Cultural Highlights
Delegation on Business in the United States
Washington, D.C.
Philadelphia
New York City
Los Angeles Optional Extension
Washington, D.C.
Cultural Excursions included in the Program:
The Korean War Veterans Memorial honors those Americans who served in the Korean War (1950-1953). The memorial features nineteen stainless-steel statues, depicting servicemen from each branch of the U.S. military to symbolize the experience of American ground troops in Korea. Nearby is a Pool of Remembrance, providing a quiet place for reflection upon this moving memorial’s theme: Freedom Is Not Free.
A moving tribute to those lives lost during the Vietnam War, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial honors the sacrifice of the thousands of men and women who served the United States. Visitors can gaze upon the names of over 58,000 U.S. veterans etched into the memorial’s black granite wall. Designed by then-college student Maya Lin, the memorial’s power comes from its ability to convey so much history and emotion through its minimalist design. Visitors often leave items of remembrance at the wall to honor those fallen veterans who gave their lives in Vietnam.
The Lincoln Memorial pays tribute to the United States’ 16th president, Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln is known as “The Great Emancipator” for his role in ending slavery in America, as well as for uniting a nation divided by civil war. He was assassinated in 1865, and his memorial was opened in 1922. Designed to resemble an ancient Greek temple, its centerpiece is a 19-foot-high statue of Lincoln. The surrounding walls feature carved inscriptions of some Lincoln’s most famous speeches, including the Gettysburg Address. The Lincoln Memorial has been the site of many historical events, including Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech in 1963.
The Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial pays tribute to the 32nd President of the United States who served a record four terms during a tumultuous period of world war and economic hardship. He gave hope to Americans with his immortal words, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” The FDR Memorial is separated into four outdoor “rooms”—each representing one term of Roosevelt’s presidency.
The Thomas Jefferson Memorial remembers one of America’s greatest historical figures, the third U.S. president and a Founding Father of the nation. The memorial’s design is based on that of the Pantheon in Rome. Below the majestic dome, a 19-foot-tall bronze statue of Jefferson keeps watch over the Tidal Basin, surrounded by engraved excerpts from his famous written works, most notably The Declaration of Independence. The Jefferson Memorial is an inspiring symbol of liberty and freedom, a must-see for any visitor to Washington, D.C.
The United States Capitol houses the two bodies that make up the Legislative Branch of the U.S. government, the House of Representatives and the Senate. Congress first met in the Capitol in 1800. Famous for its imposing dome, the U.S. Capitol is also an art and history museum unto itself, featuring beautiful paintings, frescoes, statuary and sculptures throughout.
Cultural Excursions for Independent Exploration during free time:
Opened in 1910, the Smithsonian Institution’s Museum of Natural History contains over 126 million natural science specimens and cultural artifacts. In the museum’s rotunda, visitors are greeted by an eight-ton, 13-foot-tall African bush elephant, and beyond, 18 exhibition halls hold countless wonders of the natural world to educate and inspire. Dinosaur Hall features the fossilized bones of a fearsome 40-foot-long Tyrannosaurus Rex. A visitor can discover creatures of land, air and sea and view the magnificent Hope Diamond.
The National Air and Space Museum houses the world’s largest collection of historic air and spacecraft. The museum was established on the National Mall as part of the Smithsonian Institution in 1976. A few of the historic artifacts on display include the 1903 Wright Flyer (the first successful airplane), the Spirit of St. Louis (the first plane to make a nonstop solo transatlantic flight), and the Apollo 11 Command Module “Columbia” (the spacecraft that carried the first men to land on the moon).
The National Gallery of Art was first established in 1937, with a second building added in 1978. Over 90 galleries house works of art by such world-renowned names as Leonardo da Vinci, Claude Monet, Vincent Van Gogh, Pablo Picasso and Jackson Pollack.
The National Museum of American History is an experience not to be missed. A history buff’s dream, the museum has more than three million artifacts in its collection. Some of the most popular objects on display include: the original Star-Spangled Banner, an 1898 Red Cross ambulance, and Dorothy’s ruby slippers from the film The Wizard of Oz.
The National Museum of the American Indian is the Smithsonian Institution’s newest addition, dedicated to the nation’s oldest Native cultures.
Georgetown began as a Maryland tobacco port on the banks of the Potomac River in 1751, and became a part of Washington, D.C. upon the capital’s founding forty years later. One of D.C.’s trendiest neighborhoods, Georgetown is home to hip boutiques, historic row houses, exotic eateries, and of course, Georgetown University.
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Philadelphia
Cultural Excursions for Independent Exploration during free time:
En route to New York City, the Program will stop in Philadelphia for a short break. During this time, scholars can take a walking tour through Philadelphia’s Historic District. Known as the birthplace of the nation, this area includes Independence Hall, where The Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776. Other key sites include the iconic Liberty Bell and the National Constitution Center.
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New York City
Cultural Excursions included in the Program:
Scholars will gather for a picnic lunch in New York’s Central Park, a lush green oasis in the middle of the bustling island of Manhattan. Enjoy the picturesque trees, flowers, water and landscaping of this popular urban gathering spot, the first public park in America. Famous sites in the park include Strawberry Fields, Tavern on the Green, the Central Park Zoo, and Bethesda Fountain.
While in New York, scholars will take in a spectacular show on Broadway. Broadway, also known as “The Great White Way,” holds a hallowed place in the history of American theatre. There are currently over 30 Broadway theatres operating in Manhattan’s Theatre District, the largest concentration of professional theatres in the country. Whether a feel-good musical or a dramatic play, a Broadway show is always an unforgettable experience.
Ellis Island, located in New York Harbor, marks the entry point of over 12 million immigrants to America between 1892 and 1954. In 1990, the building was restored as a national immigration museum. Situated nearby, on a 12-acre island, the Statue of Liberty stands as an enduring symbol of freedom. Lady Liberty was a gift from the people of France in 1886, and has since stood as a universal icon, welcoming travelers to American shores.
Get ready to shop till you drop on New York’s famed 5th Avenue. A shopaholic’s dream, this stretch of the city includes New York institution Bergdorf Goodman, as well as Gucci, Prada, Louis Vuitton, Versace, and of course, Saks Fifth Avenue. Perfect for big spenders and window shoppers alike, Fifth Avenue has something for everyone!
The Empire State Building is the tallest building in New York City, and a landmark piece of the New York skyline. The building has 102 floors, and features two public observatories, each offering stunning views of the city. On clear days, it is possible to see into four neighboring states!
Cultural Excursions for Independent Exploration during free time:
The sprawling and majestic Metropolitan Museum of Art houses over two million works of art spanning 5,000 years, from antiquity to modern times. In addition to its impressive collections of American and European art, the Met’s galleries include collections of Greek and Roman art, Islamic art, and works from ancient Egypt, Asia and Africa. This is a must-see for scholars who are artists themselves, or who simply appreciate the beauty and history of fine art.
Take a walk on the wild side at the Central Park Zoo! Housed on five acres within the park, the zoo is home to over 130 different species of animals. The zoo is divided into a variety of habitats to represent the natural environments of the animals they house. Meet polar bears, seals and penguins in The Polar Circle, tropical birds and reptiles in the Rain Forest, and monkeys, red pandas and snow leopards in The Temperate Territory.
The American Museum of Natural History was first established in 1869, and today holds 32 million specimens and artifacts. Visitors can trace the evolution of man, get up close and personal with dinosaurs, and discover diverse and fascinating cultures from all over the world. The museum is renowned for its dioramas that realistically depict animals in their natural habitats. To view these iconic displays is to take a journey across continents, from the desert plains to the rain forest to the arctic tundra.
The Guggenheim Museum, designed by famed American architect Frank Lloyd Wright, is an artistic achievement in itself. Step inside to view works of art from the mid-19th century to the present, including paintings by modern masters Joan Miro, Piet Mondrian and Vasily Kandinsky.
Times Square has become an iconic symbol of New York City and is sometimes called “The Crossroads of the World.” Surrounded by towering skyscrapers, gigantic billboards and neon lights, Times Square is an experience like no other! Times Square is perhaps most famous for its annual New Year’s Eve celebration, which draws millions of spectators to the heart of midtown Manhattan.
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Los Angeles – Optional Extension
Cultural Excursions included in the Program:
Take a stroll down the Hollywood Walk of Fame, “the world’s most famous sidewalk.” Lining both sides of Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street, the Walk of Fame features over 2,000 bronze stars honoring celebrities in the genres of film, television, music, broadcasting and live theatre.
Grauman’s Chinese Theatre has been a part of the Hollywood tradition for over 75 years. The theatre’s ornate design makes it a standout in a town known for its glitz and glamour. Many Hollywood movie premieres are held there every year, with the public gathering to catch a glimpse of celebrities walking the red carpet.
The Kodak Theatre has been the permanent home of the Academy Awards since 2001. Some of Hollywood’s largest productions are staged at the Kodak, including the American Idol finals, the Daytime Emmys and the BET Awards.
Santa Monica Pier is a hub of entertainment, shopping and dining. Visit Pacific Park, the pier’s full-scale amusement park, or take a leisurely spin on the historic 1922 Carousel. Take in fantastic views of the Southern California coastline and the Pacific Ocean, enjoying the pier’s many artists and performers along the way.
Rodeo Drive is known for its posh clientele and high-end designer shops, including Dolce & Gabbana, Chanel, Dior and Armani.
The movies come alive at Universal Studios Hollywood. Heart-pounding thrill rides like Revenge of the Mummy and Jurassic Park are just the beginning. The world-famous studio tour gives visitors exclusive, behind-the-scenes access to the exciting Universal Studios back lot, where you can get a sneak peak at how your favorite films and TV shows are made. View actual movie sets, learn about special effects, and experience firsthand Hollywood moviemaking magic!
Cultural Excursions for Independent Exploration during free time:
With a picture perfect view towards Los Angeles and the Pacific Ocean, the J. Paul Getty Museum at the Getty Center in Santa Monica houses one of America’s most famous private art collections. Built in all Italian travertine marble, the Getty Center is stunning in design and art. Here you can find pieces from the great masters, including van Gogh's Irises.
Spending some free time in the Melrose District will satisfy the interests of those who want something away from the mainstream, as people enjoy its many cafes, restaurants and shops.
Sometimes called the ‘birthplace of Los Angeles’ Olvera Street is a living glimpse into the past and the tremendous influence of Mexican cuisine, crafts and people. Pottery, serapes and piñatas are just some of the crafts found at the various vendor stalls that are part of Olvera Street.
Located in the middle of Los Angeles, the La Brea Tar Pits is a pool of hot tar that has been bubbling from the earth for more than 40,000 years. Nearly 400 species of mammals, birds, amphibians and fish, many extinct, have made the unfortunate discovery of the tar pits.
Street performers, musicians and musclemen are just some of the ‘entertainment’ at Venice Beach. Walk along the beach and around this unique California tableau and spend time browsing the cafés and numerous eclectic shops.
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