Our tour driver today said the Supreme Court building is the largest all marble building in the world.  Currently it is covered with scaffolding and draped with an image of the building while it undergoes some renovation.  We went inside to see it today.  We were able to view the court chambers and even go inside and sit down while we listened to a short lecture but were not allowed to take any pictures.  Security is very tight here and they didn’t let us linger.

Supreme Court Building

Supreme Court Building

Next door is the Library of Congress building.  We heard it was pretty amazing inside, and for sure, it was.  The outside is amazing too.

Library of Congress

Library of Congress

Library of Congress Reading Room

View of Capitol from Library of Congress

Across the street to the south of the capitol building is The United States Botanic Garden.  This is one of the oldest botanic gardens in North America.  George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison were instrumental in establishing this  here in 1820.

The United States Botanic Garden

Also, on the National Mall, is the National Museum of the American Indian.  This is the 18th of the Smithsonian Institution’s museums, opening to the public in 2004.  Built of Minnesota Kasota Stone!  Four levels of wonderful displays and exhibitions.  It was getting close to closing time so we had to rush through unfortunately.  But we were able to witness a Stomp Dance Demonstration.  Then they have formal closing ceremonies every day.

National Museum of the American Indian

Indian Stomp Dance

We had reservations for a Night Tour of DC, so we walked to Union Station, just a few blocks from the Capitol, and began there.  I love these tours, they’re so very informative.  To bad my night-time photography isn’t better.  We saw so much more than what I’m showing you here, just couldn’t get the shots.

Dr. Martin Luther Kind, Jr. Memorial – OUT OF THE MOUNTAIN OF DESPAIR A STONE OF HOPE

Lincoln Memorial

Iwo Jima Flag Raising

Washington Monument