WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–On March 13, 2026, the Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream (MCAAD) will open three new exhibitions to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States. In honor of this national milestone, MCAAD will host 250 Years: A Journey Through America with Robert Freimark, The Spirit of 2076, and Here from the Start. At the Heart of Progress. Building the Future.
Since opening in September 2025, MCAAD has become known for incorporating cutting-edge technology and connective storytelling to share unique perspectives on the American Dream. Now, MCAAD is bolstering its offerings to provide artistic, historical, and research-oriented exhibitions designed for visitors to reflect on the past 250 years while optimistically looking toward the future.
“Washington, DC will welcome millions of visitors from around the world to celebrate America’s 250th birthday, and MCAAD is proud to offer three new free exhibitions celebrating the American Dream,” said Richard Ditizio, CEO of the Milken Institute. “These installations offer guests an opportunity to engage with America’s history, values, and aspirations and serve as a timely complement to the Center’s permanent exhibits.”
Celebrating 250 Years: A Journey Through America with Robert Freimark
A bold art exhibition by the abstract expressionist Robert Freimark displays 50 full-sheet color screen prints representing each of the 50 states. With vivid color and crafted through personal experiences, this series captures the spirit, diversity, and evolution of the shared national story. To Freimark, these works are a personal celebration of his deeply held patriotism for the United States and the fulfillment of a lifelong goal to visit every state. His firsthand experiences, combined with extensive research into state histories, are distilled into abstract landscapes that capture each place’s unique character.
This series was selected as the official US Bicentennial presentation at the 1976 opening of the Amerika Haus in Munich and has since been exhibited internationally. This exhibition is on view through July 27, 2026.
The Spirit of 2076
Created by MCAAD, The Spirit of 2076 exhibition asks, “As we celebrate 250 years of the United States of America, what will the next 50 years look like?”
This original exhibition examines how the American Dream will evolve and inspire future generations of Americans. Visitors to the exhibition will explore topics pivotal to the continued progress of our country and will be presented with thought-provoking questions, such as: How will education change in the coming decades? Will 100 be the average lifespan in 2076? How might banking evolve in the next 50 years? To kickstart these conversations, the exhibition threads together historical innovations, such as the development of Air Protein in the 1970s, alongside newer research, including the 2023 Harvard study on changing age dynamics within households, for visitors to consider how the American Dream continues to evolve with our country. This exhibition is on view through December 31, 2026.
Here from the Start. At the Heart of Progress. Building the Future.
This exhibition, presented by BNY, weaves together stories of America’s progress, the evolving global financial system, and the world-leading bank’s own efforts helping to power both. Exploring three distinct eras through three dynamic multimedia displays, the exhibition shares rich, accessible stories through dynamic graphics and embedded videos. This exhibition is on view through August 17, 2026.
For more information about these exhibits or the Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream, visit mcaad.org.
Quick Facts
- What: Three new exhibitions commemorating the US 250th anniversary
- Where: Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream, 1503 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20005
- When: Opens March 13, 2026
- Admission: Free (tickets required); Holodeck Experience add-on: $15
- Hours: 10 a.m.—5:30 p.m. (closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays)
- More info: Please visit mcaad.org
About the Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream
The Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream, a cultural institution and part of the Milken Institute, is dedicated to illuminating pathways to opportunity for all individuals to pursue a life of meaning and fulfillment. It is located in historic buildings in Washington, DC, steps from the White House. Among the Center’s missions is to advance economic and social mobility for people in America and around the world.
The Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream is located at the corner of 15th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, across from the White House and the US Treasury in Washington, D.C. Admission is free; tickets are required. The Holodeck Experience can be added for $15. For more information and tickets, visit mcaad.org.
About the Milken Institute
The Milken Institute is a nonprofit, nonpartisan think tank focused on accelerating measurable progress on the path to a meaningful life. With a focus on financial, physical, mental, and environmental health, we bring together the best ideas and innovative resourcing to develop blueprints for tackling some of our most critical global issues through the lens of what’s pressing now and what’s coming next. For more information, visit https://milkeninstitute.org/.
Contacts
Brendan Short
[email protected]
(212) 266-7842
