Visit Washington, D.C.
On a limited basis, my office in Washington can provide you with gallery passes to view the House or the Senate in action and arrange tours of many Washington sites, including Capitol, White House, State Department or F.B.I. For best results, please notify my Washington office of your needs at least two months in advance by filling out the Tour Request Form.
The half-hour public tour is available seven days a week, except holidays, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., beginning every 15 minutes from the Rotunda located on the 2nd floor. Passes for the House and Senate galleries are available in my office at 1511 Longworth Building. Telephone: 202/225-5541.
Jefferson Building. Open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Located at First Street and Independence Avenue, SE. Additionally, Congressional reserved tours are available through my office. Telephone: 202/707-5458.
THE SUPREME COURT
Open Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., closed Saturday, Sunday and holidays. Lectures are held from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. every hour on the half hour when the court is not in session. No tours are given during August. Located at First Street and Maryland Avenue, NE. Telephone: 202/479-3395.
THE WHITE HOUSE
Open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to noon. The line begins at the White House Visitors Center at 15th and E street. Look for three American flags and the blue awnings. It is suggested to arrive at least an hour early. Additionally, Congressional reserved tours are available through my office. Telephone: 202/456-2200.
NATIONAL ARCHIVES
The Declaration of Independence, Constitution and Bill of Rights are displayed here. Exhibits are open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. during the summer months. Located at 7th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW. Additionally, Congressional reserved tours are available through my office. Telephone: 202/501-5205.
BUREAU OF ENGRAVING AND PRINTING
Open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The visitors entrance is on 14th and C Streets, SW. Visitors usually begin lining up around 8:30 a.m. Additionally, Congressional guided tours are available through my office. Telephone: 202/874-3019.
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION Open Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. The visitors entrance is on E Street between 9th and 10th Street, NW It is suggested to arrive at 7:45 a.m. or earlier. The hour-long tour leaves every 20 minutes. Additionally, Congressional reserved tours are available through my office. Telephone: 202/FBI-3447.
FORD'S THEATER AND THE LINCOLN MUSEUM
Self-guided tours are available seven days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. except when theatrical rehearsals are in progress. Guides also narrate certain details of the theater. Located at 10th Street between E and F Streets, NW. Telephone: 202/426-6924.
THE PENTAGON.
Open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with tours every half hour. Located across the 14th Street Bridge in Virginia (I-395). Telephone: 202/695-1776.
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC HEADQUARTERS Visit Explorers' Hall and view National Geographic's latest expedition artifacts, including Jaques Cousteau's diving saucer and Admiral Perry's sled, as well as hundreds of breathtaking photographs. Located at 17th and M Streets, NW. Telephone: 202/857-7588.
EMBASSY ROW
Some of the most impressive and varied residential architecture -- ranging from the traditional British diplomatic compound to the sleek- new Brazilian Embassy -- can be found along this stately avenue. The official residence of the Vice President of the United States is also located on Embassy Row. Located at Massachusetts Avenue, NW from Sheridan Circle north to Wisconsin Avenue.
JOHN F. KENNEDY CENTER Regular tours are conducted by Friends of the Kennedy Center volunteers from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., seven days a week. The hour-long tour leaves every 15 minutes from the Tour Lounge at Parking Level A. Additionally, Congressional reserved tours are available through my office. For Information on performances and seating availability call 202/467-4600.
THE NATIONAL ZOO
Open April 1 thru October 15: grounds -- 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; buildings -- 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; and October 16 thru March 31: grounds -- 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; buildings -- 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Located at 3000 Connecticut Avenue, NW. Telephone: 202/673-4800.
BOTANIC GARDENS
Open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and 9:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. during the summer months. Located at 1st Street and Maryland Avenue, SW. Telephone: 202/225-8333.
NATIONAL AQUARIUM
Open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., except Christmas. Admission: Adults $2.00, Children under 12, 75 cents. Located in the U.S. Department of Commerce Building on 14th Street between Constitution Avenue and D Street, NW. Oldest public aquarium in the country. Tanks of fish, frogs, allegator, sharks, etc. Special area for children to handle sea creatures. Telephone: 202/482-2826.
Monuments and Memorials
NATIONAL PARKS SERVICE -- General Information: 202/426-6841
JEFFERSON MEMORIAL
The memorial is situated on the south bank of the Tidal Basin at West Potomac Park. Open daily, 24 hours. Free tours 8:00 a.m. to midnight. Pedal boats can be rented at the Swan Boathouse from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
LINCOLN MEMORIAL
Open daily, 24 hours. Free tours from 8:00 a.m. to midnight. The memorial is located at the Memorial Bridge and Independence Avenue.
WASHINGTON MONUMENT
Open daily 8:00 a.m. to midnight April thru Labor Day and 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. the rest of the year. Located on the National Mall at 15th Street, NW.
IWO JIMA MEMORIAL
Located across the Potomac in Northern Virginia on Rte. 50, near Arlington National Cemetery. This statue was erected in memory of all marines who lost their lives since 1775.
VIETNAM VETERANS WAR MEMORIAL Constructed of Black Granite to honor and recognize all Americans who served in the Vietnam War. The names of over 58,000 who gave their lives or who remain missing are inscribed in the memorial's walls. The names are in chronological order and help is available in locating names. Located at the Memorial Bridge and Independence Avenue.
KOREAN WAR MEMORIAL
Honors those who fought in the Korean War. Located at the Memorial Bridge and Independence Avenue.
Smithsonian Institution
AIR AND SPACE BUILDING
The world's most popular museum, displaying the Wright brother's plane, "The spirit of St. Louis", the Apollo II command module and several other interesting exhibits. The films, "Living Planet" and "To Fly," are shown daily from 10:15 a.m. to 8:15 p.m., at 40-minute intervals. Located at 6th Street and Independence Avenue, SW. Telephone: 202/357-1400.
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART
Highlights include the First Ladies' gowns, George Washington's uniform and tent, and milestones of American invention: Bell's telephone, Ford's Model T and Whitney's model of the original cotton gin. Located at 14th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW. Telephone: 202/357-1481.
MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY
Exhibits range from the mounted African bush elephant, dinosaur skeletons, and the 92-fool model of a blue wale to the Hope diamond and the bones of a tiny pocket mouse. Located at 10th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW.
All of the above Smithsonian Museums are open daily 10:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. from Memorial Day thru Labor Day and 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. the remainder of the year. For information on Special Events recorded daily call: 202/357-2020.
Art Galleries
THE NATIONAL GALLERY OF ART
The National Gallery encompasses all aspects of the visual arts. Located at Constitution Avenue and 6th Streets, NW. Telephone: 202/737-4215.
THE HIRSHHORN MUSEUM AND SCULPTURE GARDEN The Hirshhorn features contemporary painting and sculpture from the past 125 years. Located on Independence Avenue at 7th Street, SW. Telephone: 202/357-3235.
THE FREER GALLERY
This museum features Far and near East art works, a few dating back 2,000 years. Located on Jefferson Drive at 12th Street, SW.
NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY
The Portrait Gallery features paintings of prominent Americans by American artists. Located at 8th and F Streets, NW. Telephone: 202/357-2920.
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AFRICAN ART
This museum has in its possession the finest collection of African art in the United States, as well as American art influenced by African styles. Located at 950 Independence Avenue, S.W. Telephone: 202/357-4860.
RENWICK GALLERY
The Renwick is a small, intimate museum that features early American furnishings, as well as samples of Americana. Located across Pennsylvania Avenue from the White House, next to Blair House. Telephone: 202/357-2531.
THE CORCORAN GALLERY OF ART
This collection includes many familiar American and European paintings as well as changing exhibits by contemporary American artists. Located on 17th Street at New York Avenue, NW. Telephone: 202/638-1070.
THE PHILLIPS COLLECTION
This private collection features some of the finest French Impressionist paintings in America. The Phillips collection is located in the heart of Washington's "artist community" at 16112 21st Street, NW. Telephone: 202/667-6106.
Other Points of Interest
GEORGETOWN
Georgetown is the focal point of much of Washington's night life. It contains some of the best restaurants, cafes and night spots in town. It is also a shopper's paradise.
WASHINGTON NATIONAL CATHEDRAL
The largest Gothic Cathedral in the Western Hemisphere. The Gloris in Excelsis tower is the highest point in Washington. Open daily 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Located at Wisconsin and Massachusetts Avenues, NW. Telephone: 202/537-6200.
ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY Open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., October thru March, and 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., April thru September. See the tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Amphitheater, the Curtis-Lee mansion and the graves of Presidents John F. Kennedy and William Howard Taft. The Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers occurs every hour on the hour and every half hour during the summer months. Tour-mobile tours are $2.00 for children under 11 and $4.00 for adults. Telephone: 703/607-8052.
MOUNT VERNON
Open daily at 9:00 a.m., September thru March, and 8:00 a.m. from April thru August. Entrance gates close at 5:00 p.m., March thru October and at 4:00 p.m., November thru February. George Washington's mansion overlooking the Potomac River. Admission: Adults: $8.00; Senior Citizens over 62: $7.50; Children 6 through 11: $4.00 with adult and children under 6 are free. Telephone: 703/780-2000.
OLD TOWN ALEXANDRIA
Located just minutes from downtown Washington, the City of George Washington looks much the way it did in the latter parts of the 18th century. Old Town's cobblestone streets are home to some of the Washington area's most interesting shops and restaurants.
UNITED STATES HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL MUSEUM
Open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Located at 100 Raoul Wallenbert Place, SW (old 15th street between Maine Avenue and Independence Avenue). There is also an entrance on 14th Street, next to the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. Tickets can be purchased by telephone through Ticketmaster by calling 800/551-7328. The cost os $3.00 per ticket plus $1.25 per order handling charge. Telephone: 202/488-0400.
UNION STATION
Wander through this beautifully renovated historic station, stop to eat at one of the many fine restaurants within, and browse in the many fine shops. Located at First Street and Massachusetts Avenue, NE.
ADDITIONAL PUBLIC TOUR INFORMATION
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