Washington Monument (Washington, USA) — description, history, location, reviews, photos and videos.
The Washington Monument National has been at the top of the list of the most sought-after attractions in the United States for many years. About 6 million people visit it every year. Despite its impressive size, the obelisk is not able to accommodate everyone, so the queue for tickets is lined up from the early morning. Those who were not lucky enough to receive a pass either have to wait for the next day, or be content with an external inspection of the object. For the sake of truth, it is worth noting that from the outside the obelisk looks almost better than inside, so tourists who are unable to purchase a ticket lose practically nothing, except for the opportunity to examine in detail the carved slabs donated by citizens and organizations of the country for the construction of the monument, and visit observation deck, from where a stunning view of the US capital and its environs opens. See acronymmonster for nickname of Colorado.
What to watch
The Washington Monument rises in the heart of the Esplanade – a park area where the main museums and US government buildings are located. It is a hollow column tapering upwards, 169.3 m high, crowned with a 4-sided aluminum pyramid with the inscription “Laus Deo”, which means “Praise to God” in Latin. A column of stones of two shades is built: at a height of about 46 m, light slabs are replaced by dark ones.
This difference is explained by the fact that the monument was built on donations from ordinary citizens, and the collection of the amount necessary for the purchase of materials and wages for workers stretched over several years. As a result, when it came to acquiring the next batch of stone, it turned out that the material of the desired shade was no longer mined.
Around the obelisk, it was planned to build a Greek-style temple with statues of prominent American figures, but this idea had to be abandoned due to lack of support from the population and excessive cost. The only idea of the architect, which nevertheless saw the light, is an 8-window observation deck at the top of the monument. You can get to it by stairs or by elevator.
At the end of the construction of the monument, it was decided to build a mirror pond nearby. The reservoir was designed in such a way that even on the windiest day, the surface remains untouched. The stele is reflected in it as a whole, thanks to which the effect of “twins” is achieved: it seems that not one, but two identical columns rise in the center of the esplanade.
Practical Information
Address: Washington, 2 15th St NW, DC 20007. Website
From the airport. The Dulles can be reached in the city by taxi, Metrobus 5A, or the Washington Flyer Coach Services bus; from T. Marshall Airport – by Metrobus B30, MARC train (Penn Line) or taxi; from R. Reagan Airport – by subway (blue or yellow line).
You can get to the monument by subway (blue or orange line, Smithsonian station) or by bus No. 11Y (14th St & Jefferson Dr) or Nos. 907, 909, 922 (Independence & 12th SW).
The monument is open daily: from June to August – from 9:00 to 22:00, from September to May – from 9:00 to 17:00 (July 4, December 25 – days off). Admission is free, but there is a pass system (tickets are issued at the box office on 15th St).
Museum of Women in Art
Museum of Women in Art (Washington, USA) – expositions, opening hours, address, phone numbers, official website.
What is the difference between female art and male art? Perhaps the answer to this philosophical question can be found in the National Museum of Women in Art.
The National Museum of Women in Art is the only museum of its kind in the world that exhibits creative works created exclusively by the fair sex.
Whether this unusual museum smacks of feminism is up to you to judge. However, one thing is for sure, the National Museum of Women in Art is the only museum of its kind in the world that exhibits creative works created exclusively by the fair sex.
Museum opening hours: daily from 10:00 to 17:00. Website.
Address: 1250 New York Ave., NW; tel. 202 783-5000.
Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden (Washington, USA) – expositions, opening hours, address, phone numbers, official website.
Anyone who wants to enjoy world art, which is no older than a quarter of a century, is advised to visit the Hirshhorn Museum. The most modern works of art have found shelter in this museum, among which paintings by artists of the 20th century are rightfully the basis of the entire museum collection.
Washington is a multifaceted city. Making a museum tour of the US capital, in a matter of minutes, as if by a time machine, you can move from the era of the American natives to the era of abstract modernity.
Equally noteworthy is the Sculpture Garden belonging to the Hirshhorn Museum, which is located across the street from the museum building. The Sculpture Garden presents the works of famous masters.
Museum opening hours: daily from 10:00 to 17:30.
Address: Independence Avenue at 7th Street, SW; tel. 202 357-2700.
National Academy of Science
National Academy of Sciences (Washington, USA) – expositions, opening hours, address, phone numbers, official website.
It is always interesting to visit the main US educational institution, the National Academy of Sciences, especially if an entertaining excursion is accompanied by a unique opportunity to visit exhibitions, lectures, concerts and other events organized by the Department of Tours and Cultural Programs of the Academy of Sciences.
Even if you are not a scientific traveler, but a simple onlooker tourist, it never hurts to visit the abode of science.
Most of the activities are free. Please note that in order to enter the building of the Academy of Sciences, you must present an identity card with a photo.
Museum opening hours: daily from 10:00 to 17:00. Website.
Address: 2101 Constitution Avenue, NW; tel. 202 334-2436.
