2021-12-11 00:15:05
Enjoy marvelous museums, stately memorials and scenic outdoor activities without paying a cent in DC. For more free things to do, visit washington.org. 1 VISIT THE DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER MEMORIAL This Frank Gehry-designed memorial to the nation’s 34th president and Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces in Europe during World War II is a spectacular new addition to the National Mall. 2 MARVEL AT THE RENOVATED MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. MEMORIAL LIBRARY Mies van der Rohe’s iconic 1972 downtown glass-and-steel masterpiece has reopened after a $211 million renovation that includes a rooftop terrace and a cafe. 3 DISCOVER THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY AND CULTURE Take an emotional journey through five floors of vital Black history and culture, from the origins of the slave trade to the Civil Rights movement to Black Lives Matter. The Sports: Leveling the Playing Field gallery now features the late, great Kobe Bryant’s jersey from the 2008 NBA Finals. 4 WITNESS THE POWER OF LANGUAGE AT PLANET WORD The voice-activated museum brings language to life through engaging, interactive exhibits, including Where Do Words Come From?, a 22-foot-tall wall that reveals the origin of commonly used words. The Speaking Willow Tree, which conjures murmurs in hundreds of languages, dazzles upon entry. 5 WANDER AROUND THE U.S. NATIONAL ARBORETUM These 446 rolling acres are home to roughly 14,000 different species of plants, as well as the magnificent and historic National Capitol Columns. The wondrous site is perfect for a scenic Instagram post. 6 EXPERIENCE MASTERY AT THE SMITHSONIAN AMERICAN ART MUSEUM & NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY A neoclassical building hosts these two Smithsonian family favorites that explore the heart of American art. The former tracks the development of technique and forms; the latter focuses on the country’s most iconic figures. 7 EXPAND YOUR MIND AT THE HIRSHHORN MUSEUM’S SCULPTURE GARDEN Tucked below street level in front of the donut-shaped museum, this art park is home to more than 60 famous sculptures, including masterpieces by Auguste Rodin, Yoko Ono and Huma Bhabha. Its accompanying plaza offers famous sculptures from Auguste Rodin, Yoko Ono and David Smith. 8 PAY TRIBUTE AT THE NATIONAL NATIVE AMERICAN VETERANS MEMORIAL The service and sacrifice of Native American veterans and their families is commemorated at this new memorial, which offers a breathtaking design that incorporates water for sacred ceremonies and plenty of areas for rest and reflection. 9 CELEBRATE SMITHSONIAN’S 175TH ANNIVERSARY AT THE ARTS AND INDUSTRIES BUILDING After an extensive renovation, the first Smithsonian building in DC will reopen as part of a milestone anniversary celebration. The facility’s first major exhibition in 40 years will focus on the concept of the future, including emergent technologies, inventions and ideas. 10 ENCOUNTER ESSENTIAL HISTORY AT THE UNITED STATES HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL MUSEUM A living memorial to those who suffered and perished during the Holocaust, this National Mall museum uses in-depth exhibits to educate visitors on the dangers of hatred, the atrocities of genocide and how society can confront challenges to freedom and human dignity. Disclaimer: Please visit washington.org for the latest info on the impact of COVID-19 and health and safety requirements in Washington, DC. For more free things to do, visit WASHINGTON.ORG/FREE
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