East Capitol St NE & First St SE, Washington, DC 20004
The Capitol is one of the most architecturally impressive and symbolically important buildings in the world. The Senate and the House of Representatives have met here for more than two centuries. It has been built, burnt, rebuilt, extended, and restored. The U.S. Capitol Visitor Center is the newest addition to this historic complex and is approximately three quarters the size of the Capitol itself. The entire facility is located underground on the east side of the Capitol so as not to detract from the appearance of the Capitol and the grounds.
100 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024
The United States Botanic Garden (USBG) is a living plant museum. It teaches visitors about the importance and value of plants to the well-being of humans and to earth’s fragile ecosystems. George Washington’s vision for the US capital city included a botanic garden that would demonstrate and promote the importance of plants to the nation. It was established by the U.S. Congress in 1820 and is now one of the oldest botanic gardens in North America. Since 1934, it has been administered through the Architect of the Capitol. The Garden has been recognized as a museum and is accredited by the American Association of Museums, which recognizes a museum’s commitment to excellence, accountability, high professional standards and continued institutional improvement.
101 Independence Ave SE, Washington, DC 20540
The Library of Congress was established by an act of Congress in 1800. President John Adams signed a bill providing for the transfer of the seat of government from Philadelphia to Washington, and the legislation described a reference library for Congress only. It should contain “such books as may be necessary for the use of Congress – and for putting up a suitable apartment for containing them therein…” When the Library of Congress building opened its doors to the public on November 1, 1897, it was hailed “the largest, the costliest, and the safest” library building in the world. The library is an unparalleled world resource with a collection of more than 158 million items with cataloged books and other print materials in 460 languages. It is also home to the largest rare book collection in North America, and the world’s largest collection of legal materials, films, maps, sheet music and sound recordings.
201 East Capitol St SE, Washington, DC 20003
This library is one of the largest and finest collection of Shakespeare materials. It is also home to major collections of other rare Renaissance books, manuscripts, and works of art. The Folger opened in 1932 as a gift to the American nation from Henry Clay Folger and his wife Emily Jordan Folger. Today the library serves a wide audience of researchers, visitors, teachers, students, families, and theater- and concert-goers. Its conservation lab is a leading innovator in the preservation of rare materials. In addition, the library hosts public programs such as plays, concerts, literary readings, and activities for families and schools. The library is administered by a Board of Governors under the auspices of Amherst College, Henry Folger’s alma mater.
225 7th St SE, Washington, DC 20003
Eastern Market is DC’s destination for fresh food, community events, and local produce and handmade arts and crafts on the weekend. For over 136 years, Eastern Market has served as a community hub for all people. The South Hall Market is where merchants serve the finest meats, poultry, seafood, produce, pasta, baked goods and cheeses from all over the world. Outside of the market, area farmers bring produce direct from farms in Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia. Beyond fruits, veggies, and fresh flowers, over 100 exhibitors of handmade arts, crafts, jewelry, and antiques offer something for everyone!