Fun Friday
Good Morning we have made it through another week and now it's time to go on our weekly Friday adventure.
Can you guess where we are going this week? We are going to the country capital Washington DC with so many amazing things to learn and do. I wanted to take some time with you to explore it with you.
1.) Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History hours of operation are 10-5:30pm Established in 1910 and located on the National Mall, this prestigious museum, part of the Smithsonian Institution, holds the world's most extensive collection of natural history specimens and human artifacts including the remains of dinosaurs and tools used by early man.
2.) National Gallery of Art hours of operation are 10-5pm This national art museum holds over 141,000 works of western art, spanning from the middle ages through today. Bonus: It's completely free to visit.
3.) National Air and Space Museum hours of operation are 10-5:30pm Free time-entry passes are required. Please see the Museum's website for information. The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum maintains the largest collection of historic air and spacecraft in the world
4.) Library of Congress hours of operation are 8:30-4:30pm Though the Library of Congress doesn't own every book ever published, it sure has most of them, with 532 miles of shelves and 115 million items, with 7,000 added each working day.
5.) United States Holocaust Memorial Museum hours of operation are 10-5:30pm A living memorial to the Holocaust, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum inspires citizens and leaders worldwide to confront hatred, prevent genocide, and promote human dignity. The Museum is open seven days a week. It is closed on Yom Kippur and Christmas Day. Free timed-entry tickets are required to enter the Museum building and can be reserved on our website.
6.) Korean War Veterans Memorial This memorial to Korean War veterans consists of the Pool of Remembrance and the triangular Field of Service depicting 19 soldiers on the field of combat.
7.) U.S. Capitol hours of operation are 8:30-3:30pm Please note that tour reservations are required for entry. The Capitol is among the most architecturally impressive and symbolically important buildings in the world. The Senate and the House of Representatives have met here for more than two centuries. Begun in 1793, the Capitol has been built, burnt, rebuilt, extended, and restored; today, it stands as a monument not only to its builders but also to the American people and their government.
8.) National Museum of African American History and Culture hours of operation are 10-5:30pm This 10-story Smithsonian Institution museum is dedicated to showcasing the African-American way of life, culture, and experiences through America's history.
9.) National Portrait Gallery hours of operation are 11:30-7pm Housed in the Old Patent Office Building, this art museum presents portraiture of prominent figures in American history, from presidents and inventors to even pop stars.
10.) Ford's Theatre hours of operation are 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM The site of the April 14, 1865, assassination of President Abraham Lincoln, Ford's Theatre is a working theatre, historical monument, world-class museum and learning center. The theatre produces musicals and plays reflecting the unique, diverse character of American life. With its inspiring theatrical productions, live historic interpretation, and rich collection of artifacts, Ford’s is the premier destination in the nation’s capital to explore and celebrate the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln. A daytime visit can include the museum, theatre, Petersen House (the house where Lincoln died) and Aftermath Exhibits at the Center for Education and Leadership. Advance tickets are required (convenience fee). From September to May, Ford’s presents evening and matinee productions of renowned plays, vibrant musicals, and newly commissioned works that captivate and entertain while examining political and social issues related to Lincoln’s life and legacy.
11.) National Museum of American History One of the Smithsonian museums along the Mall, this one has more than 3 million artifacts in its collection—from gowns to locomotives—that reflect and preserve a record of America’s past.
12.) United States Botanic Garden hours of operation are 10-5 Steeped in history, the United States Botanic Garden inspires people to appreciate, study, and conserve plants to enrich society locally and globally. The U.S. Botanical Garden campus includes the Conservatory, the gated outdoor gardens, and Bartholdi Fountain and Gardens. The Garden features more than 44,000 plants with major collections including orchids, roses, plants native to the United States, food and economic plants, carnivorous plants, and more.
13.) White House One of America's most recognizable historical and political symbols is also the home and office of the President of the United States. a free self guided tour through multiple rooms in the White House. Beautiful decor, many pictures of the presidents and others in the hallways. You must request a pass IN ADVANCE (between 3 months and 21 days) from your member of Congress, the office of your state representative or Senator. As would be expected, security is very tight, and you need to read through the list of prohibited items (almost everything, including pocketbooks!). And, you must have your government issued ID (ex - driver's license). You have to fill out a form for a background check and you are checked through ID and a metal detector three times before entering the White House If you cannot navigate the stairs due to a disability, ask to use the elevator; security will request a staff person to escort you.
14.) Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens hours of operation are 10-5pm Hillwood, the grand estate of Post Cereal heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post, sits on 25 acres overlooking Rock Creek Park in northwest Washington DC. Along with a world renowned collection of Russian and French decorative arts, Hillwood also features extensive gardens and special exhibitions.
15.) The National Archives Museum hours of operation are 10-5:30 pm Repository where the most important historical documents of the United States are held, such as the original Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights, Constitution and the 1297 version of the Magna Carta.
16.) Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute hours of operation are 8-5pm A park-like zoo containing 4,000 animals and 500 different species.
Smithsonian Institution Building The world's largest museum and research complex comprises 19 museums and the National Zoo, with subjects that vary from African Art to the postal service, sculpture to space exploration.
17.) Tidal Basin Springtime in Washington means the explosion of white-pink clouds of cherry blossoms around the Tidal Basin.
18.) U.S. National Arboretum hours of operation are 8-5pm Established in 1927 by an Act of the United States Congress, this national treasure contains 446 acres of fabulous flora and fauna and is especially known for its Asian, azalea and conifer collections.
19.) President Lincoln's Cottage hours of operation are 9:30-4:30pm Known as the "Cradle of the Emancipation Proclamation," President Lincoln's Cottage is Abraham Lincoln's summer residence where he lived and worked for over a quarter of his presidency and made some of his most important decisions, including developing the Emancipation Proclamation. Located on a picturesque hilltop in Northwest Washington, DC on the grounds of the Armed Forces Retirement Home, the Cottage is open for tours 362 days a year. Guided tours offer visitors an intimate view of Abraham Lincoln’s presidency and private life. Visitors are also invited to browse exhibits in the adjacent Robert H. Smith Visitor Education Center. Tickets are required for entry to the Cottage, and advanced ticket purchase is strongly recommended.
20.) National Museum of the American Indian The National Museum of the American Indian houses artifacts, art, historical and cultural objects from Native Indian communities in the Hemisphere.
21.) The President Woodrow Wilson House hours of operation are 10-6pm The Woodrow Wilson House is open! We welcome visitors back for a variety of Covid friendly activities and for private events including weddings and corporate receptions, seven days a week. Don’t miss your chance to visit the Suffrage Outside exhibition, the only fully outdoor history exhibit in DC, on display in the Wilson House garden through November 30th. Reserve your visiting time on our website www.woodrowwilsonhouse.org. Also available are two walking tours: "If these walls could talk! A Waddy Wood Walking Tour" and the "Kalorama Audio Tour''. Once you’ve downloaded the map, take the tour at your leisure. The gift shop and bathroom are open during business hours.
22.) DAR Museum The DAR Museum looks at the American experience through objects and art of the American home from the Colonial Era to the early 20th century. Visitors can tour 31 period rooms, learn about the history of American furnishings through a fun interactive area, and research their family history in the library. 23.) Old Post Office Pavilion hours of operation are 9-4:30pm Historic 1899 building where visitors can go up to the clock tower for dramatic views of D.C.
24.) "The Exorcist" Steps for all my horror loving friends this was the actual staircase used in the movie. They serve as a shortcut through the block, from M street to Prospect St. The high end is next to the Exorcist House, and a few doors after that, where two Transformers statues pose for photo ops.
25.) National Geographic Society's Explorer Hall hours of operation are 10-6pm An interactive educational experience which includes a simulation of orbital flight and geography questions.
27.) Octagon Museum hours of operation are 11-4pm Closely tied to our nation’s history since its construction began in 1799, The Octagon is a symbol of power and influence in Washington, DC. The Octagon house was built by enslaved workers for Virginia’s wealthiest plantation family, largely as a gesture by the Tayloes in support of the newly-established capital. The building was designed by the first architect of the United States Capitol, William Thornton, and served for six months as the White House after the 1814 Burning of Washington. Recognizing The Octagon’s national importance, The American Institute of Architects (AIA) established its national headquarters on-site in 1898 and restored the building as one of the country’s earliest preservation projects. In the 1970s AIA constructed its current headquarters on the site of The Octagon’s original outbuildings, opening The Octagon as a museum. Now owned by the Architects Foundation, The Octagon hosts programs demonstrating the cultural and societal impact of architects.
28.) Planet Word hours of operation are 10-5pm Planet Word is an immersive language experience located at the historic Franklin School in Washington, D.C. Ideal for all ages, Planet Word is a voice-activated museum (the world’s first!), and our interactive galleries and exhibits bring words and language to life in all sorts of fun ways.
29.) National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial is centered in the 400 block of E Street, NW, and is the nation's monument to law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty. Dedicated on October 15, 1991, the Memorial honors federal, state and local law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the safety and protection of our nation and its people. The Memorial features two curving, 304-foot-long blue-gray marble walls. Carved on these walls are the names of more than 2,000 officers who have been killed in the line of duty throughout U.S. history, dating back to the first known death in 1791. Unlike many other memorials in Washington, DC, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial is ever-changing: new names of fallen officers are added to the monument each spring, in conjunction with National Police Week in May.
30.) ARTECHOUSE: Beyond the Light ticket price is about $27 each session last 45-65 minutes Stop At: Artechouse DC, 1238 Maryland Ave SW Smithsonian Metro Station, Washington DC, DC 20024-2140
Ignite your imagination beyond what is visible and step BEYOND THE LIGHT into the unseen depths of our universe. ARTECHOUSE worked in collaboration with NASA scientists to tell the story of how human innovation enables us to see beyond our imaginations and into the furthest reaches of the cosmos. Be submerged into the timeless story of light and inspire your curiosity for what else is possible. This immersive art experience was developed with the latest technologies, an original musical score created from galactic data, and stunning imagery and findings from the James Webb Space Telescope. Beautiful, educational and interactive, BEYOND THE LIGHT celebrates the spirit of exploration and discovery and is perfect for the entire family
With so many different things to do and see in the state you will surely find something for everyone and around every corner.
I hope that you have enjoyed this week's tour and come back next week for another amazing adventure. Remember to always be kind as it costs nothing and if you see someone without a smile stop and give them yours a smile is contagious.
Written by: BeautifulChaos318
