Monumental Washington: From the Commerce Building to Jefferson Pier Marker

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Monumental Washington: From the Commerce Building to Jefferson Pier Marker

(10 reviews)
Washington, D.C. audio tour: Monumental Washington: From the Commerce Building to Jefferson Pier Marker
This is a 0.6mi walking tour
It takes an average of 35 mins to complete.
Washington, D.C.
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$5.99
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About the Tour

“In great cities,” writes Daniel Libeskind, “the great buildings tell you things you don’t know and remember things which you’ve forgotten.” Learn what Washington’s monumental buildings and sculptures are saying on this walking tour from the White House Visitor Center to the Jefferson Pier Marker. Hear from a local art teacher who’ll shed light on the history and meaning behind the Washington Monument and other imposing structures you’ll see along the way.

Highlights on this tour include seeing:

  • A government office designed like an Egyptian temple
  • Sculptures of virtuous gods that were meant to model proper behavior
  • Grand neoclassical buildings that were once brothels
  • A hidden pier designed to serve as the world’s Prime Meridian

This tour also takes you through the National Mall to see the Ellipse Park and the German-American Friendship Garden. Allow about 35 minutes.

Categories
Politics Architecture Maritime Heritage Colonial History

Tour Producer

avatar

Olivier Ballou

2 tours

Originally from Canada, I've lived in Washington, DC for nearly a decade.

Preview Location

Location 1

White House Visitors Center

Narrator 1:
Welcome to this tour of “Monumental Washington”.
Before we get walking, let me briefly explain how VoiceMap works.
It uses your location to play audio automatically, at the right time and place. This means that you can put your phone away now. Don't worry if I'... Read More
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Major Landmarks

  • Washington Monument

  • Boy Scout Memorial

  • Commerce Building

  • Federal Triangle

  • Jefferson Pier Marker

Getting There

Route Overview

VoiceMap tours follow a route from a set starting point. It’s how we give turn-by-turn directions and tell a story greater than the sum of its parts.
  1. Start location
    Herbert C. Hoover Building, 1450 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20004, USA
  2. Total distance
    988m
  3. Final location
    17th St NW, Washington, DC 20004, USA
  4. Distance back to start location
    705.09m

Directions to Starting Point

Start outside the White House Visitors Center, 1450 Pennsylvania Ave NW.

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Tips

Places to stop along the way

At the end of the tour, you can visit the Lincoln Memorial nearby.

Best time of day

The White House Visitors center is open Wednesday-Saturday from 11am-4pm. However, you can complete the tour without going inside.

Precautions

The area is safe but always be street-smart. Take care when crossing roads.

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“Great app. walk around at your own pace, stop where you want, move on or speed up when you want. Read the script before you go or during the commentary, speed it up or replay it. Repeat the tour whenever you like.”
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Questions and Reviews

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