smithsonian institute
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Hostile
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Yes, I have been and it is amazing. You cannot possibly see it all in one day, so do not try.lane;1315961 said:
I've seen the exhibit that you show here. I couldn't wipe the smile off my face for some reason.
I highly recommend the Holocaust Museum. It will give you chills, and may even make you uncomfortable, but it is something you should see if you have the chance.
I could spend all day in the Air & Space Musuem and never get bored. They were expanding it and I think they are now done so it has a lot more than what I got to see which was amazing even then.
I want to go back just for that. They were also remodeling the National Archives so I didn't get to see the Constitution or Bill of Rights, etc. I would like to very much.
Even if you don't fly, go do this. Find a way. You won't ever regret it.
tomson75
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The Smithsonian is something that those of us who live in the DC area take for granted. I remember when I was younger, and my imagination and desire to learn hadn't been suppressed by then inevitable reality of becoming and "adult," spending hours on end in those museums. All of them are worth visiting. My favorites include the Holocaust Museum, the Air and Space Museum, and the Museum of Natural History.
They also have show pretty amazing movies at the IMAX. Definitely a trip worth taking.
They also have show pretty amazing movies at the IMAX. Definitely a trip worth taking.
Danny White
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OK, first, what is that picture of?
Second, being a "local" I can give you some tips. You can probably cover 2-3 of the Smithsonian museums in a day. If you only have one day, I'd suggest hitting American History, Natural History, and the Air and Space.
As for the expansion of the Air and Space, they built a completely separate Air and Space branch out by Dulles Airport, which is about 15-20 miles outside of downtown Washington, D.C. It is called the Udvar-Hazy Space Center, and it is MUCH bigger than the one that is downtown. It has a full-sized Space Shuttle in it, a B-2 bomber, and much much more. But it doesn't have some of the classic displays that the old Air and Space is known for, like the Wright Brothers plane and the Spirit of Saint Louis.
Both are great, though. I think Udvar-Hazy is much better for children. And if you make it out to Dulles Airport area to visit it, make sure you let me know... my office is less than 2 miles away from it.
As for the Holocaust museum, I haven't been there in about 10 years, but it is an amazing place. It is very heavy, though, so I would plan something much more lighthearted with the rest of your day when you're done with it. It used to be very difficult to get tickets for it, but I think that's not the case any more since it's been around for a while.
Also, if you come to town, try to arrange to get a Capitol Tour through your congressman's office. Those are typically much better than the tours provided by the Capitol itself.
Supreme Court tours are very neat and don't take much time at all.
White House tours... I mean it's the White House, so it's hard to say "don't do it" but at the same time, it takes a lot of work and time and waiting to get tickets, and the generic tour is very basic. The best thing to do is, if you have any strings to pull, try to get a private tour.... but that can be tough as well.
For the Washington Monument, only go up in it if it is a clear day. Otherwise you'll just wait in a long line and then when you get to the top you can't see anything anyway.
Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials are both great and are "walk up" situations so there's no waiting and are very quick to view if you want, so they should definitely be visited... along with the Vietnam Memorial, the Korean Memorial, and the World War II Memorial, which I have yet to visit so far.
Second, being a "local" I can give you some tips. You can probably cover 2-3 of the Smithsonian museums in a day. If you only have one day, I'd suggest hitting American History, Natural History, and the Air and Space.
As for the expansion of the Air and Space, they built a completely separate Air and Space branch out by Dulles Airport, which is about 15-20 miles outside of downtown Washington, D.C. It is called the Udvar-Hazy Space Center, and it is MUCH bigger than the one that is downtown. It has a full-sized Space Shuttle in it, a B-2 bomber, and much much more. But it doesn't have some of the classic displays that the old Air and Space is known for, like the Wright Brothers plane and the Spirit of Saint Louis.
Both are great, though. I think Udvar-Hazy is much better for children. And if you make it out to Dulles Airport area to visit it, make sure you let me know... my office is less than 2 miles away from it.
As for the Holocaust museum, I haven't been there in about 10 years, but it is an amazing place. It is very heavy, though, so I would plan something much more lighthearted with the rest of your day when you're done with it. It used to be very difficult to get tickets for it, but I think that's not the case any more since it's been around for a while.
Also, if you come to town, try to arrange to get a Capitol Tour through your congressman's office. Those are typically much better than the tours provided by the Capitol itself.
Supreme Court tours are very neat and don't take much time at all.
White House tours... I mean it's the White House, so it's hard to say "don't do it" but at the same time, it takes a lot of work and time and waiting to get tickets, and the generic tour is very basic. The best thing to do is, if you have any strings to pull, try to get a private tour.... but that can be tough as well.
For the Washington Monument, only go up in it if it is a clear day. Otherwise you'll just wait in a long line and then when you get to the top you can't see anything anyway.
Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials are both great and are "walk up" situations so there's no waiting and are very quick to view if you want, so they should definitely be visited... along with the Vietnam Memorial, the Korean Memorial, and the World War II Memorial, which I have yet to visit so far.
Danny White
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Hostile;1316446 said:
Thanks, meathead!
Concord
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Danny White;1316374 said:
Everything you said.
Plus try out the National Archives...The FBI Building tour...See Ford's Theater...Where Lincoln was assasinated...And of course Arlington National Cemetery.
There are many more but these will keep you busy for awhile.
Danny White
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Hostile;1317252 said:
Arlington National Cemetary is wonderful... seeing the changing of the guard will send chills up your spine. You can also see the Robert E. Lee home in that same area.
I don't know about the Pentagon... it's basically a huge office complex, but I suppose they have a good tour.
Also, Mount Vernon is spectacular. The only problem with that is it's a bit of a drive (about 15 minutes) from downtown.
Ford's Theatre was also a good suggestion.
needforspeed
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Cajuncowboy
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You also have to go to the old RFK stadium and pay respects to a dying franchise.
Seriously, if you go you HAVE to do the Holocaust exhibit is a must. It will take your breath away and will give you an idea of why we are doing what we are doing today. Evil must be stopped.
Arrlington is a must see as well.
Seriously, if you go you HAVE to do the Holocaust exhibit is a must. It will take your breath away and will give you an idea of why we are doing what we are doing today. Evil must be stopped.
Arrlington is a must see as well.