The headquarters of the American diplomatic corps is a forbidding, well-guarded edifice – modernist, monolithic and unfriendly. In stark contrast are the elegant, grand diplomatic reception rooms, where Cabinet members and the Secretary of State entertain visiting potentates amid ornate 18th-century American art and antiques. Tours of the rooms are by reservation only; telephone or go to the website at least 90 days beforehand to request a spot. Bring photo ID to the tour.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. National Academy of Sciences

0.11 MILES

Made up of approximately 2000 members, including almost 200 Nobel Prize winners, these are the folks the government hits up for scientific advice (whether…

2. Albert Einstein Memorial

0.16 MILES

The grounds in front of the National Academy of Sciences feature DC’s most huggable monument: Robert Berks' bronze 1978 statue of Albert Einstein. The…

3. Federal Reserve

0.17 MILES

‘The Fed,’ is the Olympus of the Gods of the American Economy. Housed in a monolithic white building that closely resembles a Soviet ministry, it is…

4. Vietnam Veterans Memorial

0.23 MILES

In a city of classic, white-marble monuments, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial stands out on the National Mall for its stark modernism. Designed by 21-year…

5. Three Servicemen Statue

0.27 MILES

In 1982, opponents of Maya Lin’s Vietnam memorial design insisted that a more traditional sculpture be added to the monument. As a result, sculptor…

6. Vietnam Women's Memorial

0.27 MILES

The tree-ringed Vietnam Women's Memorial, showing female soldiers aiding a fallen combatant, was added to complement the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in 1993.

7. Department of the Interior Museum

0.29 MILES

Responsible for managing the nation’s natural resources, the Department of the Interior operates this small museum to educate the public about its current…

8. Textile Museum

0.29 MILES

This gem is the country’s only textile museum. Galleries spread over two floors hold exquisite fabrics and carpets. Exhibits revolve around a theme – say…