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City Guide - Washington, DC - Further Distractions | ||
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Further Distractions National Geographic Society The National Geographic Society was established in 1888 to fund expeditions to undiscovered parts of the world and latterly began to publish the National Geographic Magazine in order to bring geography to the masses. The society displays exhibits in their Explorers Hall, which highlight the latest from scientists in the field through interactive props and artefacts. An interactive exhibit about the earth, 'Geographica', shows its fragile balance by explaining weather systems and the way the planet is evolving. 'Earth Station One' simulates an orbital flight and explores the evolution of the seas and the atmosphere as seen from outer space. 1145 17th Street, NW Tel: (202) 857 7588. Website: www.nationalgeographic.com Transport: Farragut North or Farragut West Metro stations. Opening hours: Mon-Sat 0900-1700, Sun 1000-1700. Admission: Free. Library of Congress The nation's library, the Library of Congress, celebrated its bicentennial in 2000, as it was originally housed in the north wing of the US Capitol when Congress first moved there in 1800. It is the world's largest library, containing over 40 collections of rare American history materials and nearly 110 million items, including copies of the Gutenberg Bible and a copy of the musical score of the 'Star Spangled Banner'. Exhibitions change regularly but the nineteenth-century Thomas Jefferson Building can only be visited on daily guided tours at 1130, 1300, 1430 and 1600. 10 First Street, SE Tel: (202) 707 5000. Fax: (202) 707 0190 E-mail: lcweb@loc.gov Website: www.loc.gov Transport: Capitol South Metro station. Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0830-2130, Sat 0830-1830. Admission: Free. Newseum Where better than Washington, DC to try out being a journalist - which is exactly what visitors can do at the Newseum. The museum goes behind the scenes to find out how news is made, allows visitors to be an investigative reporter or television newscaster and re-lives some of the biggest news stories of all time, such as the assassination of John F Kennedy and the resignation of Nixon, through artefacts and memorabilia. 1101 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington VA Tel: (703) 284 3544. E-mail: newseum@freedomforum.org Website: www.newseum.org Transport: Rosslyn Metro station. Opening hours: Tue-Sun 1000-1700. Admission: Free. |