A [New] American Dream
A [New] American Dream is a multi-month exhibition and gathering series at the Heurich House Museum that invites participants to collectively explore the question, “What do you dream for America for the next 250 years?” Rather than offering answers, the project creates spaces for conversation sparked by art, cabaret, storytelling, screenprinting, panel discussions, poetry, and communal meals. Conceived by curator Philippa Pham Hughes, the program runs from May 20 through August 7, 2026, as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary. Visitors can engage with three interactive art installations: “these dreams belong to you and me” by Xena Ni, “How Might We” by Nina Maturu, and “Hey, We Still Need To Talk!” by Philippa Pham Hughes. The museum’s historic house is the backdrop for a series of ticketed and free events, each designed to build relationships and reimagine civic life.
When: May 20 through August 7, 2026. Most gatherings take place on specific evenings; see Showtimes for individual dates.
Showtimes: The full schedule of gatherings (all times local): Wednesday, May 20, 6–8pm — “More Parties Makes Politics More Fun” (author talk with Lee Drutman + interactive art with Ashley Jaye Williams, free, RSVP required). Friday, June 5, 6–8pm — Opening Night Celebration + Open House + Voter Registration (meet curator and artists, free, RSVP). Friday, June 12, 7–9pm — “So Long, American Century” basement cabaret show produced by Gus Nordhielm ($20). Thursday, June 18, 7–8:30pm — “FREE-ISH: Stories of Joy and Resistance” interactive storytelling show produced by Diana Veiga ($10). Friday, July 3, 6–8pm — “Cut Fruit + Open House” with artist Adele Yiseol Kenworthy (free, RSVP). Friday, July 10, 5:30–8pm — “A Home Theater Festival Salon” with meal and drink ($20). Wednesday, July 22, 6–8pm — “DC Statehood NOW: Screenprint Anything” with artist Joseph Orzal (free, RSVP required). Thursday, August 6, 6–8pm — “DC Statehood: The Unfinished Business of the Voting Rights Act” panel and poetry with Teri Ellen Cross Davis (free, RSVP required). Friday, August 7, 6–8pm — Closing Night Celebration + Open House (free, RSVP requested). Additionally, historic house tours that include the art installations are offered Thursdays–Saturdays (times vary, $15–$20, RSVP required).
Tickets: Pricing varies by event: most gatherings are free with RSVP; cabaret show $20; storytelling show $10; home theater salon $20 (includes drink and meal); historic house tours $15–$20. Some free events require RSVP, others request it. No single all-access ticket is listed; each event has separate registration.
Lineup: Curator Philippa Pham Hughes (social sculptor, speaker, and writer; former Social Practice Resident at The Kennedy Center). Artists: Xena Ni (DC-based artist, time traveler, and designer creating interactive experiences about public archives and policy); Nina Maturu (futurist and multidisciplinary artist, former NASA Futurist). Participating artists and producers for individual gatherings include Ashley Jaye Williams, Lee Drutman, Gus Nordhielm, Diana Veiga, Adele Yiseol Kenworthy, Laley Lippard, Karen Zacarias, Anthony Le, Joseph Orzal, Teri Ellen Cross Davis, and others.
Run time: Not explicitly stated; most gatherings are 1–2.5 hours. The exhibition and installations are available during open house events and through scheduled historic house tours.
Ages: Age restrictions are not mentioned in the provided text; likely all-ages unless otherwise noted for specific events.
Venue: Heurich House Museum, Washington, DC. The art installations are displayed on the first floor of the historic Heurich home.
Note: The project is framed as a series of creative conversations exploring the American Dream’s next 250 years. The installations remain accessible during open houses and tours, while each gathering offers a distinct participatory experience. Free events may require advance RSVP due to limited capacity.