American Dream Experience

Exhibition

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Now Open
1503 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC

10 am - 5:30 pm
This is a free, ticketed experience. Please note: Starting January 1, the Center will be operating on a seasonal schedule and will be open from Thursday - Monday (closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays). Our hours of operation will remain the same.
Reserve tickets.

Find yourself in the American Dream

This is a place built for anyone who's ever wondered what it takes to make the most of their potential. At the American Dream Experience, you’ll explore interactive exhibits that connect big ideas to everyday life: education, health, entrepreneurship, and financial empowerment. These are the tools that help you take ownership of your future. We’re unapologetically optimistic about what’s possible when you have access and opportunity. Come curious. Leave inspired.

Reserve Tickets

Reserve Tickets

Reserve Tickets Now Open 1503 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC Reserve Tickets Now Open 1503 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC Reserve Tickets Now Open 1503 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC Reserve Tickets Now Open 1503 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC

Spotlight Feature: “Tree of Generations”

Stand beneath more than 1,000 glowing OLED images—and add your own. Become part of a living tribute to the people and stories that shape the American Dream.

Spotlight Feature: “Word Cloud”

Explore how the American Dream has been defined across time—then share your own words to help shape its future.

Spotlight Feature: “Hologram Ambassadors”

Get expert guidance from our Hologram Ambassadors. Have a real conversation with lifelike holograms of trailblazing leaders like Sara Blakely, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, and Sal Khan. Each represents one of our core pillars of the American Dream—financial empowerment, entrepreneurship, health, and education.

Spotlight Feature: “Holodeck Experience”

Step into a 360° multisensory Holodeck and explore three American Dream stories brought to life with interactive technology.

Exhibition Artists

A glimpse into the artists' inspirations and the creative process behind the exhibition.

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Berndnaut Smilde

Dutch artist Berndnaut Smilde reflects on how dreams are made for his special commission, MCAAD Nimbus prints, in the Hall of Dreams. He uses a combination of fog and light, to create fully formed cumulonimbus clouds that are captured through photography.

Basil Kincaid

Artist Basil Kincaid honors traditional quilt-making through a diverse range of reclaimed material to create a monumental, hand-made triptych for the Hall of Generations.