Museums and Galleries in Washington, DC
The United States Capitol stands proudly at the top of the hill at the east end of the Mall, an American icon, a symbol of democracy and the most prominent landmark of Washington, DC. The Capitol's frescoes and art collection qualify it as a notable museum. Million tourists come, above all, to brush shoulders with history. The dominant feature of the Capitol is its Dome. It is crowned by the statue " Freedom". The part of the Capitol is a museum now. The Smithsonian Institution owes its existence to a wealthy Englishman who died in 1829 without ever having visited America. A scientist himself, James Smithson mysteriously bequeathed his entire half million at Washington, under the name of the Smithsonian Institution, " an establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge among men". Nicknamed " The Castle", the newly-built Smithsonian was rife with -redbrick turrets and towers. It was built in the middle of the 19th century. It became an instant attraction for museum-goers and one of the major landmarks on the Mall. Nowadays it is the largest museum complex of the world. All the museums, which belong to the Smithsonian institution, have free tickets, and most of them are on the Mall. As for James Smithson, he finally crossed the Atlantic in 1904 when his remains were exhumed in Europe and reburied in a special crypt near the main entrance of the Smithsonian's original redbrick building. The National Air and Space Museum has 23 main exhibition galleries pay homage to some of the most ingenious and beautiful crafted objects of flight, from the Wright brother's airplane to the complex and powered ships. Another highlight there is the moon rock, displayed so that the public can touch it. The National Museum of American History has a variety of fascinating objects, connected with American culture. On the first floor there are tools of the Industrial Revolution, as well as locomotives, farm equipment and objects of the 20th century. One can see mementos of American cultural history on the second floor. The third floor features a stirring tribute to the American presidency. The National Gallery of Arts displays the collections from the Middle Ages through to the 20th century, including Italian Renaissance works, Dutch masters, French impressionists and all ages of American art. The newer East Building is often considered a work of art in itself. The Library of Congress is not only the library, it is also the museum. One can see the main reading room with its famous allegorical figures: Religion, History, Commerce, Art, Philosophy, Poetry, Law and Science. There is a collection of ancient manuscripts including Gutenberg Bible and the handwritten Giant Bible of Mainz. The tourists can also visit the National Cathedral. It is the sixth largest cathedral in the world. The Cathedral is officially named the Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul. Mount Vernon is a mansion on the banks of the Potomac River. George Washington spent part of his childhood here and returned here after his presidency. One can see the rooms here where he lived. The Hirshhorn Museum has a collection of contemporary 4, 000 paintings and 2, 000 sculptures. The museum is known for displaying the newest works of art. The US Holocaust Memorial stands alone in Washington. It is a museum of the horrors. The museum was opened in 1993. It is warning to the world that to forget the Holocaust is to repeat one of the most terrible chapters of history.
There are many other interesting museums and galleries in Washington, DC. And of course, Washington, DC is famous for its memorials. Everyone knows the Jefferson Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, the Arlington Memorial Cemetery, the Vietnam Memorial and the Korean War Memorial.
1. Where is the Capitol situated? 2. What is the Capitol crowned by? 3. How many main exhibition galleries are there in the National Air and Space Museum? 4. What is the highlight in the National Air and Space Museum? 5. What do you know about the National
Museum of American History? 6. What does the National Gallery of Arts display? 7. What do you know about the Library of Congress? 8. What other museums in Washington, DC do you know?
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