Welcoming visitors back to DC for its new SUBMERGE Project, ARTECHOUSE DC is reopening after over a year of being closed. The venue temporarily closed in May 2025 due to nearby construction, and reopened on Sept. 11, 2026.
Blending art and technology, ARTECHOUSE brings its latest immersive experience, SUBMERGE Project, to DC. Known for its innovative projects and collaborations with brands including Dubai World Expo, Microsoft and BMW, ARTECHOUSE invites visitors to experience digital art at its most imaginative.
Key Takeaways
What to look forward to
Step into this exhibition to interact with art, see new installations and watch a large-scale show, “Beyond the Render,” which is what the exhibition is anchored around.
“Beyond the Render”: This 45-minute experience features the 14 worlds from 13 artist teams. Families can explore underwater worlds, experience immersive versions of Emmy Award-winning creations and journey through futuristic landscapes. The program also includes a stained-glass-inspired music box, titled “1685,” that wowed audiences at Coachella. The piece was, by David Ariew and Chelsea Evenstar, was accompanied by an orchestral score by Zedd.
Media Lab: With three main exhibits, the Media Lab offers an opportunity for kids and adults to tap into their creative side and interact with the art.
- Clay Pillar: Visitors can use clay and their spontaneity to prompt AI into creating images based on what has been said and what their clay masterpiece reflects
- Octologue: Fancy having a debate with renowned philosophers? ARTECHOUSE lets you do just that between AI and seven sculptural figures representing different philosophical perspectives, allowing you to be the eighth.
- Evolution and Concept Split: With the creativity of visitors and the power of AI, visualize things you didn’t know had a visual concept. Be creative!
Auxiliary Gallery: Step away from the traditional-style gallery and into a world of creative adventure. Visitors can interact with several works throughout the exhibition, including a flamingo-filled dance floor, a responsive sculpture and a circular screen that transforms movement into shifting fields of color.
Other installations use motion and generative AI to create evolving digital scenes, including a space junkyard and personalized artwork inspired by iconic art movements. At the end of the exhibition, visitors can chat in real time with an AI-powered penguin ambassador about the artists, the experience and the technology behind the show.
Helpful tips for parents
Lots of fun: This exhibit is on the longer end with lots of different activations which can have your trip ranging from 45 minutes at the minimum to a longer day of fun adventure. It’s good to keep that in mind when planning out the day with the family!
Getting hungry?ARTECHOUSE doesn’t serve food, but it is located in Southwest DC, near the National Mall and the Wharf. For the National Mall, your best bet is the food trucks and simple concessions like Good Stuff Eatery near the Air and Space Museum — easy, fast and forgiving of restless kids since you can eat outside on the grass. On the Wharf, places like Hank’s Oyster Bar or Del Mar have kids’ menus and waterfront patios where little ones can wander a bit while you eat, plus there’s usually ice cream and casual grab-and-go spots nearby if a sit-down meal feels like too much.
Skip the car: ARTECHOUSE DC doesn’t offer on-site parking, and downtown parking can be difficult and expensive. Opt for the Smithsonian and L’Enfant Plaza stations which are both an easy 5-10 minute walk from the exhibition.
Planning your visit
- Time: Noon-10 p.m. Thursdays; 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; noon-8 p.m. Sundays
- Date: Opened Sept. 11, 2026
- Location: 1238 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC
- Cost: $24-$27 for general admission, $17 for youth (4-15 yrs old), children 3 and younger are free, $21-23 for ID Special (Student, Senior, Military, First Responder), $32 Flexible entry (arrive anytime during operating hours)
- Tickets: Get your tickets here
- Parking: Not offered on site. SP+ and Federal Parking are garages close by.
- City transit: Smithsonian and L’Enfant Plaza Metro stations
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring food and drink inside?
No, no outside food, drink or gum is allowed in ARTECHOUSE. However, sealed clear bottled water is permitted in non-exhibit areas, and ARTECHOUSE XR Bar beverages are permitted on the main exhibition floor in approved tumblers.
Is photography/videography allowed?
Yes, just no flash photography.
Is the space accessible?
Yes, mobility devices such as wheelchairs and walkers are allowed on the exhibition floor. However, some exhibitions feature flashing lights and loud noises.
Can I bring my bags and/or strollers with me?
Suitcases, luggage, large backpacks and bags larger than 16 inches are not permitted in the exhibit space and cannot be checked or left with staff. Strollers are not permitted on the main exhibition floor; however, at ARTECHOUSE DC, they can be left in the coatroom or locker area. These areas are not attended and ARTECHOUSE does not take any responsibility for any lost, missing, stolen or damaged items.
Sanya Bathia is a recent American University journalism graduate and local writer for Washington Parent, where she covers the people, places and stories that make DMV unique. With experience writing for DC-based news columns, she especially enjoys exploring travel, community events and local culture.
