Uncovering Washington DC - Your Secret DC Bucket List

As a tourist, we may only to have a brief glimpse of a city that we barely even know that; to be in a city requires going through the seasons, and looking for changes in the ways that we live.Two years in Washington, DC have passed by so fast. I still vividly remember when I first departed for DC after COVID-19 where one of the first places I went was Georgetown University. For those who have lived in DC for some time, you know there is alot more explore than the museums that line up the National Mall, the cherry blossoms that line tidal basin every year, and the Washington, DC that we know.

The many districts in DC I've known to come and love in DC, including going to Tatte Bakery at Dupont Circle, heading to the nightclubs on 14th street, strolling through Georgetown, and of course walking to Trader Joes in my beloved Noma, where all things I loved to do.

DC is known for its internationally acclaimed museums that showcase the cultural diversity of the rather historically underrepresented groups in history and bringing their stories to the limelight. In this blog, I want to highlight their stories and more in this blog post.

Below are several highlights of places that I believe to be lost from being a tourist in Washington, DC, and that only by living there for a bit of time you can get acquainted.

1. Decatur House

Often overlooked even though it is right beside the White House, the Decatur House was the first private residence in the neighborhood. I would highly recommend the tour on Monday from 1pm-2pm, where the tour guide goes into extensive depth into the history of house. Once purchased by the Decaturs, with a strong naval history, today it is an event venue that can be leased out for private and corporate events. The stories of slavery and emanicipation during the 18th century were particulary interesting to me, as I vividly recounted the story of Charlotte and her family who where documented by historians at the White House Restoration Committee, on how she finally managed to escape slavery. Thanks to Jacqueline Kennedy for being determined to maintain the histoiral vibrancy of the house by no letting industraliation at the time ruin the décor of the house.

2. National Press Club

The National Press Club hosts many events that not only cater to journalists and those working in communications, but also has events that cater to other interests. I went to three significant events at the National Press Club including the book talk: Man of the World, Secretary of the Navy Carlos de Toro, and the National Security Forum. Many presidents are also members of the National Press Club. I really enjoyed the Global Security Forum in March hosted by the University of Oklahoma where I had to opportunity to listen to leading experts and their opinions of the emergence of China and other countries in regards to national security.

3.The Phillips Collection

The Phillips Collection is one of the most underated museums in the DC known for its modern and contemporary art where artists not only express their approaches to art but their viewpoints. In LinLing Lu’s soundwaves, we can see how emotions are represented vividly with structure and harmony, inspired by Etude No.16 on the piano. One of my most paintings is actually not a painting but a series of words and images portraying the movement of over a million African Americans from 1914 and 1930 in the search of a better life. One phrase will always stand out to me.

Near one one of the paintings, it asked “ Which painting makes you sad? Which painting makes you think? The painting below in actuality captures so vividly a moment in time where the emotions are cleary expressed that you feel like you are part of the scene. The power of art allows you feel emotions in vivaciously through others.

I was watching a interview with Oprah recently where she talked about how everytime she walks into her house, there is that painting of a black women clenching on to her her mother’s hand and it is the first thing that looks at when she walks into her house and the last thing she sees before she leaves. I believe that the testament of a painting is the emotion that evokes in you.

One of the paintings in the Migration series said : “They found discrimination in the North. It was a different kind.”

I think why the Migration serious is one of my favorite paintings is because it tells a comprehensive story with few words. It is the paradigm that picture can a thousands words. Contemporary art, along with abstact art is often underscored by artists for its meaning.

4. The Rubell Museum is a relatively new museum in Washington, DC and contains the largest collection of contemporary private art in world. Contemporary art is often underscored as too abstract or vivid in comparison modern art, however the story it tells is unlike no other. One of my favourite paintings was that of a women comparing giving birth to that of monsters, which vividly details the pain that she went through. Another photo below shows the decay of today's society as aquire more wealth.

5. White House Tour

If you have the opportunity, be sure to book the White House tour,where very president except George Washington. Be sure to book your tickets in advance and be prepared to wait up 30 minutes, along with the security checks. The different color rooms serve various purposes, with many rooms welcoming foreign dignatories and hosting receptions. My favourite was the room influenced by the late Jacequine Kennedy and a favourite for first ladies. The White represents the ideals of freedo and democracy, beinning in 1793. James Madison weas the first to move into the White House in 1809, followed by various other presidents and foreign dignatories. I loved the photos on the walls of the White House, including that of Princess Diana and the Queen when the visited, showing the international aspect of the White House. A true symbol of American archeiture, the White House tour is a acclaimed that is worth waiting for.

6. Anacostia Museum

If your looking for unconventional art that showcases the heart of the community, then look no further than the Anacostia Museum, looked in the depths of Anacostia's community in a modest building. Sometimes it is refreshing to see modest paintings by ordinary people in Washington DC; it it endearing to see the endearing nature of the common people. At Anacostia Museum, expect to see paintings and drawings that showcase the lives and emotions of the community and the people who live in it.

Eating Out

The Gantry in Noma is a popular place to eat out, along with the conventional place on 14th street, near the White House and others. Jose Andreas restaurants are a popular chain restaurants in DC with several locations such as Jaleo and others.

On the Outskirts

Glenstone Museum is a private contemporary art museum that is free of charge, however requires driving out of Washington DC to get to the location, which is located in Potomac, Maryland. The museum encompasses several different buildings, along with and outdoor portion where many the natural landscape of the Maryland landscape is shown.

Special Highlights:

Chinese Embassy

I went to the Chinese embassy in Washington, DC for a cultural event and was fascinated by the allure of its rooms and paintings that reflected he distinct style of Chinese culture. The Chinese Embassy put on on a great event hosted in partnership with Things to to DC that included wine, food, performances and cultural content throughout the whole night.

Martin Luther King Jr Library

I would often come here to study after class to study and would often book study rooms on the third floor of the library. This expansive, modern library has 4 floors of study rooms, along with a rooftop study area and a slide. On the 4th floor, there are exhibits of history, most notably Martin Luther King Jr's life, was was featured recently.

Reviews: 5/5

These two years have passed by so fast.It is not enough to understand a city by its bare bones, but to fully understand everything that has made it. Art in its essence, tells the story of DC, very well. From the eye-opening accounts of community visions at Anacostia Museum to viewing the White House, DC provides various accounts of the same narrative. Bye bye Washington, DC, I will miss your for your openness, culture and memories to last a lifetime. XoXo DC !