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Further Distractions Bureau of Engraving and Printing This is definitely the place to go if you like money. The Bureau of Engraving and Printing is responsible for designing and printing the green stuff as well as stamps and US securities. During the 35-minute tour, visitors see blank sheets of paper being turned into millions of dollars in cash. Sorry, they do not give samples. 14th and C Streets, SW Tel: (202) 874 3019 or (866) 874 2330. Fax: (202) 874 6331. Website: www.moneyfactory.com Transport: Federal Triangle. Opening hours: Mon-Fri 1000-1600. The visitors centre is open 0830-1500. Admission: Free. No tickets are required from October to April. From April to October, they are given on a first-come first-served basis. A valid photo ID is required to obtain tickets. National Archives & Records Administration (NARA) Although the archives houses more than 3 billion records, the ones that visitors flock to see are the Charters of Freedom – the Declaration of Independence, the US Constitution and the Bill of Rights which are encased and displayed in a large marble rotunda. They are difficult to read, but then again they are the 200-plus-year-old originals. 700 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Tel: (202) 501 5000 or (866) 272 6272. Fax (202) 501 5239. Website: www.archives.gov Transport: Metro: Archives/Navy Memorial. Opening hours: Daily 1000-1730. Admission: Free. National Geographic Society Originally established in 1888 to fund expeditions to undiscovered parts of the world, the National Geographic Society also brought geography to the masses with the publication of its National Geographic Magazine. At the Society’s Explorers Hall, the latest scientific developments are featured through interactive props and artefacts. In a 72-seat amphitheatre ‘Earth Station One’ simulates an orbital flight. Changing exhibits explore culture and science. 1145 17th Street, NW Tel: (202) 857 7588 or (800) 647 5463. Fax (202) 828 6679. Website: www.nationalgeographic.com/explorer Transport: Farragut North or Farragut West Metro stations. Opening hours: Mon-Sat 0900-1700, Sun 1000-1700. Admission: Free. Library of Congress Originally housed in the north wing of the US Capitol when Congress first moved there in 1800, the nation’s library, the Library of Congress, celebrated its bicentennial in 2000. The world’s largest library contains over 40 collections of rare American history materials and nearly 119 million items, including copies of the Gutenberg Bible and a copy of the musical score of the ‘Star Spangled Banner.’ Exhibitions change regularly. There are daily guided tours of the 19th-century Thomas Jefferson Building. Public tours of the library are available Mon-Fri (1030, 1130, 1330, 1430 and 1530). On Saturday there is no 1530 tour. 101 Independence Avenue, SE Tel: (202) 707 8000. Fax: (202) 707 0190. Website: www.loc.gov Transport: Capitol South Metro station. Opening hours: Mon-Sat 1000-1730. Admission: Free. |