As a political epicenter, Washington DC is a major national and international crossroads, attracting visitors from all corners of the Earth and being featured in the global news on a daily basis. But beyond the glamour and glare of high-profile politics, it is a city on par with some of the greatest in the world, brimming over with remarkable history and culture, and offering a multitude of unforgettable sights and experiences.
Throughout this intriguing city, you’ll find some of the world’s most beautiful and extraordinary national monuments—of which the iconic Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial are only the beginning. You’ll also find some of the world’s finest museums of history, science, and art, from the phenomenal Smithsonian museums to the National Gallery of Art, Dumbarton Oaks Research Library and Collection, and more. You will experience masterpieces of civic architecture such as the National Mall and the Library of Congress, as well as monumental government facilities, from the U.S. Capitol to the State and Treasury Departments. Along the way, you will also encounter beautifully landscaped parks and gardens; a wealth of extraordinary historic homes; a rich and varied performing arts, entertainment, and culinary scene; and innumerable lesser-known focal points to surprise and delight.
Now, in The Great Tours: Washington DC, The Great Courses partners once again with the Smithsonian, the nation’s premier repository of U.S. history and world culture, to bring you a deep and multi-faceted look at this amazing city.