fbpx
Architect-US

July: Washington D.C. Trip

INTRODUCTION

Among the most exciting things that happened to me in July, I will take advantage of the post to share all my experiences in Washington DC with you.

WHY WASHINGTON DC?

From the first day I came to the USA, I got my bucket trip list, with some places I couldn’t miss in the broader experience. The top one listed was Washington DC. I wrote that due for two main reasons. 

The first one is because of the historical burden that the city carries, being the target of the major historical movements and the headquarters of various public bodies, in which most of the buildings have governmental involvement. 

The second relates to understanding how American people see their history, especially in a country marked by freedom in many aspects, such as social and economic.

The plurality and authenticity of each state had to be conveyed at some point to consolidate a nation. So how do they tell their story?

What does it take to make them all still together?

HOW LONG?

With all these wonders in mind, I arrived in the district of Columbia on a Thursday night and returned to Florida on Monday afternoon. So basically, I will highlight some spots I visited that caught my attention during this three-day trip.

WHAT TO VISIT THERE?

FORD’S THEATER – ABRAHAM LINCOLN

The visit to Ford’s theater, where Lincoln got shot, is composed of the visit to the theater for itself and a house across the street, where he got assistance before he died.

The guided tour inside the theater was good; we could picture ourselves in the context of the historical moment.

The house across the street surprised me because it becomes a museum where you can get more detail about the story and the days that succeeded until they find the guilties.

It’s interesting to learn more about one of the most famous American personalities; I recommend the visit. 

 CAPITOL BUILDING

The capital building is incredible, not only from the outside but mainly from its interior. The great room took my breath away. All the ceiling details are unique, and each has its meaning. We had a guided tour as well, which was accessible by the way and free, but it is necessary to book before. It starts with a short movie introducing you to the American government system; then they take you to three main rooms: The Crypt, the Rotunda, and National Statuary Hall.

My only observation is that in the last room, it was so fast the time that we had to look at their statues that I had to rush at the end to follow back the leading group. But it is another spot you can’t miss.

EAST BUILDING – NATIONAL GALLERY OF ART

The last building that couldn’t escape from this text is the east building of the gallery art museum. The office I. M. Pei & Partners made the building, completed and opened to the public in 1978. The irregular shape of the building could already translate one of the challenges they started with, besides the addition having to be connected and relate somehow with the west building, which was made in 1941, the other part of the museum.

The details and finish are well done, and the dynamic of the inside space brings fresh contemporary air to the exhibitions before the visitor enters any room. Moreover, the interactivity and autonomy of the arrangement of the three primary levels already indicate what the people that visit the museum are invited for—one delightful surprise to spend time with, for sure.

CONCLUSION 

Of course, there is so much more!

This is just a partial perspective of my experience in the city. I will love to hear back if anyone has suggestions to incorporate into other people’s trip schedules. 

Feel free to share in the comments below 😉

Stephany Altruda

Instagram

Follow Us!

Don't lose anything about-us

Instagram