RSS
Home
The Newseum is the place to be for Obama's Inauguration Day
Print
Email
RSS
Subscribe
UPDATE-- I have just been told by Newseum staff that the 6th floor balcony will be off-limits to visitors on Inauguration Day. It is going to be used by pre-approved press. The 2nd floor balcony is off-limits as usual. The Newseum still offers great views, and heat, so I still recommend the museum as the best place to watch the inauguration. Something tells me they might have a TV or two turned on as well.
Original story is below----
The Newseum is one of my favorite museums in the District and I am interested to see that it is open for Inauguration Day. I am a Press Pass member, which costs $75 a year, so I get to go to the museum for free all year long. Inauguration Day will be a little different though. The Newseum's web site says it is the only museum front the inaugural parade route. The views from the Newseum's balcony are worth the $20 admission alone. Getting to stand up there watching the parade could be a memorable experience to last a lifetime. That is of course if you already bought tickets or are a member.
All advance tickets are sold out and Press Pass members may enter for free, as long as there is space. A separate line will be made available to members, but the expectation is that line will be extremely long. All members will need their photo ID membership cards, and anyone wanting to buy one will need to get it before the inauguration. All other pertinent information about visiting the Newseum is below.
A word to the wise though, you might as well just buy a Press Pass membership if you want to watch the inaugural parade way up in the clouds, away from the maddening crowds (to steal a line from Dean Martin). The museum is absolutely stunning and an example for how future museums should be built and organized. On any day besides Jan. 20, you can walk freely through exhibits and corridors because the museum is never overcrowded. Perhaps this is because museum admission comes with a price, regardless though, it is soothing to visit a museum in D.C. and not be overrun by school groups or get pushed along by throngs of tourists. So far the Newseum seems to be the best bet for Inauguration Day and you just might see me there.
According to the Newseum, "On Inauguration Day, visitors will get to see broadcasts of President-elect Barack Obama’s swearing-in ceremony and the inaugural parade on the Newseum’s 40-foot-by-22-foot high-definition media screen and in the Robert H. and Clarice Smith Big Screen Theater, where news can be viewed on a unique 100-foot-long video wall."
"The Newseum also will feature presidential inaugural exhibits, including an exhibit of historic front pages announcing Obama’s election as the nation’s first black president and a video review of famous inaugural speeches from past U.S. presidents. Also on display will be 'First Dogs: American Presidents and Their Pets,' a photo exhibit that takes a playful look at the history of canine companions in the White House. (This exhibit is supported by a gift to the Newseum from PEDIGREE, a brand of Mars, Inc.)"
In addition, please note:
- Due to security restrictions, visitors should enter through the doors on C Street.
- The Newseum's outdoor terraces will be closed to the public.
- Guest tickets will not be available. The Newseum is sold out of advance tickets for that day
- Lawn chairs and other large objects will not be permitted.
- The Newseum’s large glass windows offer a sweeping view of the festivities on Pennsylvania Avenue, but window space is standing-room only and is limited.
- Food and beverages will be available for purchase at designated stations in the Newseum. No outside food, gum or beverages are permitted. No food or drink is allowed inside the exhibit areas.
- The special member entrance has six steps up and six down. Members who need different accommodations should contact Erica Hulsman at ehulsman@newseum.org by Jan. 12.
Additional information will be e-mailed to members as it is available, and please visit newseum.org for further details about Inauguration Day.
Special Report: Inauguration Day 2009Related Articles:
Comments
.jpg)
