Dupont Circle District, Washington

This Phillips Collection museum features some of the approximately 2000 pieces of 19th and 20th century artworks collected by its founder, Duncan Phillips.The museum has a permanent collection of internationally known paintings and holds special temporary exhibitions. Some examples of the artists found here include Cezanne, Rothko, El Greco, and Matisse.The collection is housed in the 1897 former residence of the Phillips family. The first two floors of the building contain the permanent collection while special exhibitions take place on the third floor.Phillips was an unusual collector and aficionado of modern art because he emphasized the link between modernity and the past. He would hang paintings from two different time periods together to show how the past influences the present.

Rock Creek park is a 1,754-acre natural area with picnic areas, a golf course, foot paths, athletic fields, tennis courts, riding stables and a bridal path. It is also the location of the Kahil Gibran memorial Garden, the Pierce Mill, the Rock Creek Gallery, the Rock Creek Nature Centre and the remains of Fort De Russy. As well, the Carter Barron Amphitheater host seasonal outdoor concerts and events.The National Register Historic District and Rock Creek Church are near the park.

The Jefferson Hotel is a 1923 Beaux-Arts luxury hotel with 100 rooms and suites. Each rooms in uniquely decorated with fine antiques, art and historical artifacts, including some original documents signed by Thomas Jefferson himself. Some rooms have 18th century canopied beds. During the war, the hotel was used as military barracks. It was restored to its present state in 1986.

St Matthew's Cathedral was established in 1840 as a church at 15th and H Streets, NW. The present church was built between 1893 and 1895 at 1725 Rhode Island Avenue, NW, it was designated a cathedral in 1939. Pope John Paul II celebrated Mass at the Cathedral of Saint Matthew in 1979 and it was also the site of John F. Kennedy's funeral Mass in 1963.

The home and garden of Christian Heurich was built in 1894. It now serves as the headquarters of the Historical Society of Washington. The house contains period furnishings and there is a research library with numerous books on the history of the city.

The headquarters of the National Geographic Society contains the Explorers Hall with interactive exhibits and "Earth Station One," a 72-seat amphitheater that simulates an orbital flight. The ground floor exhibits feature many of the research and exploration expeditions which the Society has sponsored over the years.

The Textile Museum began with a collection of 275 rugs and 60 related textiles donated by George Hewitt Myers. The collection of textile arts encompasses Africa, Asia and Latin America. The oldest pieces date back to 3000 BC. The museum is housed in the home of its main patron and features large gardens on the property.

ATTRACTION HAS MOVED TO MIAMI, FL.The US Chess Hall of Fame and Museum opened in 1992 to teach chess to children, especially those in the inner city. Photographs and trophies trace the history of chess in the U.S. and documents the accomplishments of American players.

The B'nai B'rith Klutznick National Jewish Museum features a permanent collection of Judaica or Jewish ceremonial objects and fine art. There are also exhibits on sports and culture.