CityCenterDC
CityCenterDC is a modern, mixed-use development consisting of luxury retail and dining, condominiums and apartments, offices, public spaces, and a hotel. It is located in downtown Washington, D.C. and is a popular destination for tourists and locals. CityCenterDC’s seasonal and art installations, like the ones shown above, adds to the lively atmosphere.
Closest Metro Station: Metro Center
Library of Congress
Founded in 1800, the Library of Congress is the largest and oldest federal institution and holds over 170 million items. Those items include not only books, but maps, music sheets, photographs, sound recordings, motion pictures, and manuscripts. It also houses catalog books and other printed materials in over 470 languages.
The architecture of the Library, especially the Thomas Jefferson Building, features Beaux-Arts style with strong Classical Revival and Italian Renaissance influences. The Library was constructed using high-quality materials from parts of the U.S., Italy, and France. The building’s exterior was crafted with granite, marble, bronze, and terracotta, while the interior incorporated marble, gold leaf, stained glass, mosaics, oak, and mahogany.
Inscribed in gold around the dome of the Main Reading Room are 12 countries/civilizations: Egypt, Judea, Greece, Rome, Italy, Spain, Islam, the Middle Ages, Germany, England, France, and America. Even though many other countries and nations throughout the world have also contributed to society, these 12 were chosen to represent contributions to knowledge and history.
Library Hours: Closed on Sundays & Mondays; 10am to 5pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays; 10am to 8pm on Thursdays
Admission: Free
Library Store: 10am to 5pm Tuesdays, Wednesday, Fridays, and Saturdays; 10am to 8pm Thursdays
Closest Metro Station: Capitol South
The National Museum of African American History and Culture
Spread across three stories, the National Museum of African American History and Culture takes you on a chronological journey of Black American history from the foundation of the United States to present-day moments. At the ground level, you’ll find the Sweet Home Cafe serving traditional Black American cuisine. On the main level, you’ll find the gift shop that full of meaningful souvenirs and keepsakes.
Museum Hours: 12pm to 5:30pm on Mondays and 10am to 5:30pm Tuesdays – Sundays
Admission: Free
Sweet Home Cafe: 11:00am to 3:00pm
Gift Shop: 12:00 to 5:30pm on Mondays and 10:00am to 5:30pm Tuesdays – Sundays
Closest Metro Station: Federal Triangle & Smithsonian
Moongate Garden at Smithsonian Castle
Inspired by Beijing’s Temple of Heaven, the Moongate Garden at the Smithsonian symbolizes harmony between earth and sky. One aspect I love about traditional Chinese garden and landscape design is that it’s all about balance: man vs nature, yin vs yang, dark vs light, etc. This garden blends circles for heaven and squares for earth, shaping (no pun intended) the overall design while also reflecting the reflecting the principles of Feng Shui.
Closest Metro Station: Smithsonian
National Building Museum
For all of my architecture, engineering, design, urban planning, and construction lovers, this museum is for you! What was originally the Pension Building, this museum is inspired by Italian Renaissance Revival design and features a grand interior hall, terra cotta frieze, and load-bearing brick masonry. Measuring at a height of 75ft and a diameter of 8ft, the 8 Corinthian columns in the great room are among some of the largest columns in the world.
Architecture is the scientific art of making structure express ideas.”
– Frank Lloyd Wright
The museum is open Thursday to Monday from 10am to 4pm and offers both Group and Historic Building Tours. There is also a gift shop and a cafeteria that combines Japanese and French flavors.
Museum Hours: 10am to 5pm Thursdays – Mondays; Closed on Tuesdays & Wednesdays
Admission: $10 per adult, $7 youth (ages 3-17), $7 student with ID, and $7 seniors (ages 60+)
Gift Shop: 10am to 4pm Thursdays – Mondays
Closest Metro Station: Judiciary Square
Supreme Court of the United States
Sitting on the top of Capitol Hill is the United States Supreme Court. This iconic structure is not only a power symbol of American democracy, but also a striking display of neoclassical architecture. The building was modeled after the Parthenon in Greece, featuring a grand marble facade, Corinthian Columns, and figurines. If you look closely, you’ll see the phrase “Equal Justice Under Law” above the columns. The Supreme Court is open to the public and oral arguments are typically held from October to April.
Visitor Hours: 9am to 3pm Mondays – Fridays; Closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and Federal Holidays
Closest Metro Station: Capitol South
National Portrait Gallery
Closest Metro Station: Gallery Place
National Gallery of Art – East and West Building
Closest Metro Station: Smithsonian
MLK Library
MLK Library isn’t just a place to read and study. It also serves as a cultural and architectural hub that hosts events, workshops, exhibits, and community outreach.
Library Hours: 1:00pm to 5:00pm on Sundays; 9:30am to 9:00pm on Mondays – Thursdays; 9:30pm – 5:30pm on Fridays & Saturdays
Closest Metro Station: Gallery Place
The Waldorf Astoria
The Waldorf Astoria is more than just a hotel. Located on the infamous Pennsylvania Avenue, this site is an experience and a piece of history. What used to be the Old Post Office Pavilion, the hotel features Richardsonian Romanesque design, exquisite marble interiors and is considered one of DC’s most elegant lobbies.
The Old Post Office Pavillion was constructed from 1892 to 1899 and features a clock tower showcasing panoramic views of landmarks along the National Mall including The U.S. Capitol, The Washington Monument, and other well-know sites. Entry is free and it’s walking distance to the Federal Triangle metro station.
The best part of the Waldorf Astoria is the atrium, specifically Peacock Alley which blends timelessness and luxury. Similar to the Waldorf Astoria in New York, afternoon tea, light bites, seasonal pastries, and cocktails are served in the atrium. The lobby also features seasonal decor and the sound of a live harp to complement the elegant ambiance of the hotel. Whether you come for a special occasion or to have a peaceful afternoon, the Waldorf Astoria is one of DC’s most photogenic places to put on that Sunday best and indulge in a memorable experience.
Closest Metro Station: Federal Triangle
Korean War Memorial
Located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C, the Korean War Memorial honors those who sacrificed their lives during the Korean War from 1950 to 1953. The centerpiece of the memorial are the 19 stainless steel statues representing the various branches of the armed forces. Furthermore, the black granite wall behind the statues includes the names and faces of the soldiers, nurses, and support personnel who also dedicated their lives. The memorial also includes a Pool of Remembrance, a 128-ft diameter circular reflecting pool honoring those whose sacrificed their lives during the Korean War. The inscription “Freedom is Not Free” serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of war.
Closest Metro Station: Foggy Bottom
I’ll be back for more. But for now, here’s a glimpse!
Thanks for reading!
