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Washington, DC: Our Nation's Capital

Washington is a city with something for everyone. To help you plan your visit I have included information on a number of Washington attractions on this page. We can also send you an information booklet, maps and brochures that will be very helpful in planning your visit. My office is always happy to answer any questions you may have, just call 202-225-5705. I hope you'll stop by for a visit while you're in town.

 

Below are descriptions and links to some of Washington's most popular sights. All tours are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted.  For more information please visit Washington, DC's office tourism website.

 

Tourist Attractions

White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue N.W.
202-456-7041

The White House is one of the most visited places in Washington D.C. Tours of the White House take visitors through the East, Green, Blue, Red and State Dining rooms. This year the White House will be celebrating its 200th anniversary.

The White House has been closed to the general public.  Tours though, are available for school groups and can be requested through my office.  For current information, visit the White House Tour Information web page or call the Visitor Center at 202-456-7041.

 

The Capitol
Between Constitution and Independence Avenues
202-225-6827

The Capitol Building first opened to the public in 1800. Today the Capitol is open for guided tours offered daily by the Capitol Guide Service.

Tours of the Capitol Building are available every day from 9:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. The line begins to forms at the visitors center on the South side of the Capitol at approximately 7:00Am and it is recommend you get their early.  Gallery passes for the Senate and House are available from my office. These passes allow constituents to view the Senate or House from the Visitor's Gallery when Congress is in session.

Take a virtual tour of the U S Capitol building.

 

Federal Bureau of Investigation
9th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue N.W.
202-324-3447

The FBI tour is a one hour, guided, walking tour taken by almost 500,000 people a year. The tour includes exhibits on the workings of the FBI, information on the FBI's "Ten Most Wanted List," and a firearms demonstration.

As of August 30, 2002, tours will be closed until further notice for extensive renovations.

 

Bureau of Engraving and Printing
14th and C Streets S.W.
202-874-3019

The Bureau of Engraving and Printing, also known as the Mint, produces over 70 billion dollars in cash every year. In addition to U.S. money, the Bureau has also printed stamps, International Monetary Fund notes and currency for other countries. Tours of the Bureau of Printing and Engraving allow visitors to view money being printed.

The Bureau of Engraving and Printing offers tours Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. From June to August additional tours are offered from 5 p.m. until 6:40 p.m. Tickets are required to tour the Bureau from April until September. These tickets can be obtained at the ticket booth on Raoul Wallenberg Place S.W. beginning at 8 a.m. One person can obtain up to 50 tickets.

 

Arlington National Cemetery
Memorial Drive, Arlington, Virginia
703-697-2131

Arlington National Cemetery is the second largest national cemetery in the United States. Over four million people a year travel to Arlington to pay their respects to the more than 260,000 service men and women laid to rest here. Arlington is also home to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Three soldiers, one each from WWI, WWII, and the Korean War, are interred here. An unknown soldier from the Vietnam War was also interred here, but later exhumed after DNA testing determined his identity. The Tomb is guarded 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by the U.S. Army.

Arlington National Cemetery is open to the public from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. October through March, and from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m. April through September. A wreath laying ceremony is performed every half hour.

 

Holocaust Memorial Museum
100 Raoul Wallenberg Place S.W.
202-488-0400

The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is dedicated to "presenting the history of the persecution and murder of six million Jews and millions of other victims of Nazi tyranny from 1933 to 1945." The Museum houses a permanent exhibit, as well as a children's exhibit, and regular special exhibitions. The Holocaust Memorial Museum is recommended for children eight and older.

The Holocaust Memorial Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Passes are required for the permanent exhibition. Passes are distributed at 10 a.m. for admittance for tours from 10 a.m. until 4:15 p.m. One person may obtain four passes. Passes may be ordered ahead of time for a small fee, details on this service are available on the Holocaust Memorial Museum web page.

 

Kennedy Center
2700 F Streets N.W.
202-416-8340

Guided tours of the Kennedy Center take visitors through the Hall of States and Hall of Nations, and the Center's main theaters. Kennedy Center tours are available in many languages.

Tours of the Kennedy Center are available from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

 

Library of Congress
First Street and Independence Avenue S.E.
202-707-8000

The Library was founded in 1800 and was originally housed in the Capitol Building. In 1814, much of the collection was destroyed when the British burned the Capitol. In 1815, Congress authorized the purchase of Thomas Jefferson's personal library of 6,000 books to supplement the holdings of the Library of Congress. Since then the Library of Congress has become the largest library in the world housing nearly 119 million items.

The Library of Congress offers tours both in English and Spanish. Tours are guided and given in groups of 50. Public tours are offered Monday through Saturday at 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. Tours begin at the Thomas Jefferson Building visitor entrance.

 

Mount Vernon
George Washington Parkway, Alexandria, Virginia
703-780-2000

Mount Vernon, the home of George Washington has been operated by the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association since 1858. This private, non-profit organization accepts no government funds and maintains Mount Vernon through visitors fees and private donations. Admission ranges from $4.50 to $9.00. Audio tours are available for an additional fee. A guide to the Mount Vernon grounds is available online.

Mount Vernon is open to the public from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. March through October, and from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. from November through February.

 

Smithsonian Institution
202-357-2020

Established in 1864 with funds left to the U.S. government by James Smithson, the Smithsonian Institution maintains 140 million pieces for "the increase and diffusion of knowledge." The Smithsonian consists of 16 museums, the National Zoo, and a variety of research facilities. All museums and the National Zoo are free and open to the public. Hours may vary for different exhibits and museums. For more information, see the sections below or visit the Smithsonian web page or call the Smithsonian tour office at 202-357-2020.

 

National Air and Space Museum
6th Street and Independence Avenue S.W.
202-357-1400

The National Air and Space Museum has 23 main exhibits as well as many smaller, temporary exhibits. The museum houses the world's largest collection of historic air and spacecraft, including the original Wright 1903 Flyer, the "Spirit of St. Louis," Apollo 11 command module, and a Lunar rock sample that visitors can touch. In addition to its exhibitions, the museum offers daily IMAX movie screenings and daily tours.

Guided tours of the National Air and Space Museum are given daily beginning at the tour desk. Reserved, guided tours are also available of the Garber Preservation, Restoration and Storage Facility at Dulles Airport in Northern Virginia. Find out more about tours at the Garber Facility by visiting their tour page.

 

National Gallery of Art
Between 3rd and 9th Streets and Constitution Avenue N.W.
202-737-4215

The concept of a National Art Gallery was first introduced by Secretary of the Treasury, Andrew Mellon, in 1928. Upon his death in 1937, Secretary Mellon left his art collection to the United States, along with funding for the construction of the National Gallery of Art. Soon after this, Congress passed legislation authorizing the establishment of the National Gallery of Art as an independent branch of the Smithsonian Institution. Since then the National Gallery has grown into one of the world's finest art galleries, with exhibitions ranging from Raphael to Alfred Stieglitz.

The National Gallery of Art is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., and on Sundays from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. During these hours the public is invited to tour the gallery at their leisure. In addition, guided tours of the various collections are given in English and other languages. Guided tour times vary depending on the exhibit. For more information please visit the National Gallery online. Virtual tours are also available online.

 

National Museum of American History
14th Street and Constitution Avenue N.W.
202-357-2700

In 1964, the Museum of History and Technology first opened its doors to the public. The museum was created in 1955 by President Eisenhower and was renamed the National Museum of American History in 1980. The museum is responsible for the preservation and display of over 17 million artifacts, including priceless stamps in the National Postal Museum. The National Museum of American History takes visitors on a trip through American history.

The National Museum of American History is open from 10 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Visitors can tour the museum themselves or take guided tours of certain exhibits. More information on the guided tours available can be found online or by calling 202-357-2700. A variety of demonstrations are also given daily.

 

National Museum of Natural History
14th Street and Constitution Avenue N.W.
202-357-2700

The National Museum of Natural History houses a variety of exhibits on the history and development of our world. Exhibits range from Butterfly Gardens to the Vikings and African Voices. The Museum of Natural History also offers IMAX movies as well as daily educational events.

The National Museum of Natural History is open daily from 10 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Visitors are free to tour the museum on their own during these hours. Guided tours of the Museum of Natural History are available Monday through Thursday at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. and on Friday at 10:30 a.m. Guided tours begin in the rotunda.

 

National Zoo
3000 Connecticut Avenue N.W.
202-673-4800

The National Zoo is home to many interesting and exotic animals. The National Zoo sponsors weekly seminars which can be attended in person or online. In addition, the zoo offers many online opportunities to view the animals. The National Zoo's website offers daily live viewing of kiwis, elephants, komodo dragons and 11 other animals.

The National Zoo grounds are open daily from 6 a.m. until 8 p.m. The zoo buildings are open daily from 10 am until 6 pm. Guided tours of the National Zoo are available on a limited basis with advance reservation. To arrange a guided tour contact the zoo at 202-673-4955.

 

National Archives
Eighth Street and Constitution Avenue N.W.
202-501-5000

The National Archives and Records Administration is an independent agency which helps document and preserve our country's history by managing all federal records. The National Archives houses the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

The National Archives Exhibit Hall is closed for renovations through the Summer of 2003.

 

State Department
2201 C Street N.W.
202-647-3241

Tours of the State Department take visitors through the Diplomatic Reception Rooms. These rooms are used by the Secretary of State, the Vice President and Cabinet members for meeting and entertaining both foreign and domestic dignitaries. The Diplomatic Reception Rooms are furnished with historic American furniture, all provided through donations from private citizens. An online tour of the Diplomatic Reception Rooms is available through the State Department website.

 

Public tours of the Department of State are available by reservation only. Tours run Monday through Friday at 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., and 2:45 p.m. The State Department is a secure building and all visitors require picture identification.

 

Supreme Court
First and East Capitol Streets, N.E.
202-479-3499

The Supreme Court of the United States held its first session on February 1st, 1790, in New York City, then the capital of the United States. Currently the Court begins session the first Monday in October and hears cases until late June or early July. Over 7,000 cases are on the Court's docket per session. Of these, only 100 are granted plenary review with oral arguments. The Justices issue formal written opinions on approximately 80-90 of the cases.

Visitor services at the Supreme Court vary according to the case schedule. The Court is in session for two weeks every month beginning the first Monday in October through the April. To determine the hearing schedule during your trip contact the Court at 202-479-3499. When the Supreme Court is not in session, tours and courtroom lectures are available. The Supreme Court is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. When the Court is in session, visitors may observe the arguments. There are two lines for admittance; one allows visitors to hear the entire case and one allows visitors to hear the case for three minutes.

 

Treasury Department
15th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue N.W.
202-622-0896

The Treasury Department Building is the oldest departmental building in Washington, D.C. The Treasury Building was built in 1800 and rebuilt in 1801, 1814 and 1833 after fires destroyed parts of the building. In response to these fires, Congress authorized the construction of a fireproof Treasury Building in 1836. The original building was completed in 1842 and now makes up part of the East Wing of the Department of Treasury. Despite additions over time, the Treasury Building houses only 10% of Department of Treasury employees. The tour of the Treasury Department takes visitors through a variety of rooms, including the burglar-proof vault and the Andrew Johnson Suite (which was used by President Johnson for 55 days while Mrs. Lincoln moved out of the White House after President Lincoln's assassination).

The Treasury Building is open for tours every Saturday morning from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. Advance reservations are required and can be made by online or by calling the Department of the Treasury at 202-622-0896.

 

Washington Monument
15th Street and Constitution Avenue N.W.
202-426-6841

Though authorized by Congress in 1833, the Washington Monument was not fully completed until 1888. The 555 foot tall monument has 897 steps. These steps are now closed to the public except for guided tours. Today's visitors reach the 500 foot landing via a 70 second elevator ride. From this landing, visitors have a clear view of Washington, D.C.

The Washington Monument is open from April to September from 8 a.m. until 11:45 p.m. The rest of the year the Monument is open from 9 a.m. until 4:45 p.m. Free tickets are required. They are available at the ticket kiosk on 15th Street N.W.  During the peak tourist season, the ticket line at the Washington Monument forms as early as 7 a.m.  Therefore, you may want to reserve tickets in advance for a small fee.  To do so, go to http://www.nps.gov/wash/index.htm or call 1-800-967-2283.

 

Monuments of Washington, D.C.
The National Parks Service
202-619-7000

Washington D.C. is home to many national monuments. Information regarding these attractions is available at the National Parks web page or by calling the National Park Service.

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