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Last Updated: April 21, 2008
Dear Visitors,
Washington, DC is a thriving capital city and welcomes visitors from around the world. While we're known for our renowned cultural institutions, universities, world-class restaurants and historical sites, there's more to Washington, DC than what meets the eye. And this is where we encourage you to create your own power trip in DC by discovering the surprising, insider experiences that await.
Take time to go off the beaten path and explore our neighborhoods - there's a surprise around every corner. We invite you to come. And be inspired.
The following is the most current information to consider when planning your visit to Washington, DC. We look forward to welcoming you to the nation's capital.
All Smithsonian Institution museums are open, with the exception of the Arts & Industries Building and the American History Museum which is closed for renovations until summer 2008.
Ford's Theatre is closed for the next year and the renovations are scheduled to take around 18 months for completion. The Peterson House where President Lincoln was brought to after John Wilkes Booth shot him at Ford's Theatre remains open to the public.
The Library of Congress Debuts Interactive Visitor's Experience. History buffs and novices alike have a fascinating new way to learn about the contributions of our nation's early cultures in The Library of Congress Experience, unveiled last week in the Library's Thomas Jefferson Building. The new immersive experience encompasses four displays containing historic items including the rough draft of the Declaration of Independence and the Gutenberg Bible, enhanced by high-tech, interactive kiosks. Also on view is an installation of actual books taken from Thomas Jefferson's library. Entry to the exhibition is free and open to the public. For more information, check out www.loc.gov/experience.
Newseum Now Open to the Public...DC's visitors and locals alike rejoiced when the Newseum opened its doors to the public last week. The six-level, high-tech and interactive museum traces the history of news reporting. Inside the museum's soaring 90-ft. atrium, there's a jumbo LED screen, or "Window on the World," broadcasting breaking news from around the globe. Visitors can practice broadcasting or snap photos of news scenes for a computer-generated critique by professional photojournalists. There's also a Journalist's Memorial, a news helicopter, one of two surviving "Checkpoint Charlies" and much more. Admission to the museum is $20/Adults (ages 13-64); seniors/$18 (ages 65 and up); youth/$13 (ages 7-12); and free for ages 6 and under. For more information, visit www.newseum.org
Tours of the White House have been expanded from school, youth, military and veterans' groups to include any groups of ten. Groups of ten should submit a request through their member of Congress at least one month and up to six months in advance. The tours are self-guided and will run from 7:30 am to 11:30 am . Tuesday through Saturday. For more information, call the White House Visitors Center at (202) 456-7041 or visit www.whitehouse.gov
Guided tours of the U.S. Capitol Building are conducted from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Saturday. The Capitol is scheduled to be open on all federal holidays except Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Visitors must obtain free tickets for tours on a first-come, first-served basis beginning at 9:00 am each morning, at the West front of the Capitol facing the National Mall, which is located near Garfield Traffic Circle at Independence and First Street, SW across from the Botanic Garden. All security screening is done at this facility, and visitors are then escorted by the Capitol Police and the Capitol Guide Service to the Rotunda to begin their tour. Maximum tour size is 40 people each half-hour and each individual of any age must have a ticket. Both the House and Senate Galleries are open for observation when Congress is in session. Passes must be obtained by your local member of Congress. For more information, call (202) 225-6827 or (202) 224-8698.
All visitors are welcome at The Library of Congress. Public Tours are offered Monday through Saturday in the Great Hall of the Thomas Jefferson Building. Tours are free and reservations are not required. Reservations are required for group tours, available Monday through Friday. For more information, visit www.loc.gov.
The FBI Building is currently closed for renovations. For updated information, call (202) 324-3447.
The Supreme Court is currently open. Lectures in the Courtroom are typically give every hour on the half-hour (only when the court is not in session), on days that the Court is not sitting, beginning at 9:30 am., and concluding at 3:30 pm. Reservations are not required. Visit www.supremecourtus.gov for more information.
Due to heightened security, the Pentagon is no longer offering public or walking tours. Currently, only groups associated with churches, schools, and military and government institutions are allowed to schedule tours. In addition, friends and family of Pentagon employees are allowed to tour the facilities, but the tour must be sponsored by military personnel. For more information, contact the Pentagon Tour Office at (703) 697-1776.
The Marine Corps Museum tour hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm with expanded hours until 8:00 pm on Friday evenings for those visitors attending the Evening Parade at the Marine Barracks. Admission to the museum is free, but advance notice is recommended. For further information and directions, call (202) 433-3840 or visit www.history.usmc.mil.
Group tours of the Washington National Cathedral are available Monday through Saturday from 10:00-11:15 am and 12:45-3:15 pm. For reservations call (202) 537-6207 ext. 5, or email tours@cathedral.org. For the latest information on guided tours for individuals and interruptions to the touring schedule at the Cathedral due to special services, please visit their website, http://www.cathedral.org/cathedral/visit/index.shtml.
Experience Baseball in the Nation's Capital! Let us
plan your next group outing at the New National's Park!
National's Baseball: Pledge Your Allegiance