| A Guide to Lesser-Known Attractions in Washington |
|
|
|
advertisement
|
By Jessica Wehrman
Scripps Howard News Service Washington -- Some of the most interesting tourist attractions in Washington aren't anywhere near the National Mall. The Capital City is riddled with unique, often free museums devoted to spying, guns and the history of the U.S. Postal Service. Options include: - The National Building Museum: The name sounds boring, but the museum, which explores the world of American architecture, urban planning, engineering and design, is a conveniently located and utterly gorgeous structure in the heart of the city.
Museum doors open to a grand, lush hall, which once was the site of inaugural balls and now, to one side, holds a charming cafe. One of the most fascinating exhibits is a history of Washington's architectural highlights, including the U.S. Capitol, the White House and the rows of townhouses spread across the city. Your best bet is to pick two or three of the many exhibits for a good visit. The museum is at 401 F St. N.W., across the street from the Judiciary Square stop on the Metro subway system's Red Line. Phone 202-272-2448. Admission is free, although a donation is requested. For more information, check out www.nbm.org. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. - The National Museum of Health and Medicine: An often "yuck"-inspiring journey into the world of medicine, this museum has fun exhibits. Try on a smock that will let you know what you'd look like pregnant. Then move on to the gross exhibits -- a stomach-shaped hairball surgically removed from the stomach of a 12-year-old girl.
The museum isn't big, but it's informative, with a fascinating exhibit on military medicine during the Korean War and fragments of Abraham Lincoln's skull on display. Particularly interesting: the Civil War wounds exhibit. The museum is in the rear of the Walter Reed Army Medical Center at 6900 Georgia Ave. and Elder St. N.W. It's Building 54, and is a short cab ride from the Takoma Park or Silver Spring stops on Metro's Red Line. Phone 202-782-2200. Admission is free. For more information, check out the Web site: 130.14.42.05. The museum is open from 10 a.m. through 5:30 p.m. seven days a week. - The National Museum of Women in the Arts: Those overwhelmed by the sheer mass of arts in the Smithsonian might try this more intimate, manageable collection.
Enter the building to a spectacular hall, and you'll have to initially look around to find the art. But once you do, the rewards are great; from classic art to gutsy, modern stuff, you'll get a range of art crafted by women. And it won't overwhelm you: you can do the whole museum in an hour or so. Stop by midday, and you can enjoy a casual lunch at the ornate facility's cafe. The museum is at 1250 New York Ave. N.W., closest to the McPherson Square or Metro Center Metro stops. Phone 202- 783-5000. Online at www.nmwa.org. The museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from noon to five. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and students and free to those under 18. (Contact Jessica Wehrman at WehrmanJ@shns.com or www.shns.com.)
|
