Even if your knowledge of German is limited to “Ja” and “Nein,” it’s easy to indulge your curiosity about all things German, tracing the roots and influence of Germans, past and present, in Washington. Kathleen Bashian, a certified master guide, leads a tour that celebrates the heritage and cultural influence of Germany as reflected throughout Washington.
Highlights include a visit to the German American Heritage Museum to explore the cultural legacy of German Americans in the city; an inside look at St. Mary Mother of God Catholic Church, a parish founded by and for 19th-century German immigrants; and a specially arranged tour of the National Gallery of Art's special exhibition "The Anxious Eye: German Expressionism and Its Legacy."
Begin the day with a stop at a hidden symbol of diplomacy on the National Mall: the German-American Friendship Garden, which was built to commemorate 300 years of German immigration to America and was restored in 2022. A visit to Prospect Hill Cemetery highlights the contributions German immigrants made to the growth of Washington as skilled craftsmen; it is the resting place of the architect of the Capitol dome, August Schoenborn. Lunchtime brings on traditional German fare at Old Europe, in business since 1948, with a special performance from members of The Washington Saengerbund choral group. A driving tour featuring statues, monuments, and buildings significant to German-American culture rounds out the day.
Know Before You Go
General Information
- Registration for this tour will end by 2 p.m. ET on Wednesday, April 17, 2024.
- Smithsonian Associates is a mask-friendly environment. Please feel free to bring and wear a mask at any time during a tour, both for your safety or the safety of others.
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