Washington DC - Things to Do

So I’ve decided to add yet another angle to my writing portfolio – Washington D.C – things to do. I figure that since I am new to the area and learning all there is to do here I might as well share what I learn as I go along so that if any of you plan to visit here in the future then maybe I can give you some hints or tips of what to see and how to see it.

So my first little outing was to some of the Smithsonian buildings. Now to break it down for you – I was a little confused at this – the Smithsonian is not just one museum but a plethora of things to do.

Founder of this world renowned cultural education, James Smithson was an English scientist who devoted his life to research in chemistry, mineralogy and geology. The funny thing is that even though he never visited the USA, he bequeathed his estate of around 15 million dollars to establish the Smithsonian Institute, what he said to be an institution for the “increase and diffusion of knowledge”.

The first Smithsonian building, The Castle is actually today nothing more than an information centre with an over priced cafeteria. But still worth a visit to explore the garden and see the Castle Exterior which is pretty regal – and you can nab some free brochures.

For some pics click HERE


So, next on the Smithsonian list was the Free Gallery of Art. Now don’t get me wrong, I do have culture and do love to do Cultural things, but there are some things that are not really very high on my list of things to do. I love art museums when I find the art interesting. I love ancient relics when they have an interesting story behind them. But there are times when to me a piece of broken porcelain, is simply just a piece of broken porcelain.

Never the less, I gave it a try and to my pleasant surprise actually learned a few things.

The Freer Gallery of Art actually boasts an internationally renowned collection of Asian Art and is home to the world’s largest holdings of works by American artist, James McNeil Whistler.

Now the one room which did actually draw my attention was the Peacock Room. The story behind it is that in 1876, a wealthy ship owner asked James Whistler to advise his architect on a color for his dining room shutters and doors. The architect had actually designed the room around a painting by Whistler, The Princess from the land of Porcelain”. Whistler proceeded to cover the ceiling with Dutch metal or imitation gold leaf, over which he painted a lush pattern of peacock feathers. He then gilded the walnut shelving and embellished the wooded shutters with images of four plumed peacocks.

For Pics click HERE