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Department of the Interior Review

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Department of the Interior

Address: C and E Sts. between 18th and 19th Sts. NW, White House area, Washington, DC | Map It
Phone: 202/208-4743
www.doi.gov

Category: Government Buildings
Location: White House area

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Fodor's Review:

The outside of the building is somewhat plain, but inside there's art that reflects the department's work. Along the hallways are heroic oil paintings of dam construction, gold panning, and cattle drives. A guided tour takes you past many of the 50 murals throughout the building. Reservations for the tour are required at least two weeks in advance. The Department of the Interior Museum documents the history of the department, a huge agency dubbed "the Mother of Departments" because from it spawned the departments of agriculture, labor, education, and energy. Today the Department of the Interior oversees most federally owned land and natural resources. Exhibits in the museum outline the work of the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Geological Survey, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the National Park Service, and other department branches. The museum retains a New Deal-era flavor that carries through to its meticulously created dioramas of historic events and American locales. Depending on your tastes, this makes the place either quaint or outdated. The Indian Craft Shop across the hall from the museum sells Native American pottery, dolls, carvings, jewelry, baskets, and books.

Cost: Free
Open: Weekdays 8:30-4:30
Metro: Farragut W

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