Visiting Washington D.C.
If you have not visited Washington D.C. I highly recommend it! There is so much to see and to learn.
On this page I just touch on some of the things that left an impression on me. There is no way I can cover everything here. I originally made this page after my first trip in 2008 but we went back in 2013 so I have updated this page images from that trip.
Some of the photos are from my visit in 2008, 2013 and some are from the official "Architect of the Capitol" website.
Video slideshow of our Capitol Hill tour 2008. Inside and outside of the U.S. Capitol building.
She loved it so much the first time, she couldn't wait to go back! The headset fit a little bit better the second time around.
United States Capitol
Videos below are from our visit in 2013.
Capitol Hill 2013
The Capitol Rotunda
Washington DC
My photos of this remarkable place are not as good as the one from the "Architect of the Capitol" website, shown above.
When we visited, there were a lot of people. This made it difficult to get a good photo of the space.
I just want to share some of the art in this fantastic structure.
The enormous oil paintings surrounding the Rotunda depict historical events in U.S. history. You can view more about each piece by visiting the link below.
- Historical Paintings - United States Capitol
Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Ornate design and detailed artwork in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol - The Apotheosis of Washington
Apotheosis of Washington Capitol Hill
From my visit.
- The Apotheosis of Washington
The Apotheosis of Washington in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol, painted by Constantino Brumidi in 1865.
Apotheosis of Washington
From my visit in 2008.
The Frieze of American History
The Frieze of American History
From our visit in 2008.
The frieze is a painted panorama depicting significant events in American history. It measures 8 feet 4 inches in height and approximately 300 feet in circumference. It starts 58 feet above the floor. This Frieze was the work of 3 artists: Constantino Brumidi, Filippo Costaggini and Allyn Cox. To read more about this artwork visit the Architect of the Capitol website.
Photo from my visit in 2008 Considering this work of art is 58 feet above the ground my photo can not truly capture the artwork. Below are the individual sections from "Architect of the Capitol".
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
The White House
In 2008 we took all 3 of our girls, this time around we only took our youngest. My oldest moved out and our middle daughter didn't want to go. In the photo from 2008 my family is in the middle, my hubby and the 3 girls, I took the picture. The 2013 photo is of my hubby, my daughter and me :)
2013 Photos
Concepcion Picciotto has lived in Lafayette Square, since August 1, 1981, in protest of nuclear arms.
She is still there!
White House Protest Since 1981
Photo from our visit in 2013
No such luck!
The Jefferson Memorial - 2013
Abraham Lincoln - From our 2013 visit.
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial - 2013
United States Botanic Garden
United States Botanic Garden - Washington DC
Photo from my visit 2008.
United States Botanic Garden
From our visit in 2008.
Cool Globes: Hot Ideas for a Cooler Planet
- Our visit was in 2008 during the Cool Globes exhibit. Below are photos I took while on our visit to the Botanic Garden 2008.
- Coolglobes Official Website
Cool Globes: Hot Ideas for a Cooler Planet - Public art with a purpose
The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
One of the most, if not the most beautiful places, I have ever seen. I was so upset because a lot of my photos came out dark. I have added some of the images to this capsule. The photos do not do justice. I am working on fixing more of the photos that I took during our visit, hopefully will have some up soon.
I have hundreds of pictures from these trips and will be updating this page so check back for more!
VillaDejaBlue on January 05, 2012:
Nice lens.
Michelle Collins (author) from Florida on September 22, 2011:
@Kiwisoutback: That's too funny! I was just getting the pictures together of the National Archives to add to this lens today. Thanks so much for the blessing!
Kiwisoutback from Massachusetts on September 22, 2011:
I was there during the Cool Globes exhibit too! I love DC, we spent two days there and really didn't see anywhere near as much as we could have. The line for the Constitution (National Archives) was ridiculous so we took a pass that day. Excellent photos, blessed by the US Travel Angel!
Patricia on March 06, 2011:
I have been there and it was cool to go there and see it!
MargaretMcKeehan on February 24, 2011:
This is a moving great lens so far......good work
ChrisDay LM on February 21, 2011:
Congratulations on the 'Best Intro Photo'!
anonymous on February 15, 2011:
Beautiful photos - Congrats on getting "Purple Star".
dotcomboy on February 15, 2011:
What a fun Lens! Congrats on your purple star!
ChrisDay LM on February 15, 2011:
Great lens - congratulations on the Purple Star.
Virginia Allain from Central Florida on February 15, 2011:
Lots of great photos. Looks like you had a wonderful trip.
poutine on February 11, 2011:
Love this lens.
This trip is on my wish list.
poutine on February 11, 2011:
Love this lens.
This trip is on my wish list.
MargaretMcKeehan on February 10, 2011:
This is a moving lens. It has so much interesting things on here. The video's give you the feel of being there , and wanting to go there if you have not gone before....Great Job...
puzzlerpaige on February 09, 2011:
I hope one day to visit Washington DC. We've talked about it many times and want to go. The bird's eye view video helps to visualize where things are.
beerhead on February 09, 2011:
The video is AWESOME gave me chill's!!!
Mona from Iowa on February 08, 2011:
I love that you showed the fabulous art from the capital. Nicely done.
beerhead on February 08, 2011:
Great lens Michelle. Can't wait to see more!!
Patricia on February 08, 2011:
Very cool! I love the pictures!
jvsper63 on February 08, 2011:
Wow it's beautiful you took amazing pictures I know you enjoyed it; great lens
Mary Beth Granger from O'Fallon, Missouri, USA on February 08, 2011:
I'm looking forward to seeing more as this lens progresses. Washington DC is such a wonderful place to visit.
