Newseum, Washington D.C.

The Newseum in Washington, D.C.bills itself as "D.C.'s most interactive museum."  It's probably the newest addition to D.C.'s tourist scene, having opened in April of 2008.  The museum celebrates the 1st Amendment, beginning with the building itself, which enshrines the amendment on the front.  Exhibits throughout highlight struggles over freedom of the press,  from a memorial to reporters killed on the job to a display on free press issues in high schools. It's a huge museum, several stories high with a giant screen visible from each floor displaying the day's news.  It's easily a day long experience for a family.  We started on the first floor, with several viewing rooms for short films.

Section of Berlin Wall

Two centerpiece exhibits are the Berlin Wall and the a broadcasting tower from the 9/11 wreckage.  Behind the Berlin Wall--which is oddly beautiful, and a favorite for photo backgrounds here--a recreation of Checkpoint Charlie reminds visitors of the grim costs of this Cold War relic.

The 9/11 area includes a viewing station with images taken by Bill Biggart, a photographer who was killed in the attack, along with a brief biography and tribute.

 An exhibit on the FBI proves interesting, although it's not quite clear why this is part of a News Museum; certainly the news covered the FBI operations chronicled here, but the connection isn't obvious.  One of the main attractions here is the Unabomber's cabin; other artifacts include mementos from the FBI's fight against the Klan, and other famous operations.

Tabloid headlines

On a lighter note, other exhibits show a sense of humor.  The museum includes a collection of sensationalist tabloid headlines, and clips from news parody shows, starting with Saturday Night Live's "Weekend Update."  Even the bathrooms are fun; tiles on the walls quote from a collection of headline gaffes.

Sports fans will find something here too, as one of the viewing rooms covers great moments in sports broadcast history, and an exhibit of some of the best examples of sports photography, along with notes from the photographers, continues the theme.

Interactive exhibit on milestones in free speech.

Several expansive rooms have interactive alcoves where visitors can create their own news clips--a favorite with school-aged kids.  Huge archival sections provide samples from historical newspapers in wide pull-out drawers.  And the Newseum doesn't shy away from current controversies over the state of news itself.  One display--"Who Controls the News"--looks at the concern raised by media consolidation.  Another discusses the future of newsmedia and journalism on the internet.

View of Capitol from terrace

The terrace on the top floor has become a favorite for family photographs, and for good reason.  Bring a good camera and enlist the help of one of the friendly docents or a fellow tourist and you can get a much better shot of the family with the Capitol building in the background than you will anywhere near the Capitol itself.  You can definitely take care of the holiday card picture with this one.





The Pulitzer Photograph Gallery will seem like a walk through a familiar photo album.  Many of the images here bring a start of recognition--the starving child watched by a vulture,  the shooting at Kent State, the Vietnamese child fleeing after a napalm attack, the Oklahoma firefighter cradling a baby after the bombing, raising the flag at Iwo Jima.   A viewing room in the center shows interviews with some of the photographers whose work is featured.  

Finally, the Newseum has several gift shops.  Mugs seem to be a favorite here, and plenty of t-shirts.  Writing implements are also popular, along with tote bags.  You can find pretty much any quotation about freedom of the press, journalism, or reporters on a shirt, poster, or mug.  You'll definitely find interesting items beyond the usual tourist images of D.C. here.

So, plan on spending a while here--the museum offers a 2-day pass, and that might be a good idea.  Take time to reflect on the images and ideas here.  Stay for lunch at the food court --featuring Wolfgang Puck cuisine.  And get lots of great pictures--the Newseum allows photography throughout the galleries and exhibits.

From the museum website:

Hours of Operation
The Newseum is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.

  

General Admission

Good for admission on two consecutive days. Tickets may also be purchased at the Newseum's ticketing kiosks and admissions desk.

Military and student tickets can only be purchased on site. Valid ID is required.

Family Four Pack (two adults and two youth visitors)
$49.95 plus tax
Family Four Pack tickets are available only at the admissions desk.

Adults (19 to 64)
$21.95 plus tax

Seniors (65+), military and students with valid ID
$17.95 plus tax

Youth (7 to 18)
$12.95 plus tax

Children (6 and younger)
Free

 You may also purchase tickets in advance.