🇺🇸 Washington DC One-Day Classic Walking Tour (Part 3)

Route Overview: National Gallery of Art → Les Misérables at the Kennedy Center → Washington National Cathedral → Return 📍 First Stop: National Gallery of Art 🕙 Time: 10:00 AM 📜 Background: Established in 1937 through a donation by financier and former Treasury Secretary Andrew Mellon. Though called the “National” Gallery, it’s managed by the U.S. government and houses one of the world’s finest collections of Western art from the Middle Ages to the present. ⭐ Highlights: The museum is divided into two wings: West Building: European and American art from the 13th to early 20th centuries. Leonardo da Vinci: Ginevra de’ Benci (the only publicly displayed Da Vinci painting in North America) 🎨 Van Gogh: Self-Portrait, Green Wheat Fields Vermeer: A Lady Writing, Girl with the Red Hat Plus masterpieces by Rembrandt, Monet, Titian, and more! East Building: Designed by I.M. Pei 🏛️, known for its striking modern triangular architecture. Features modern and contemporary works by Picasso, Matisse, Pollock, Warhol, and others. 📍 Second Stop: The Kennedy Center 🚶 Travel: 20-25 min walk from the Gallery with lovely views along the Potomac River. 🕜 Time: 1:30 PM – Les Misérables Performance 📜 Background: Built in honor of President John F. Kennedy and opened in 1971. ⭐ Highlights: Les Misérables: One of the world’s greatest musicals 🎭 – an epic story of love, sacrifice, and redemption set against the French Revolution. The music and story are unforgettable. Rooftop Terrace: Don’t miss the stunning views over the Potomac and DC skyline before or after the show! 🌆 📍 Third Stop: Washington National Cathedral 📜 Background: Officially the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul. Construction began in 1907 and was completed in 1990. It is the sixth-largest Gothic cathedral in the world and a major spiritual and architectural landmark. ⭐ Highlights: Gothic Architecture: Admire the flying buttresses, vaulted ceilings, and stunning stained glass windows. Space Window: Famous stained-glass window containing a moon rock! 🌙 Gardens & Grounds: Peaceful and beautifully maintained – perfect for reflection. 👤 Tips: Wear comfortable shoes – you’ll be walking and standing a lot. Book Kennedy Center tickets in advance. The Cathedral offers guided tours – highly recommended if time allows. #WashingtonDC #NationalGalleryOfArt #KennedyCenter #LesMisérables #NationalCathedral #TravelUSA #MuseumLover #ArtAndHistory