The Great Tours: Washington DC

David Rubenstein is the chair of the Smithsonian Board of Regents and the Chairman of the Kennedy Center. He also is an amazing philanthropist, having given millions of millions of dollars to various causes.

Jose Andres has brought a whole new concept of food and cooking to Washington, DC, and is using food to change the world. Hear how his travels influenced his culinary styles, which, in turn, influenced the way DC views food.

Brandie Smith, the associate director for Animal Care Sciences at the National Zoo, discusses one of the most popular attractions: the pandas. Hear some adorable stories of these lovable and unique residents: how the Zoo came to have pandas, how they are taken care of, what their personalities are like, how they play, and so much more.

The head stone mason at the National Cathedral, Joseph Alonso, provides first-hand insights into this iconic cathedral. He shares a perspective on the history, creation, architecture, and design that you won't get anywhere else—including getting up close and personal with the unique gargoyles and sharing how the mid-Atlantic earthquake of 2011 affected the structure.

One of the most talented cellists and musicians in the world, Yo-Yo Ma, discusses what it's like to perform in the nation's capital and why art and culture is such an imperative part of DC. Hear his perspective on the Kennedy Center as the nation's platform for performing arts and how his own history is intertwined with this iconic institution.

Ellen Miles, Curator Emerita at the National Portrait Gallery for the last 39 years, provides a deep dive into the history of one of the most recognizable paintings in America: the Lansdowne portrait of George Washington by Gilbert Stuart. She'll also take you through highlights of the Gallery, including a special guest portrait that brought lines of visitors to the museum.

Founding director of Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture Lonnie Bunch III shares the challenges he faced in getting the museum from its planning stages to its fruition as a completed structure. Plus, he provides fascinating insights into what the unique and symbolic design choices for the museum building represent.

Follow General Colin Powell's path through his years of military service to eventually becoming the number-one person in the United States Armed Forces: the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. During his interview, you'll get an insider's perspective of what it's like to work in the Pentagon and insights into the monuments and museums in DC that mean the most to General Powell.

Finally, learn about the treasures within the National Archives, including original copies of America's founding documents, historic murals, and the poignant "Records of Rights" exhibit. Revisit the history of DC, and consider city plans that were never realized, "disappeared" Washington, and proposals for the city's future.

DC contains an array of beautiful green spaces. Among many, discover the story and the amenities of historic Rock Creek Park, and the riverfront walks and outdoor activities along the Potomac Heritage Trail.

Sports have a longstanding place in the history and culture of DC. Track the backstory of baseball, football, and basketball teams in Washington, and learn where to watch and play these highly popular sports now.

Investigate the history of DC's riverfronts on the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers, and the outstanding revitalization programs now underway. Stop at Kingman and Heritage Island Park, and Anacostia Park, featuring trails, boat tours, and wildlife watching.

Washington offers an astonishing wealth of dining experiences, from historic to contemporary. First discover two of DC's longstanding food traditions: seafood and soul food.

Trace the history and mission of the Smithsonian National Zoological Park. Learn about the National Zoo's remarkable exhibits of zoological rarities, from the clouded leopard to the giant panda.

Take account of the plethora of religious institutions in Washington and consider the role of faith in the city's history. Stop first at St.

Washington's private homes provide a fascinating window into the city's history. Begin at the pre-Revolutionary colonial building of the Old Stone House, which shows how early DC citizens lived.

DC's Northwest Quadrant is home to some of the city's oldest and most historic neighborhoods. Take in the beautiful architecture of Embassy Row, and that of two magnificent nearby mansions.

Within Washington's hotbed of live entertainment, visit the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, with its multiple performance spaces.

Delve into the history of political scandals in Washington, and how the nation has come to terms with them. Learn first about the 19th-century Burr Conspiracy, focusing on former Vice President Aaron Burr.

In a panoramic overview of the Smithsonian Institution, begin at the National Museum of American History and its collection of historical treasures. Continue with the National Museum of Natural History, the National Museum of the American Indian, and the phenomenal collections of the National Air and Space Museum.

Study the background of the extraordinary United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and the movement to memorialize these events through a museum and education center. Observe how the museum poignantly evokes pre-war Jewish experience, the horror of the Holocaust, and its aftermath and legacy, through images, personal objects, and oral histories.

Witness the impact on Washington of the civil rights movement, beginning with the life and work of Frederick Douglass, and the national historic site of his home. As the focus of the episode, take an in-depth tour of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, its major galleries, and 36,000 artifacts that tell the nation's story through the lens of the black experience.

This episode considers how the Civil War and the Lincoln presidency transformed the city. Among key sites of the era, explore the historic Willard Hotel and its dramatic connection with Lincoln; the Clara Barton National Historic Site; and President Lincoln's Cottage, the "summer White House.

At the home and estate of George Washington, trace Washington's early life, and his inheritance and expansion of the plantation now known as Mount Vernon. Tour the estate, highlighting the impressive interior features of the mansion, a major focal point of social and political life in Virginia.

Grasp the historic connections between Arlington National Cemetery and the American Civil War. At the Cemetery, begin by visiting some of the gravesites of famous citizens, and the former mansion of Robert E.

At the first of three iconic war memorials, learn the poignant story behind the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, and how this once controversial monument is now considered a masterpiece. From there, take account of the artistically conceived Korean War Veterans Memorial, and finally the World War II Memorial, and its moving tribute to the "Greatest Generation.

Look into the origins and functions of the State Department, and visit the United States Diplomacy Center, as well as the stellar Diplomatic Reception Rooms. Continue with the Treasury Department's Federal Reserve buildings, the beautiful Treasury Building, and the operations of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing.

Visit the stunning premises of the world's largest library, starting with the story of the library's creation in the 18th century. Begin your tour with the monumental Jefferson Building, with its glorious Beaux Arts decor, followed by the remarkable facilities of the Adams and Madison buildings.

Study the founding and history of the Supreme Court, from its early era as an itinerant legal body to the completion of the Court building in 1935 under William Howard Taft. Tour this extraordinary structure, its interior features, court facilities, and artistic decoration.

At the seat of the US legislature, learn how the Capitol building was designed, constructed, and expanded in the early years of the nation. Tour the architectural and artistic wonders of the building, from the Capitol Rotunda to the Statuary Hall, Brumidi Corridors, Hall of Columns, and other key features.

Track the history and the dramatic fortunes of the White House, from its building, expansion, burning, reconstruction, and further expansions down to the present. Then visit the White House, beginning with the Oval Office and Cabinet Room and following the route of a White House tour.

To begin your journey to this world-class city, uncover the origins of the District of Columbia and how the location for our national government was chosen. Learn about the original design and vision for the city by artist/engineer Pierre Charles L'Enfant.