LOCAL ATTRACTIONS

Free Attractions in Downtown, DC

Memorials
BOY SCOUT MEMORIAL
Located on the Ellipse, 15th Street, NW between Constitution Avenue and E Street. The 12-foot-tall bronze statue consists of three figures: a Boy Scout, a woman and a man. Each figure symbolizes the idea of the great and noble forces that are an inspiring background of each Scout as he goes about becoming a man and a citizen. This memorial is the only memorial in Washington to commemorate a living cause. It was constructed at no expense from the government. The funds were raised from each Scout unit with each donor signing the scroll that was later placed at the pedestal of the statue. Open 24 hours a day.

COLUMBUS MEMORIAL FOUNTAIN
Located at Union Station Plaza, Massachusetts and Delaware Avenues, NE. This fountain is dedicated to America’s discoverer. The figures on either side represent the old and the new worlds. The three flagpoles represent the three ships Columbus used to reach the New World. Open 24 hours a day.

FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT MEMORIAL
Located on Ohio Drive and Tidal Basin & the Potomac River.  A 7.5-acre site, the memorial depicts the 12 pivotal years of Franklin Delano Roosevelt's presidency through a series of four outdoor gallery rooms. The rooms feature ten bronze sculptures depicting President Roosevelt, Eleanor Roosevelt and events from the Great Depression and World War II. The park-like setting includes waterfalls and quiet pools amidst a meandering wall of reddish Dakota granite, where Roosevelt's inspiring words are carved. It is the first memorial in Washington, DC purposely designed to be totally wheelchair accessible. Open daily. Park Ranger in attendance 8 a.m. - midnight.

JEFFERSON MEMORIAL
Located at the Tidal Basin South End.  Beneath the marble rotunda, the 19-foot statue of the third U.S. president is surrounded by passages from the Declaration of Independence and other famous Jefferson writings. Open daily. Park ranger in attendance 8 a.m. - midnight.

THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL
Located on Independence Ave. & 23rd St. NW.  This grand monument overlooks the Reflecting Pool, the Washington Monument and the U.S. Capitol. Inside, the 19-foot marble statue of the 16th president is flanked by inscriptions of his Second Inaugural Address and the famous Gettysburg Address. Open daily. Free. Park Ranger in attendance 8 a.m. - midnight.

NATIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS MEMORIAL VISITORS CENTER
Located on 605 E Street, NW, 2 blocks from the Memorial. The Visitors Center contains photographic exhibits, free children's activity packets, an interactive video system featuring pictures and brief biographies on the fallen officers, and a gift shop. Open Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m.

NATIONAL JAPANESE-AMERICAN MEMORIAL
Located at the intersection of New Jersey Avenue, Louisiana Avenue and D Street, NW. This memorial honors the loyalty and courage of Japanese Americans during World War II, commemorating not only the heroism and sacrifice of Japanese Americans who fought and died for their country, but it also tells the story of 120 thousand brave men, women and children who, despite the abridgement of their civil rights and even relocation to desolate camps, maintained their loyalty and supported their nation on the home front along with a symbolic bronze statue of cranes signifying a struggle for freedom. Open 24 hours a day.

NATIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS MEMORIAL
Located on Judiciary Square on E Street between 4th and 5th Streets, NW. America’s monument honoring our country’s law enforcement. The names of more than 16,600 law enforcement officers who have died in the line duty are engraved on curving marble walls. The deaths date back to 1792, and include the 10 officers killed by the notorious outlaws "Bonnie and Clyde;" as well as Dallas Police Officer J.D. Tippit, who was shot and killed by Lee Harvey Oswald just moments after the assassination of President Kennedy. In 2002 the names of the 72 officers killed in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 were engraved on panels 9 through 22 W; line 23. Open 24 hours a day.

THE ROBERT A. TAFT MEMORIAL AND CARILLON
Located on Constitution Avenue, between New Jersey and 1st Street, NW. The memorial consists of a Tennessee marble tower and a 10-foot bronze statue of Senator Taft. The shaft of the tower measures 100 feet high, 11 feet deep, and 32 feet wide. Above the statue is inscribed, "This Memorial to Robert A. Taft, presented by the people to the Congress of the United States, stands as a tribute to the honesty, indomitable courage, and high principles of free government symbolized by his life." There are twenty-seven bells in the upper part of the tower. The bells are automatically operated to strike the hour and sound on the quarter hour. Open 24 hours a day.

UNITED STATES NAVY MEMORIAL
Located on 701 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW (between 7th and 9th Streets). A living memorial dedicated to all who served in the US Navy. The memorial centerpiece is a 100-foot diameter granite map of the world surrounded by relief sculptural depictions of historic events in US Naval history. The Naval Heritage Center located adjacent to the memorial houses a theatre showing free movies to the public on a variety of sea service topics, an electronic log including the names of 500,000 navy veterans and other displays. Seating is on a walk in basis at the theater, with 242 seats available. Open 24 hours a day.

Museums
NATIONAL AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM
Located on the National Mall, Independence Avenue between 4th and 7th Streets, SW. This museum maintains the largest collection of historic air and spacecraft in the world. Free Docent-led tours are given daily and depart from the Welcome Center. Open daily, 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

NATIONAL BUILDING MUSEUM
Located in the Old Pension Building, 401 F Street, NW. Constructed of more than 15 million bricks, the Museum houses some of the largest Corinthian columns in the world and has been the site of fifteen Presidential Inaugural balls. Building tours offer access to areas of the building closed to the public. Tours last 45 minutes. Building Tours are available daily at 12:30 p.m. Open Monday-Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
 
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN INDIAN
Located on Independence Avenue at 4th Street, SW. The opening on the National Mall marks an unprecedented cultural achievement as Native Americans from North, Central, and South America realize a long-awaited dream to share and honor their vibrant cultures with visitors from throughout the world. A limited number of  free passes may be reserved in advance for a nominal service fee at www.tickets.com, or call toll-free, 866-400-NMAI (6624).

NATIONAL POSTAL MUSEUM
Located on 2nd Massachusetts Avenue, NE. Home of the world’s largest stamp collection and related artifacts. Open daily, 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

PETERSEN HOUSE
Located on 516 10th Street, NW. It was here that President Lincoln died after being shot by John Wilkes Booth, and became the first American president to be assassinated. Open daily, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

UNITED STATES HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL MUSEUM
Located on 14th Street, SW between C Street and Independence Avenue. America’s only national memorial to the Holocaust features a permanent exhibit The Holocaust, plus temporary displays and films. Timed passes required for entry to the permanent exhibit. Same-day passes are available at the 14th Street entrance starting at 10:00 a.m. on a first-come, first-served basis. Advance passes can be purchased for a small fee from www.tickets.com. Open daily, 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Art Museums and Galleries
ARTHUR M. SACKLER GALLERY
Located on 1050 Independence Avenue, SW. This museum is devoted to Asian art from ancient times to the present. Connected by an underground exhibition to the Freer Gallery of Art. Open daily, 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

HIRSHHORN MUSEUM AND SCULPTURE GARDEN
Located on the National Mall, Independence Avenue at 7th Street, SW. Houses a remarkable collection of 19th and 20th century American and European painting and sculpture. The largest public collection of Moore’s works as well as bronze reliefs by Matisse and pieces by Brancusi. Free films and lectures are offered as well. Tours of the permanent collection are available daily at 12:00 noon. Additional tours available from the plaza level Information Desk. Open daily, 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

NATIONAL GALLERY OF ART/EAST BUILDING
Located on the National Mall, Constitution Avenue 4th Street, NW. This gallery holds a premier collection of contemporary American and European paintings, sculpture and graphic arts. Free movies shown in the auditorium. Tours available and begin at the Art Information Desk. Open Monday-Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

NATIONAL GALLERY OF ART/WEST BUILDING & SCULPTURE GARDEN
Located on the National Mall, Constitution Avenue and 6th Street, NW. Featuring the world’s finest collections of European paintings and sculptures from the 13th to early 20th centuries with an outdoor Sculpture Garden. Tours available and begin in the West Building Rotunda. Open Monday-Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AFRICAN ART
Located on the southern quadrangle of the National Mall at 950 Independence Avenue, SW. Extensive collection of African American art is housed in this unique underground museum. Open daily, 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION CASTLE
Located on 100 Jefferson Drive, between 9th and 12th Streets, SW. The oldest building of the Smithsonian operates as the visitor’s information center. Open daily, 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY
Old Patent Office Building, 8th and F Streets, NW. Large collection of sculpture, portraits and statuary depicting men and women who have made significant contributions to the history, development, and culture of the United States.
 
RENWICK GALLERY OF AMERICAN ART
Located on 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, NW. The gallery’s permanent collection highlights American fine crafts. Open daily, 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

SMITHSONIAN AMERICAN ART MUSEUM
Old Patent Office Building, 8th Street and G Street, NW. American paintings, sculpture, graphic art, and photographs from 18th century to the present. 

THE FREER GALLERY OF ART
Located on the Mall, Jefferson Drive and 12th Street, SW. Contains one of America’s finest collections of Asian art shown on a rotating basis. Connected by an underground exhibition to the Sackler Gallery. Open daily, 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Monuments
THE GARFIELD MONUMENT
Located on 1st Street and Maryland Avenue, SW. Our 20th President, who was in office only three months when he was shot. Garfield was assassinated on the grounds of the Old Baltimore & Pacific Railway depot, now occupied by the East Wing of the National Gallery of Art. This site is easily seen from the statue. Open 24 hours a day.

THE GRANT MONUMENT
Located on the West Mall and 1st Street, between Pennsylvania and Maryland Avenues. Civil War General and the 18th President of the United States; this monument is the largest statuary group in Washington, DC at 252 feet long and 70 feet wide. Grant is flanked by Union artillery and cavalry (as well as a few lions) and is often described as contemplating the Union troops camped on the Mall during the Civil War. Open 24 hours a day.

THE PEACE MONUMENT
Located on Pennsylvania Avenue and 1st Street, NW. This white marble Monument, erected in 1877-1878, commemorates the naval deaths at sea during the Civil War. The 44-foot-high monument stands in the circle to the west of the Capitol. At the top of the monument stand two female figures, Grief who holds her covered face against the shoulder of History and weeps in mourning. History holds a tablet that was inscribed "They died that their country might live." Below Grief and History, another life-size classical female figure represents Victory, holding high a laurel wreath and carrying an oak branch, signifying strength. Below her are the infant Mars, the god of war, and the infant Neptune, god of the sea. The shaft of the monument is decorated with wreaths, ribbons, and scallop shells. Also called the Naval Monument. Open 24 hours a day.

WASHINGTON MONUMENT
Located on the West End of the National Mall, Constitution Avenue at 15th Street, NW. Venture to the top of the Washington Monument and you will find one of the most breathtaking views of the city. Tickets are distributed for that day's visit from the kiosk on the Washington Monument grounds at 15th Street and Madison Drive on a first-come first-served basis. Hours for the ticket kiosk are 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, but tickets run out early. Open daily, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Federal Buildings
BUREAU OF ENGRAVING AND PRINTING
Located on 14th and C Streets, SW. See the printing of paper currency (300 billion annually) through the Visitor’s Gallery. Off-Peak Season (Sept-Feb) No tickets are required. You may line up at the Visitor’s Center entrance on 14th Street. General public tours begin at 10:00 a.m. Open Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

J. EDGAR HOOVER FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION BUILDING
Located on Pennsylvania Avenue at 10th Street, NW. Tour the FBI crime labs, see video replays of bank robberies, visit the practice firing range, and check out the current Top Ten Most Wanted List.

THE SUPREME COURT OF THE UNITED STATES
Located on 1st Street and Maryland Avenue, NE. Although court will not be in session during the conference, there are free lectures every hour on the half-hour from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Open Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Closed Saturday, Sunday, and holidays.

THE UNITED STATES CAPITOL
Located on Capitol Hill at the East End of the Mall. The Capitol is open to the public for guided tours only. Visitors must obtain free tickets for tours on a first-come, first-served basis, at the Capitol Guide Service kiosk located along the curving sidewalk southwest of the Capitol. Ticket distribution begins at 9:00 a.m. daily. Ticket holders will be directed to the South Visitor Receiving Facility, which is located south of the Capitol; from there they will proceed to the Capitol to begin their tour. Maximum tour size is 40 people. To visit the galleries in either the House or Senate chambers you will need to get a pass from your senator or congressperson by writing ahead of time or visiting their offices for a same-day pass. Tours will be conducted Monday-Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

THE WHITE HOUSE
Located on1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW. Tour requests must be submitted through one’s Member of Congress and will be accepted up to six months in advance. These self-guided group tours will be scheduled approximately one month before the requested date, Tuesday – Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The White House Visitors Center is located at the southeast corner of 15th and E Streets and features many aspects of the White House, including its architecture, furnishings, first families, social events, and relations with the press and world leaders, as well as a thirty-minute video. The Center is open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Libraries
FOLGER SHAKESPEARE LIBRARY
Located on 201 East Capitol Street, SE. The library contains the world’s largest collection of Shakespearean First Folios, the multimedia Shakespeare Gallery and a full Elizabethan-style theater. Tours are Monday-Saturday at 11:00 a.m. Open Monday-Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

LIBRARY OF CONGRESS/THOMAS JEFFERSON BUILDING
Located on 1st Street and Independence Avenue, SE. Originally housed in the U.S. Capitol, The Library officially opened in 1897 with President Thomas Jefferson’s personal collection of books after the Capitol burned in 1814 destroying the Library’s collections. The Visitors Center is located inside the West entrance of the Thomas Jefferson Building equipped with a Visitors Theater where a 12-minute film about the library is shown four times per hour. Docent-led tours are offered Monday-Saturday at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 2:30 p.m. The Visitors’ Center is open Monday-Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The Library is open Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

NATIONAL ARCHIVES
Located on Constitution Avenue between 7th and 9th Streets, NW. After a two-year renovation, the National Archives rotunda once again displays the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Open daily at 10:00 a.m. Closings vary by season. April 1-Friday before Memorial Day 7:00 p.m., Memorial Day Weekend-Labor Day 9:00 p.m., Day after Labor Day-March 31 5:30 p.m.

Parks and Gardens
BARTHOLDI FOUNTAIN
Located on Independence Avenue and 1st Street, SW. Designed by the sculptor of the Statue of Liberty, this fountain graces the flower-filled Bartholdi Park near the U.S. Botanic Garden and provides a welcome oasis for visitors. The fountain is based on Classical and Renaissance forms and is an elegant expression of the Gilded Age in which it was created. It is also one of the earliest examples of electrical illumination. Open 24 hours a day.

THE CAPITOL GROTTO
Located on the Capitol grounds, northwest of the Capitol. Designed by one of the creator’s of New York’s Central Park. Built as an original part of the Capitol Hill landscape, the grotto is now a municipal water facility. Open 24 hours a day.

THE ELLIPSE
15th to 17th Street, NW (E Street to Constitution Avenue). Technically called Presidents Park, the Ellipse is the sight of the annual National Christmas Tree and various protests.

PERSHING PARK
Located on Pennsylvania Avenue between 14th Street 15th Street, NW. A tribute to General John J. Pershing, this popular park’s fountain pool becomes a public skating rink in the winter and a great place for picnics in the summer. Open 24 hours a day.

UNITED STATES BOTANIC GARDEN
Located on 1st Street and Maryland Avenue, SW. The oldest botanic garden in North America (circa 1820) in an Art-Deco conservatory containing rare and endangered species, a jungle area and desert flora. Open daily, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Odds and Ends
CANADIAN EMBASSY
Located on 501 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW. One of the few embassies that is not located anywhere near Embassy Row. The building is an unusual mix of classicism and modernism and houses a small art gallery featuring artwork created by Canadian artists. Open Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

CHINATOWN FRIENDSHIP ARCHWAY
Located on 7th and H Streets, NW. This archway is gateway to Washington, DC’s 8-block Chinatown neighborhood. A colorful red, green, blue and gold structure with over 7,000 tiles and 272 paintings of dragons in the Ming and Qing dynasty styles. Open 24 hours a day.

EASTERN MARKET
Located on 7th Street and North Carolina Avenue, SE. The last of Washington's 19th century markets to remain in continuous operation. This brick city market, located in the Capitol Hill community, offers outdoor vendors, antiques, fresh produce and crafts. Weekends are brought to life by an outdoor farmers market, the Market Festival (an arts and crafts fair) on Saturday and a Flea Market on Sundays. The best time to go is Saturday morning. The Market is open Tuesday- Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sunday Flea Market, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Closed Monday.

FORD’S THEATER
Located on 511 10th Street, NW. The infamous theater where John Wilkes Booth assassinated President Abraham Lincoln. Ford’s Theater is a live, working theater, a living tribute to President Lincoln’s love of the performing arts. In the basement of the theater you can tour a museum of Lincoln artifacts that includes the clothes that he wore that fateful night. Museum open daily, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. On occasion, the theater itself may be closed for rehearsals or performances.

THE OLD POST OFFICE PAVILLION
Located on 1100 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW. A Romanesque landmark, this former post office is home to shops, food court and a half-price theater ticket booth. Everyday at noon there is free live entertainment on the Pavilion stage. The Pavilion features 315-foot granite clock tower, modeled after the bells of Westminster Abbey. Take the glass elevator to observation deck and enjoy a fantastic view of the city. Daily tours available. The Tower is open Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.

UNION STATION
Located on 50 Massachusetts Avenue, NE. When built, it was the largest train station in the world. In addition to its impressive architecture, Union Station is the home to many shops, casual and full service restaurants, movie theater, the red line metro, Amtrak and Marc train service. Store hours are Monday-Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Sunday, 12:00 noon to 6:00 p.m.

For more information, you are encouraged to also visit the following Web sites:

Washington, D.C. Convention and Tourism Corporation
http://www.washington.org

DC Pages.com
http://www.dcpages.com

Things to do in Washington, D.C.
http://www.thingstodo-washingtondc.com

To view a map of the National Mall, please visit:
http://washington-landmarks.com/map_national_mall.html