2022-09-12 05:55:15
To Do Enjoy marvelous museums, stately memorials and stunning landmarks without paying a cent in DC. For more free things to do, visit washington.org/free. 1 BASK IN CREATIVITY AT THE REACH The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts REACH campus is a 4.6-acre expansion that includes three pavilions, expansive landscaping and gardens, an arts cafe, an outdoor stage and video wall, and flexible spaces for events, classes and performances. 2 VISIT BLACK LIVES MATTER PLAZA Located along a two-block area of 16th Street NW in Downtown DC, the renowned mural features the words “Black Lives Matter” in 50-foot-tall letters as well as space for reflection. The plaza is open to visitors all day. 3 TAP INTO THE POWER OF LANGUAGE AT PLANET WORD Language comes to life at DC’s voice-activated museum through engaging and interactive exhibits. Among the highlights: a 22-foot talking wall that reveals the origin of commonly used words and the Speaking Willow tree, which murmurs in hundreds of languages. 4 TOUR DUMBARTON HOUSE Three hundred years of history await at the Georgetown property that once belonged to the Nourse family and was populated by enslaved, indentured and freed servants. Learn how these victims made the household run and discover Federal period architecture. 5 GET AWESTRUCK AT THE NATIONAL GALLERY OF ART As one of the best art museums in the U.S., DC’s National Gallery of Art presents transcendent works from Leonardo da Vinci, Vincent van Gogh and many others. From Sept. 18–March 26, 2023, marvel at the work of Black artists from the American South with the new exhibit Called to Create. 6 UPGRADE YOUR KNOWLEDGE AT THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS The incredible Thomas Jefferson Building offers free tours that are perfect for a family excursion. Marvel at Gilded Age architecture, the Library’s grand reading room and in-depth exhibitions. Timed passes are required. 7 STEP INTO INSPIRATION AT THE HIRSHHORN The most abstract of the free Smithsonian museums displays unique pieces of modern and contemporary art, including paintings, sculptures, photography and immersive installations. The museum showcases two of Yayoi Kusama’s “Infinity Mirror Rooms” through Nov. 27, 2022. 8 LIVE THE PLANT LIFE AT THE U.S. BOTANIC GARDEN The longest continually operating botanic garden in the country features a 28,000-square-foot conservatory with two courtyard gardens and 10 garden rooms under glass. The kid-friendly space also has an entire room dedicated to orchids. 9 PAY HOMAGE AT WAR & VETERANS MEMORIALS DC’s memorials dedicated to veterans and soldiers who lost their lives in battle are breathtaking odes and architectural marvels. The National Mall features the Korean War Veterans Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the World War I Memorial, the World War II Memorial and the DC War Memorial. You can also take a quick trip across the Potomac River and visit Arlington National Cemetery. 10 DISCOVER THE VALUE OF CONNECTION AT SMITHSONIAN’S ANACOSTIA COMMUNITY MUSEUM The Anacostia Community Museum examines, documents and interprets the impact of historical and contemporary social issues on communities. The museum’s collection explores fascinating topics and figures, from go-go music and community spots in DC to icons like Marian Anderson and Georgia Mills Jessup. FOR MORE FREE THINGS TO DO, VISIT WASHINGTON.ORG/FREE
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