Explore Washington d.c.

As you can see by perusing the program, the NLC 2005 promises to be a tremendous learning experience for all attendees. While you’re here, we invite you to take time to enjoy some of the museums, landmarks and history that Washington, DC has to offer.  Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning friend, there are many ways to experience our area-through its history, art, culture, and natural landscape. If this is your first visit to Washington, there are many "must-see" attractions. If you're making a return visit, consider exploring what our city has to offer in beyond its monumental center.

Founded in 1791 as the capital of the United States, Washington D.C. is at the center of both national and world politics. George Washington himself chose the location for the city that bears his name, and which serves as the seat of government for the United States of America. Over the course of 200 years, Washington, D.C. has grown with the nation, and now represents the very best of America. Landmarks draw thousands of tourists each year and underscore the importance of Washington’s political past and present. D.C. is also a dynamic city, famous for world-class dining, entertainment and culture.

HISTORIC MONUMENTS & MEMORIALS

The majestic Capitol building stands at the center of the city, allowing unobstructed views of the city's most famous attractions. It's completely free to take a walk around and a look at some very recognizable memorials.

The National Mall is one of the nation's oldest federal parks. This vast green park book ended by the Capitol and the Washington monument is a hub of activity. The mall has hosted protests, concerts, festivals and more. And hundreds of joggers prowl the big rectangle every day. It's a refreshing oasis in the middle of a bustling city. And it is the ideal place for a nice quiet rest between stops at the various Smithsonian Museums around its edges.
 
For a top-notch view of the Potomac Basin, make your way up the 555ft Washington Monument. This white obelisk rising from the center of the Mall was begun in 1848, but not completed for 37 years. There's an elevator ride to the top, and you can walk back down a staircase lined with plaques from all the states, plus one from the Cherokee Nation.

The National Iwo Jima Memorial Monument was unveiled and dedicated on February 23, 1995, the 50th Anniversary of the historic flag-raising on Mt. Suribachi, Iwo Jima, during World War II. The memorial is dedicated to the memory of the 6,821 Americans who gave their lives at Iwo Jima.

The National World War II Memorial is the first national memorial dedicated to all who served during World War II. The memorial will honor all military veterans of the war, the citizens on the home front, the nation at large, and the high moral purpose and idealism that motivated the nation's call to arms. The Second World War will be the only 20th century event commemorated on the Mall’s central axis.

Across the Mall sits the Lincoln Memorial, one of the most inspiring monuments in Washington. From its steps, Martin Luther King delivered his historic "I Have a Dream" speech; stand here and marvel at the clear view across the National Mall to the Capitol. The statue of Lincoln is unforgettable!

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is a tribute to the nearly 60,000 soldiers who lost their lives in Vietnam. The memorial is constructed of black granite etched with each soldier's name. Names are listed chronologically by date of casualty, including those who are missing; alphabetical rosters are available nearby. A statue of three servicemen and one of three servicewomen stand near the walls. The most moving remembrances are the notes, medals and mementos left by survivors, family and friends since the memorial was completed in 1982.

African American Civil War Memorial is the first and only national memorial for U.S. colored troops in the Civil War.  At the center of a granite-paved plaza encircled on three sides by the Wall of Honor is the Spirit of Freedom sculpture. The sculpture stands ten feet tall and features uniformed black soldiers and a sailor poised to leave home. Women, children and elders on the cusp of the concave inner surface seek strength together. Designed by Ed Hamilton of Louisville, Kentucky, this is the first major art piece by a black sculptor to be placed on federal land anywhere in the District of Columbia.  The Wall of Honor lists the names of 209,145 United States Colored Troops (USCT) who served in the Civil War. Presented on 166 burnished stainless steel plaques and arranged by regiment, the names include the 7,000 white officers who served with USCT. The Civil War Memorial Museum, using photographs, documents and state of the art audio visual equipment, helps visitors understand the African American's heroic and largely unknown struggle for freedom.

"The only thing we have to fear is fear itself."  The Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial is one of Washington's newest, and the only one dedicated to a 20th century president. This expansive tribute to Roosevelt has four outdoor galleries-one for each term-with plantings and water cascades. It has become a popular nighttime destination, along with other nearby memorials.

Visit the serene resting place of war veterans at Arlington National Cemetery. Stroll past rows and rows of solemn white gravestones...and follow the masses to the grave site of President John F. Kennedy, marked with an eternal flame. Not far away is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where visitors may watch the changing of the guard at regular intervals throughout the day.  Established in 1864 on the grounds of Robert E. Lee's home, is the final resting place for more than 250,000 soldiers and citizens. The cemetery contains a number of memorials, including a monument to the victims of the Pan Am Flight 103 disaster.

Dedicated in 1995 to the 1.5 million United States men and women who served in the Korean War, the Korean War Veterans Memorial highlights the high cost of freedom. The statue group in the triangular Field of Service depicts 19 multi-ethnic soldiers on patrol in rugged Korean terrain. They're heading toward an American flag. To the south of the soldiers stands a 164-ft-long granite wall etched with the faces of 2,400 unnamed service men and women with a silver inlay reading “Freedom Is Not Free.” The adjacent Pool of Remembrance honors all who were killed, captured, wounded, or missing in action.

As author of the Declaration of Independence, President, Secretary of State, and designer of Monticello, Thomas Jefferson proved himself an accomplished architect, leader, and statesman. The Jefferson Memorial pays tribute to him at the Tidal Basin, and is thought by many to be the most memorable in Washington. The central room contains a heroic bronze statue of Thomas Jefferson, surrounded by panels inscribed with passages of Jefferson's most significant writings.

MUSEUMS & GALLERIES

A visit to the Smithsonian Institution is a must. Not only is the Smithsonian the largest cluster of museums in the world, it’s the best deal in town…it's absolutely free! But give yourself plenty of time; the Smithsonian encompasses 17 museums and galleries, and a zoo. Each of these places could easily take you a day or more to see. 

Joining our public treasures on the National Mall the National Museum of the American Indian is the culmination of efforts launched in 1989. Indigenous people from across the Americas played a key role in the creation of the Smithsonian's newest showplace. The five-story curvilinear museum will showcase 7,500 objects from its 800,000-piece collection. The National Museum of the American Indian is a spectacular symbol of the cultural and political renaissance of the nation's "first people."

The National Air and Space Museum celebrates the nation's achievements in flight and space exploration, from the Wright Brothers' 1903 Flyer, the Lindbergh's “Spirit of St. Louis”, to the Apollo moon mission and beyond. You can touch a moon rock, watch a spectacular IMAX film at the Samuel P Langley Theater shows, or visit the Albert Einstein Planetarium.  As the cradle of humanity, Africa is part of everyone's heritage. The National Museum of African Art is dedicated to advancing an appreciation and understanding of Africa's rich visual arts and diverse cultures.  The National Museum of American History is full of cultural touchstones.  Take an up close look at the original American flag the original Kermit the Frog, as well as The Fonz's leather jacket, and Dorothy's ruby slippers. The National Museum of Natural History holds many awesome highlights, including the Hope Diamond, a model of the biggest blue whale ever seen and a giant mammoth. It's got all the favorites: dinosaur bones, insects and a newly renovated hall of gems and minerals.  The National Zoological Park is a 163-acre zoo set amid Rock Creek National Park in the heart of Washington DC. Open to the public 364 days a year, the zoo is home to more than 2,700 individual animals of 435 different species. The zoo offers the chance to marvel at animals, learn about wildlife and its conservation, or enjoy a beautiful, peaceful experience among our gardens.  The Hirshorn Museum and Sculpture Garden contains a vast collection of modern and contemporary art. It also features a sunken outdoor sculpture garden on the Mall.

The Smithsonian Institution also includes the Anacostia Museum and Center for African American History and Culture, the Arts and Industries Building, the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum, the Freer Gallery of Art and the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, the National Museum of the American Indian, the National Portrait Gallery, the National Postal Museum, and the Smithsonian Institution Castle.

The city's oldest art museum is the Corcoran Gallery of Art, Washington's oldest art collection, is known for its impressive collection.  The museum features Dutch and Flemish masterpieces, French Impressionists and post-Impressionists, and American art from colonial times to the present.  Founded in 1869 when Washington, D.C., was still establishing its importance as a national capitol, the Corcoran has long been an important part of the city's artistic life. Every year, the Corcoran presents a diverse program of special exhibitions.

Don't overlook the Phillips Collection, which is home to Renoir's Boating Party and an important collection of American and European modernist paintings and sculpture. Or visit the Textile Museum, dedicated to the study and exhibition of the textile arts.  The Dumbarton House and Garden, located in Georgetown, features 18th- and 19th-century American furniture and fine arts. The enchanting gardens incorporate elements of traditional French, English, and Italian gardens.  The National Gallery of Art is one of Washington's crown jewels and contains the finest collection of Western European art and sculpture in the New World, as well as an impressive collection of American paintings.  Make a reservation to tour the newly restored home and gardens at Hillwood. One of America's premier estate museums, Hillwood features the most comprehensive collection of imperial Russian fine and decorative arts outside Russia and a collection of 18th-century French art.

The sensational new International Spy Museum explores the history of espionage and trickery from Mata Hari to Austin Powers, with exhibits, hands-on activities, multimedia presentations, and more. It features the largest collection of international spy-related artifacts ever placed on public display. The stories of individual spies, told through film, interactives, and state-of-the-art exhibits, provide a dynamic context to foster an understanding of espionage and its impact on current and historic events. In addition to the Museum, the Complex includes a Museum Store, private dining and event facilities, and two restaurants: Zola and Spy City Cafe.

Visiting the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum is one of the most moving experiences of a visit to Washington and a popular destination for visitors. The Holocaust is documented through four floors of exhibits, historical film displays, and video testimonials of survivors. The museum chronicles the rise and fall of the Nazis, and the horrible treatment inflicted upon Jews and others during the Holocaust. Upon entry, each visitor receives a booklet detailing a Holocaust survivor or victim's life. Throughout the museum, visitors are prompted to turn the page of their booklet and find out more about what the person went through during the Nazi reign. At the end, you learn his or her fate. A trip through this museum is not to be missed. There’s an exhibit suitable for younger visitors in the museum’s lobby.

Created by an act of Congress in 1980, the National Building Museum is America’s premier cultural institution dedicated to exploring and celebrating architecture, design, engineering, construction, and urban planning.  The National Building Museum occupies one of Washington’s most spectacular structures, widely recognized as a marvel of engineering. Designed in 1881 by Civil Engineer and US Army General Montgomery C. Meigs and completed in 1887, the building originally housed the Pension Bureau in the post-Civil War era.  An ingenious system of windows, vents, and open archways allows the building’s Great Hall to function as a reservoir of light and air. The impressive Italian Renaissance design, with its central fountain and eight colossal Corinthian columns – among the tallest interior columns in the world – has made the Great Hall a sought-after spot for gala events, including many Presidential Inaugural Balls, from 1885 to the present day.

A CITY OF NEIGHBORHOODS

Beyond the inspiring monuments and news-making public figures, there are there are several neighborhoods to explore.  Most of Washington’s historic neighborhoods are accessible by Metrorail or MetroBus, and are filled with boutiques, galleries, restaurants, and historic homes. A walking tour of the District’s neighborhoods offers a unique glimpse into the city's history beyond the Mall.  Here is a listing of several of the D.C. neighborhoods:

Adams Morgan is one of Washington’s most colorful neighborhoods, centered on 18th Street and Columbia Road, NW, this vibrant, trendy, multiethnic neighborhood is full of boutiques, clubs, and restaurants. If you're a fan of street art, be ready to admire a number of colorful murals as you stroll through Adams-Morgan. In addition to the many outdoor paintings, other points of interest here include the District of Columbia Arts Center and an open-air market held on Saturdays.

Anacostia, named for its original Native American inhabitants, was the settlement area for freed blacks after the Civil War.  This neighborhood began as the first suburb of Washington City. The great 19th-century abolitionist Frederick Douglass made his home here from 1877 until his death in 1895. Most of the house's furnishings are original to Douglass's time there and a number of his personal possessions are on view. The Smithsonian's Anacostia Museum also resides in this historic community.  Brookland offers a charming diversity of residential architecture. This Northeast Washington neighborhood features the largest concentration of Catholic institutions outside the Vatican.  Catholic University, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, the Pope John Paul II Cultural Center, and the Franciscan Monastery call this community home.

Capitol Hill, known affectionately as "the Hill," offers many attractions. You'll find the U.S. Capitol, the Supreme Court building, the Library of Congress, the Folger Shakespeare Library, the National Postal Museum and Union Station here. You can also tour the U.S. Botanical Garden or visit The Eastern Market where you'll find fresh baked goods, produce and fruit as well as local arts and crafts.

Surrounding the world's largest single-span Chinese arch at 7th and F Streets, NW, Chinatown boasts numerous restaurants, as well as the U.S. Mint Museum, the MCI Center, and the annual Chinese New Year's Day Parade. 

Downtown, the business district located just east of the White House, is experiencing a renaissance and boasts the new $778 million Washington Convention Center, new and refurbished hotels, shops, restaurants, art galleries, and bookstores. Downtown is also home to the National Museum of Women in the Arts, the only museum in the world dedicated exclusively to recognizing the contributions of women artists, the Old Post Office Pavilion, the Warner Theatre, and the National Theatre.

Washington's famous Embassy Row is a focal point of Dupont Circle. In addition, Dupont Circle’s streets are thriving with bookstores, boutiques, restaurants, cafes, art galleries, movie theaters, and nightspots. The area features many museums including The Phillips Collection, Woodrow Wilson House, Textile Museum, Heurich House, and the National Museum of American Jewish Military History as well as the largest collection of private art galleries in the city.

Georgetown was once a thriving colonial port. Now this charming historic neighborhood, centered on Wisconsin and M Streets, NW, is shopper’s dream! Today you’ll find numerous boutiques, national brand stores, and specialty shops. Washingtonians flock to Georgetown for the latest fashions.  Georgetown is also home to luxurious hotels, chic restaurants, popular bars, as well as a stadium-seating movie theater.

Known as Washington DC's historic "Black Broadway," Shaw is once again drawing music lovers to its restaurants and clubs. Landmarks include Howard University, Mary McLeod Bethune Council House Historic Site, the Thurgood Marshall Center, the Lincoln Theater and the famous Duke Ellington Mural.  Shaw is also home to the African American Civil War Memorial.

Upper Northwest includes the Woodley Park and Cleveland Park neighborhoods along Connecticut Avenue north of Calvert Street.  Visit this area and enjoy a variety of cuisines from around the world as well as interesting boutiques and specialty shops. The National Zoological Park, Washington National Cathedral, the Hillwood Museum and Gardens (the Washington home of heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post), and the Kreeger Museum are found here.  Upper Northwest is also home to Rock Creek Park, Rock Creek Park -- a sprawling urban park open to the public for hiking, jogging, picnicking, horseback riding, and playing golf.

Waterfront, south of the National Mall, is a neighborhood home to the Tony Award-winning Arena Stage, Benjamin Banneker Circle and Fountain, the Titanic Memorial and L'Enfant Plaza. The scenic waterfront features a piers, sailboats, fishing boats, seafood markets, and restaurants.

All these things and more make Washington a favorite destination for people from around the world. Historic buildings, national treasures, the exciting business of running the nation! Washington DC is like no other place on earth. History continues to be made here daily by the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of the federal government. Come watch it happen before your eyes!

There is so much to see and do in Washington. So start planning. AGA’s 3^rd Annual National Leadership Conference and Washington, D.C. await you!