Its symbol is the red sandstone Castle, which functions as a visitor’s information center
§ The National Gallery of Art functions as an independent institution and includes one of the finest Italian works in the world (Tizian, da Vinci)
§ The Corcoran Gallery is the capital’s oldest gallery opened in 1874
§ National Archives hold the nation’s documentary treasures such as Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights and a 1297 version of England’s Magna Charta

Theaters:
§ Among many other theaters the most notable is John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
§ The National Theater focuses on plays and musicals
§ In Ford’s Theater was President Lincoln shot by the actor J. W. Booth in 1865

Universities:
§ Two oldest and best reputed universities are Georgetown University (1789) and George Washington University (1821)

Environs:
§ Mount Vernon was George Washington’s private mansion and lies 16 miles down the Potomac. The house and furnishing are authentic to Washington’s final years. He and his wife are buried here.