Come to DC and See For Yourself!

Autumn is often the best time to visit Washington, with mild weather conducive to seeing the city’s many outdoor sights. Head for the top of the newly-restored Washington Monument for a bird’s-eye view of the National Mall, stretching from the Capitol dome to the Lincoln Memorial. Tour the Jefferson Memorial at the Tidal Basin.

Follow the Tidal Basin around to the FDR Memorial. From there, walk the National Mall, stopping along the way to visit the Korean Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Washington Monument. Also be sure to stop and photograph the White House, home of every US President beginning with John Adams.

Cross the Potomac River to Arlington National Cemetery, then journey down river to George Washington’s lovingly restored home at Mount Vernon.

And there’s so much more to see inside Washington! The city is a treasure trove for museum-lovers, with 16 Smithsonian Institution sites featuring major art collections, the Museum of Natural History, the Museum of American History, the Air and Space Museum, and many others. There are also fascinating private collections, including those at the National Building Museum, one of the largest and most spectacular Victorian structures in the United States. In addition, there are numerous art galleries, the Textile Museum, and the haunting US Holocaust Museum.

Visit the Washington National Cathedral, the sixth largest cathedral in the world. For one of the best panoramic views of Washington, climb up its tower to the Pilgrim Observation Gallery. Make a reservation to tour the newly restored home and gardens at Hillwood. One of America’s premier estate museums, Hillwood features the most comprehensive collection of imperial Russian fine and decorative arts outside Russia and a collection of 18th-century French art.

Stop and see the famous pandas at the National Zoo!

Take a short trip to Georgetown, a neighborhood that actually pre-dates the city of Washington! Once a thriving Colonial port, Georgetown is an historic area and shopper’s dream, with boutiques, national brand stores, and a Victorian style shopping mall. Visitors and Washingtonians flock to Wisconsin Avenue and M Street to dine at Georgetown’s many fine restaurants.

For more fine dining, visit one of Washington’s most colorful neighborhoods: eclectic Adams Morgan! There, you can choose your favorite cuisine: Italian, Ethiopian, Vietnamese, Russian, Japanese, French, Latin American, Afghan, and more.

Also take time to walk through Union Station. This beautifully restored Metro and Amtrak train station houses shops, restaurants, and a nine screen movie complex.

Washington DC: So much to see. Come see for yourself!

To plan your personal Washington DC sightseeing and tour itinerary, go to these helpful weweb sites

Smithsonian and DC Museums:
http://www.allnva.com/events/guides/museums/
dc_museums2.html

Or take advantage of Conference group tour opportunities!

If you are interested in tours not offered among the Conference group tours, please consult the Concierge onon siten the Convention Center for a full complement of additional tour possibilities.

You are invited to visit...

ASCE’s
Reston
Headquarters

During the conference, ASCE members and friends are welcome to tour the new ASCE World Headquarters in nearby Reston, VA. Complimentary bus trips will run from the Convention Center to the headquarters’ tour. Register on the Conference Registration form or at the ASCE Foundation booth in the Exposition Hall on Monday and Tuesday afternoons. Space on the bus is limited and will be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis.

Tour will be led by ASCE Foundation President Curtis Deane, who oversaw the purchase and renovation of the headquarters building, which was dedicated on April 17, 1998.

Tour schedule:
Tuesday, November 5: 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Tuesday, November 5: 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Wednesday, November 6: 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Wednesday, November 6: 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM

Please sign up for these bus trips on your Registration form.

You are invited to visit...

The National
Building Museum:
Behind the Scenes Tour

Created by Act of Congress in 1980, the National Building Museum is America’s premier cultural institution dedicated to exploring and celebrating architecture, design, engineering, construction, and urban planning. Since opening its doors in 1985, the Museum has become the forum for exchanging ideas and information about such topical issues as managing suburban growth, preserving landmarks and communities, and revitalizing urban centers through engaging exhibitions and education programs – including innovative curricula for school children and stimulating programs for adults.

The Museum occupies one of Washington’s most spectacular structures, widely recognized as a marvel of engineering. Designed in 1881 by Civil Engineer and US Army General Montgomery C. Meigs and completed in 1887, the building originally housed the Pension Bureau in the post-Civil War era.

An ingenious system of windows, vents, and open archways allows the building’s Great Hall to function as a reservoir of light and air. The impressive Italian Renaissance design, with its central fountain and eight colossal Corinthian columns – among the tallest interior columns in the world – has made the Great Hall a sought-after spot for gala events, including many Presidential Inaugural Balls, from 1885 to the present day.

Admission: Complimentary

Tour schedule:
Sunday, November 3: 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday, November 5: 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
The National Building Museum at 401 F Street, N.W., is a five-block walk and can easily be reached on foot. Or take Metro’s Red Line one stop from Gallery Place to Judiciary Square.