Arthur M. Sackler Gallery's focus is the collection of early Chinese jades and bronzes donated by Arthur M. Sackler—a wealthy medical researcher and publisher. However, the museum houses a variety of Asian art dating as far back as 3000 BC. Displays of special note include Persian manuscripts, Indian paintings and Japanese prints. Works from China, Southeast Asia, Korea and Tibet are also featured. Concerts and art performances augment the visitor's tour. There is also a hands-on kids program called ImaginAsia with crafts, storytelling and more.
A popular outdoor destination for children, college students and nature lovers, this park lies north of Georgetown. Woodlands surround a recreation area with tennis courts, picnic tables, and a playground. A gorgeous green expanse filled with pretty tree-lined pathways, shaded areas, and lush, well-maintained gardens, it is fantastic for all kinds of visitors as they can indulge in outdoor activities, serene strolls, or picnics. Special features include a boxwood maze, and Lovers Lane, a cobblestone walkway on the western portion of the park. To explore more elaborately designed grounds and an elegant estate, visit Dumbarton Oaks next door. Admission is free.
The paper currency for the US gets printed at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. A fascinating and informative spot offering a great experience, kids and adults alike will love visiting this “money factory.” Also, the bureau runs 24 hours a day and prints $450 million daily. The guided tour lasts around 40 minutes and is on a first-come, first-served basis. Summer evening tours require tickets handed out at the Visitor Center. Thus, visitors can see a display with a million one-dollar bills and view dollars at every stage in the production.
Located just down the street from the National Air and Space Museum, the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden is one of Washington’s most renowned art museum. Here visitors stroll up a rising, circular incline and view works by Calder, Rodin, and contemporary sculptors. The special exhibits here have included the works of globally celebrated artists such as Mircea Cantor, Rivane Neuenschwander and Morris Louis. The museum's collection boasts of thousands of paintings sculptures and murals. The sunken sculpture garden across Jefferson Drive is a must-visit, wherein the Auguste Rodin's Burghers of Calais is a must-see.
Head to the Tidal Basin if you're seeking something to do on a lazy Sunday afternoon. Set in picturesque surroundings, it is truly a visual treat. Found between the Thomas Jefferson Memorial and Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, it covers a vast area of 107 acres (43 hectares). Also utilized as a means for flushing the Washington Channel, it is maintained and operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Thus, explore the Tidal Basin for a leisurely activity and have a unique experience.
Dating back to 1946, the National Air and Space Museum is home to quite a few aircraft that narrate fascinating stories. Everything from the iconic Wright Brothers' Flyer and Charles Lindbergh's Spirit of St. Louis to World War II planes and Apollo 11 is displayed here, attracting history aficionados, science buffs, and aviation fans alike. Visitors also have the option of using the audio-visual aid to understand the technical aspects of the marvelous exhibits. Moreover, the Lockheed Martin IMAX Theater located here screens aircraft and space films on a huge five-story screen. Apart from that, the National Air and Space Museum also has the original Star Trek model of the USS Enterprise on display, which is one of the popular attractions among the visiting crowds at this world-famous place.
Located in National Mall, the National Museum of the American Indian opened in 2004 as a part of the Smithsonian group of museums and research centers. The Museum structure is a throwback to adobe homes in early Native American culture. This fascinating museum takes you on a riveting journey of learning Native American History. With a highly naturalistic design, the NMAI illustrates Native American history through various works of art, artifacts, and other remnants of American Indian culture are on display. In the past, exhibits have included indigenous world views through dress, native modernism, and contemporary indigenous viewpoints as told through poetry that provided a valuable addition to our understanding of Native American culture. Admission to the museum is free.
The International Spy Museum provides a unique glimpse into the thrilling world of espionage and its impact throughout history and present day. The museum showcases espionage artifacts from the 21st century to as far back as the Greek Empire. Visitors get the chance to be a part of a movie setup and play the role of a heroic spy, who solves puzzles and overcomes obstacles. During your visit to the museum, you're made to adopt a cover identity and led into a briefing room, where you learn about the life of a spy. Highly interactive, informative and fun, a visit to this museum is well worth the price.
The award-winning Old Town Trolley Tours covers more major capital sites than any other. The attractions include the National Mall, Georgetown, the National Cathedral, and Arlington National Cemetery. The trolleys travel in a continuous loop. Riders can join the tour at any of 19 stops. Stay aboard the entire two hours and listen to an informative narrative, or hop off for a closer look at an attraction. Trolleys roll by every 30 minutes, so you can simply re-board and continue the tour.
Labyrinth Games is a fun toy and game store, a haven for family fun that specializes in non-electronic games and puzzles, offering a delightful alternative to the digital world. Whether you're a kid or an adult, make sure you stop by this store if you love puzzles and games. Discover a treasure trove of board games, from classic favorites like Monopoly and Catan to the latest releases and hidden gems. Alongside, test your skills with a wide variety of puzzles, ranging from traditional jigsaw puzzles to intricate 3D brainteasers. With an interesting collection of products, Labyrinth Games emphasis is on creating a positive environment and providing educationally enriching games and puzzles. The store also hosts game nights, tournaments, and community events, so make sure you check in for details before visiting.
Situated along the Anacostia River, Nationals Park, home of the Washington Nationals Major League Baseball team, was opened in March 2008. It is the first certified green stadium in the United States. The park features 41,338 seats as well as 79 suites. From certain parts of the park, visitors can see the Capitol and the Washington Monument, as well as the cherry blossom grove located past left field. There's also yummy food like hot dogs and popcorn you can munch on while you cheer for the team.
AMC Courthouse Plaza 8 is a movie fanatic's dream come true. With 12 screens, this cineplex is able to show all of the current releases in theaters with state-of-the-art technology. There is also a refreshment stand to ensure that you have something tasty to eat while being thoroughly entertained.