Gifts of D.C.-Around D.C.

Dedicated to the preservation, study, and exhibition of the life, languages, literature, history, and arts with museum information and exhibits.

The National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) has one of the largest and most extensive collections of Native American art and artifacts in the world-- approximately 800,000 objects representing over 10,000 years of history from more than 1,000 indigenous cultures throughout the Western Hemisphere.

The NAMI, located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., has an undulating facade of Kasota stone, a buff-colored dolomitic limestone from Minnesota. Surrounded by a Native landscape comprised of four habitats--woodlands, wetlands, meadow, and traditional croplands--the Kasota stone complements this natural setting. With its curvilinear and organic form, the building's Kasota stone exterior reminds one of rock that has been sculpted over time by forces of wind and water.

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Hours of Service.	Open:	5:30 a.m. Mon. - Fri.	8 a.m. Sat.-Sun.
	Close:	Midnight Sun.-Thurs.	2 a.m. Fri.-Sat. nights

For maps and further information about using Metrorail, contact www.wmata.com

	Major Monuments, Museums and Other Points of Interest
	Note: Hours and telephone numbers are subject to change without notice. Every Attempt will be made to keep this information current. Since the attack on the Pentagon and the World Trade Center on 9/11/2001, many public buildings are under tight security and accessibility and tours may change with little or notice. When possible, it is wise to call ahead to confirm the latest information. Closest Metro stations to individual attractions will be identified where applicable.

	U. S. Capitol Click Here to go to this item!
	Capitol Hill, Washington, DC 20515
	202-225-6827
	Metro: Capitol South - Blue/Orange Line; Union Station - Red Line

	www.aoc.gov/		Architect of the Capitol
	www.senate.gov/vtour/		For a virtual tour of the Capitol

	White House
	1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20500
	202-456-2200
	Metro: McPherson Square - Blue/Orange Line

	www.whitehouse.gov/
	www.whitehousekids.gov/

	White House Tours (Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m.-noon): For the most up-to-date information about touring and the White House, call the 24-hour Visitors Office Info Line at 202-456-7041. [Also, contact your Senator or Congressman about the availability of Special White House tour passes.]

	White House Visitor Center
	U.S. Dept. of Commerce Building
	1450 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20230
	202-208-1631 or 1-800-717-1450
	Metro: Federal Triangle - Blue/Orange Line

	The Center provides an orientation film and free brochures. Exhibits explore many aspects of the White House. Restrooms are available. No food service available.

	The People's House," "President's Palace," or "Executive Mansion" has been the home of every U.S. President except George Washington. [President Theodore Roosevelt officially gave the White House its current name in 1901.] President Washington, together with city planner Pierre L'Enfant, chose the site for the new residence. Construction began when the first cornerstone was laid in October 1972. It was not until 1800, when the White House was nearly completed, that its first residents, President John Adams and his wife, Abigail, moved in. Since then, each President has made his own changes and additions--since it is the President's home. It is also the only private residence of a head of state that is open to the public free of charge.

	The White House has survived a fire at the hands of the British in 1814 and another fire in the West Wing in 1929 when Herbert Hoover was President. During Harry S Truman's presidency the interior of the house, with the exception of the third floor, was completely gutted and renovated. The exterior stone walls are those first put in place when the White House was constructed 200 years ago.

	The Oval Office is the President's formal work space. Other familiar rooms are the Red Room, Blue Room, Green Room, East Room, China Room, Cabinet Room, State Dining Room, and the Map Room.

	The Eisenhower Executive Office Building which is next to the West Wing housed the former State, Navy and War Departments. The Vice President's Ceremonial is located in the Executive Office Building (EEOB). The Vice President's Office is in the West Wing. The Vice President's Mansion is located on Massachusetts Avenue, NW, on the grounds of the Naval Observatory--near the British Embassy.

	Fares. Each passenger needs a farecard to enter and exit the system. (Up to two children 5 years of age may travel free with a paying customer.)
	Fare are based on when and the distance you ride. Pay regular fares weekdays 5:30-9:30 a.m. and 3-7 p.m. Reduced fares are in effect at all other times.

	The Legislative Branch of the U. S. Government (the House of Representatives and Senate) meets in this magnificent structure to debate and vote on legislation. Free guided tours of many of the public rooms which include the Rotunda, Statuary Hall, the original Supreme Court chamber, and the crypt--the planned burial place of George and Martha Washington. The Capitol is on the East end of the National Mall and features a spectacular of the Mall and its many museums and monuments. Independence Day and Memorial Day concerts are held at the foot of Capitol Hill--formerly known as Jenkins Hill.

	The Senate and House office buildings can be found on the North and South sides of the U. S. Capitol, respectively. See www.senate.gov and www.house.gov for information about the members of Congress and the legislative process.

Click here to go to this item.	For a matted Washington scene (evening), Click here to go to this item.