Downtown, Washington

The Corcoran Gallery houses a collection of American art and sculpture from the 18th century to the present. As well, there are works from Flemish and Dutch masters, French impressionist and post-impressionists and contemporary artists. It is considered Washington's first art museum, and one the three oldest in the United States.There are a number of permanent collections in the museum including:The Clark Collection with its Dutch, Flemish and French paintingsThe Walker Collection showcasing examples of French painting from the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, including works by Renoir, Monet, Courbet, and Pissarro.The Evans-Tibbs Collection of African American ArtWilliam Corcoran founded it in 1869 at Seventeenth Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, a building now housing the Renwick Gallery. In 1897, the expanded collection moved into a Beaux Arts building designed by Paris-trained New York architect Ernest Flagg.It is simultaneously one of America's most distinguished museums and colleges of art and design. The Corcoran College of Art + Design attracts thousands of students for formal training and continuing education in the visual arts.

Mary McLeod Bethune's life and achievements are highlighted in the five galleries of exhibits that cover her role as educator, activist and her role in African American women's history.The site was the first headquarters of the National Council of Negro Women, founded by Bethune and her last residence in Washington. It is also a research center and storing facility for documents related to African American women's history.

The Morrison-Clarke Inn was created by combining two 1864 Italianate Victorian townhouses. The conversion made this 54 room hotel. In a former life, it served as the Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airmens Club. The Morrison-Clarke Inn features an elegant interior and the rooms are individually decorated with antiques, lace, chintz, marble fireplaces and polished wood floors.

The DAR museum is devoted to the role of women in American history from 1700 to 1850. The museum of the National Society of the Daughters of the Revolution has 33 period rooms and two galleries including an 18th century tavern and a 19th century kitchen. Many decorative arts are also on display.

The Decatur House is one of the last residences of its kind in Washington. Built in 1818 for Naval hero Stephen Decatur and later occupied by Gen. Edward Beale, the home has often served as a meeting place for politicians and the influential members of high society.

The National Aquarium houses more than 1200 species of marine life in over 70 tanks. Highlights include the sharks, piranhas and American alligators. Animal keeper talks and animal feedings occur every day at 2 p.m.

Originally built in a Greek Revival design in 1816, St John's Church has undergone some enhancement over the years. It is sometimes known as the Church of the Presidents because several of them have worshipped here at one time or another.

The Washington Post is a daily newspaper best known for its role in bringing down the Nixon administration through its investigative reporting on Watergate. It was founded in 1877.