lanterns bloom until May 9 and the visit is completely free.
21st Annual Emancipation Day Festival
This Sunday, on April 19, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and DMV residents will participate in a series of parades, reenactments and cultural events in honor of Emancipation Day. Occurring in Freedom Plaza and completely free of cost, the festival will honor and celebrate D.C.’s rich Black history. Visitors can pay homage to the signing of the historic Compensated Emancipation Act of 1862, which emancipated enslaved people in the District, and can learn about the ongoing fight for racial equality.
