Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
3. UNION STATION
Opened in 1907, this magnificent Beaux Arts building is still a fully functional trans-
portation hub. The lofty barrel-vaulted concourse, decorated with 70 lbs (32 kg) of
gleaming gold leaf, is one of the great public spaces in the city - the Washington
Monument, laid on its side, would easily fit within its length. Over 23 million people
pass through the station each year. A $160 million restoration, completed in 1988,
made the terminal an important retail and visitor services center, with over 130
shops, including tour bus and bike hire firms, and numerous restaurants, as well as
expanding its transportation role.
50 Massachusetts Ave, NE • Dis. access
Google Map
View photo
4. FOLGER SHAKESPEARE LIBRARY AND THEATRE
The Folger has the world's largest library of printed editions of Shakespeare's works,
and performances at the 16th-century-style theater give viewers an insight into
Shakespeare and his times. There is also a huge supporting collection of Renaissance
works in other fields, as well as playbills, musical instruments, and costumes. The el-
egant Neo-Classical building, a 1929 design by Paul Philippe Cret, is on the National
Register of Historic Places (for further details see
Folger Theatre
).
201 East Cap-
itol St, SE • 202 544 4623 • Open 10am-5pm Mon-Sat • Dis. access • Free
Google Map
View photo
5. SUPREME COURT BUILDING
The home of the highest seat of the judicial branch of the US government is a hand-
some Neo-Classical building designed by Cass Gilbert - the architect of the beautiful
Woolworth Building in New York City - and completed in 1935. On its west pedi-
ment, above the marble columns of the main entrance, is inscribed in bold letters the
famous motto “Equal Justice Under Law”.
1st St and East Capitol St, NE • 202 479
3211 • Open Mon-Fri 9am-4:30pm except federal holidays • Dis. access • Free
Google Map
View photo
