New in D.C.

These long-awaited additions make this a great time for a trip to the Capital.

If you haven't been to D.C. recently, it's time for a return visit. In the past nine months, the city has unveiled two new attractions. A third opens later this month.

With the opening of the new Stephen F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia, visitors can see a greater selection of the Smithsonian's collection of airplanes. Towering 10 stories and spanning the length of three football fields, the building looks like an actual aviation hangar. More than 80 aircraft now occupy the facility, though plans call for a final tally of 200-plus planes and spacecraft. 14390 Air and Space Museum Parkway, Chantilly, VA; (202) 357-2700 or www.nasm.si.edu.

In May, thousands gathered on the National Mall for the official dedication of the National World War II Memorial. Two 43-foot Memorial Pavilions-one representing the Atlantic theater, the other marking the Pacific-grace the north and south ends. A total of 56 stone pillars circle the Rainbow Pool, representing the contributions and sacrifices of each of the states, territories, and the District of Columbia. National Mall, between Constitution and Independence Avenues; 1-800-639-4992 or www.wwii memorial.com.

The National Museum of the American Indian, opening September 21, is a museum closely connected to the earth. The building's curvilinear form evokes a wind-sculpted mesa, and the main theater resembles a forest clearing under a starry night sky. Even the location is symbolic. It sits at Fourth and Independence on the National Mall. This spot represents reconciliation between America's first citizens and those who came from afar to make their home here. National Mall, Fourth Street and Independence Avenue SW.; (202) 633-1000 or www.nmai.si.edu.

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Sep 2004
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