Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
6. NATIONAL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY
A favorite with children, yet filled with fascinating displays and artifacts that appeal
to everyone, the vast halls of this Smithsonian museum have everything from the
tiny bones of a snake to a giant ritual statue from Easter Island. Other exhibits in-
clude the vast Mammal Hall, Pacific Island canoes, fabulous gemstones (including
the Hope Diamond), a giant squid, a scene from a Chinese opera, and an Egyptian
mummy case (for further details see
National Museum of Natural History
).
Con-
stitution Ave & 10th St, NW • Open 10am-5:30pm daily; Closed Dec 25 • Dis. access
• Free
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7. UNITED STATES HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL MUSEUM
Among the city's most challenging sites, this museum is both a working study center
for issues relating to the Holocaust and a national memorial for the millions
murdered by the World War II Nazi government. The museum is solemn and re-
spectful while engrossing and highly informative. Free timed passes are required
to view the three-story permanent exhibition; special exhibition. Passes can be ob-
tained at the museum on the day of visit, or in advance online. There are some
special exhibitions that can be seen without passes (for further details see
United
States Holocaust Memorial Museum
)
.
100 Raoul Wallenberg Place, SW (14th St
between Independence Ave & C St, SW) • 202 488 0400 •
www.ushmm.org
• Open
10am-5:30pm daily; closed Yom Kippur, Dec 25 • Dis. access • Free
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8. WASHINGTON MONUMENT
The plain Egyptian design of this radiant spire was largely the result of congressional
cost-cutting, but now it seems an inspired choice. At 555 ft (165 m), the monument,
built to honor the first president of the United States, towers over everything in the
neighborhood and is ringed by 50 flags representing the 50 states of America. (for
further details see
Washington Monument
)
.
15th St between Independence & Con-
stitution Aves • Closed to the public due to damage sustained from the 2011 earth-
quake. Check
www.nps.gov/wamo
for more information • Dis. access • Free
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