Guide to Washington D.C.: Arts & Culture

Immerse Yourself in D.C. Culture

Washington, D.C., as one of the most important tourist destinations in the US, provides its citizens with opportunities for historical and cultural immersion. The National Mall, resting between the White House and Capitol Building, is home to the monuments that recognize notable events and individuals in US history. The towering Washington Monument lies at the head of the Mall, flanked by structures including the Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, and Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

Thousands of Americans visit these sites on pilgrimages from around the world, stopping to enjoy the world famous National Zoo, Corcoran Gallery of Art, and National Gallery of Art. Other visitors enjoy the casual cafes, classy international restaurants, and upscale shops that line the streets of Georgetown. For those who live in the D.C. area, these sites offer limitless weekend excursions only a short distance from home.

History Reigns in the District of Columbia

For the historically inclined, the Library of Congress and National Archives house thousands of documents from the country's political and social past including the Declaration of Independence and US Constitution. Some of the most famous museums in the world lie within reach of the Mall, including the Smithsonian, National Museum of Natural History, and National Air and Space Museum.

World class musicians and performers grace the stage of the Kennedy Center, the hub of performing arts in the city and the home of the National Symphony Orchestra. The Lincoln Theatre, former haunt of Duke Ellington and Ella Fitzgerald, is one of many lively music clubs that support the D.C. entertainment scene.

Sources:
Lonely Planet
Washington, D.C. Tourism