Capitol Hill Neighborhood, Washington

The Library of Congress houses nearly 110 million items in three buildings. It is the world's largest library.The Jeffeson Building was modeled on the Paris Opera House and contains a permanent "American Treasures" exhibit. The John Adams building has business and science reading rooms. The James Madison memorial building, is notable for its exhibit halls and visitor's center.Among its principal treasures are one of the three surviving complete Gutenberg Bibles and Thomas Jefferson's manuscript draft of the Declaration of Independence. The guided tours of the Library show visitors these and other rarities, as well as the Great Hall and the large Main Reading Room.

The Supreme Court Building, the highest court in the land, is housed in a white marble building facing the Capitol. The first session of the Supreme Court was convened on February 1, 1790 but the present location, designed by Cass Gilbert, was not built until 1935. The justice sculptures into the foundation are modeled on the architect, his friends and historical figures like Confucius, Solon and Moses.

The US Botanic Garden features an iron and glass plant museum that highlights the many uses of exotic and local plants. Its history goes back to 1820 but the existing conservatory was built in 1931.The original core of the collection came from an international exploratory trade mission in 1842. The members brought back plants from the South Seas and the Pacific Northwest.The US Botanic Garden hosts educational programs in the fall and spring and seasonal shows throughout the year.The park across the street is also part of the garden. It contains a fountain created by Frédéric Bartholdi, designer of the Statue of Liberty.

The Folger Shakespeare Library is a private, nonprofit research library covering the works and life of Shakespeare and the Renaissance period. The library collection features the largest collection of Shakespearean books and manuscripts in the world. Thousands of Renaissance paintings, drawings, engravings and prints are also on display at the Folger Shakespeare Library as well as period musical instruments, costumes and films.

Opening in 2013 at National Harbor, the National Children's Museum will serve millions of children and their families each year through a new 150,000 square-foot experiential learning center and dynamic online community. Designed by world renowned architect Cesar Pelli, the Museum's state-of-the-art facility will serve as a teaching tool by educating children about green choices and reflecting environmentally-friendly and sustainable practices in its exhibits, programs, and services.

This collection of buildings contain the offices of the member of the house and senate. They are located close by each side of the capitol to which they are connected by tunnels. To the north are the Russell, Dirksen and Hart Senate Office Buildings and to the South of the Capitol are the Rayburn, Longworth and Cannon House Office Buildings.

The Robert A Taft Memorial is a bell tower and statue that pays tribute to Senator Robert Alphonso Taft (1889-1953), lawyer, statesman, and son of President William Howard Taft. The Taft Memorial was built in 1959 of Tennessee marble, and features a 10-foot bronze sculpture of Robert A. Taft.

Union Station is Washington's transit hub and a modern shopping and entertainment complex. The original 1908 Beaux Arts building was restored in 1988 and transformed into a network of shops, cafes, cinemas, restaurant and traveler's service facility.

The Emancipation Statue, dedicated in 1876 and paid for by emancipated slaves and Black civil war soldiers, shows Abraham Lincoln with his proclamation and a kneeling slave breaking his chains. This bronze sculpture was created by Thomas Ball.

The National Guard Memorial Museum, located on Capitol Hill, highlights 400 years of the Guardsmen. Exhibits feature images, artifacts and interactive exhibits that tell the story of men and women in the National Guard and their contributions.

The Atlas Performing Arts Center is a multiple use arts venue housed in an historic theatre. The exterior features a 1938 modern art facade and marquee.