Washington, D.C. Culture - July 2016

Rooftop Patio at the Kennedy Center

There is actually a lot of culture in Washington, D.C. The city is constantly changing with new faces arriving from all of the United States ebbing and flowing with the various political tides. Being the nation's capitol also affords a lot of prestige in placing special cultural opportunities in one place for the enjoyment of those in power and those who elected them into power as well. This post focuses on the various museums and culture centers of the District.

Indirect Selfie at the National Air & Space Museum

Most people know about the Smithsonian Museum in Washington. It is actually a collection of 19 museums and a zoo in the District and would probably take about two weeks just to see all of them. Visitors typically stick to the popular ones located on the National Mall including the Air & Space Museum, Natural History Museum, and American History Museum. Others including the Museum of the American Indian and Portrait Gallery are also impressive and less crowded. Even though they are free, be prepared for lines and security during peak times. All of them are excellent including many artifacts from our nation's history and culture enhancing your visit.

Interior of the United States Holocaust Museum

Beyond the Smithsonian, there are many other excellent museums in the District. I was fortunate to visit several including the United States Holocaust Museum. This is not a fun place, nor a place to take a lot of pictures given the content, but it is an important and eye opening experience not only of the horrific events of the past, but a reminder of how to prevent these events from happening again. The museum is free, however you must have a timed ticket which may incur a small fee.

Statue of JFK inside the Kennedy Center

For real culture, head over to the Kennedy Center. This ornate and stylish performing arts complex was built to honor JFK and his push for more culture in the District. It is now home to several theaters for symphonies, plays, musicals, and more experimental dance and arts on a continuous basis. Many nations have donated special art displays in the center in honor of JFK. It is worth a visit for a free tour or a special event.

Portrait Gallery Interior

While other cities have more history or culture, Washington D.C. has an extensive combination of many excellent options for everyone. Most museums are free, making them very accessible, with most within walking distance of each other. Be careful in the hot summer as those close museums will seem miles away as the mercury rises! Please enjoy the rest of my pictures below.

Street near US Capitol

Kennedy Center Interior

Music Theatre at Kennedy Center with Pipe Organ

Russian Room at Kennedy Center

Potomac River

United States Holocaust Museum Exterior

Museum of American History Exterior

History of Credit Cards in Money Exhibit

History of American Transportation

Exhibit on the Danish People who rescued many Jews

American Art Museum Interior

Portrait Museum Courtyard

East Wing of Portrait Museum

Display at American Indian Museum

Treaty Cloth Exhibit

American Indian Museum Exterior

National Air & Space Museum Interior

Wright Brothers Airplane

Natural History Museum Interior

Hope Diamond

Gold Exhibit

U Street Neighborhood of Washington, D.C.