In honor of Ronald Reagan’s 98th birthday (February 6, 2009), a pair of “heroic size” bronze medallions was installed in the Atrium of the building by the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation. Weighing approximately 1,650 pounds and measuring 72’’ in diameter, each medallion was carved from Indiana limestone and topped with bronze. One medallion features a bronze bas-relief of President Reagan and the second medallion contains a bronze-lettered quotation by President Reagan: “There are no limits to growth and human progress when men and women are free to follow their dreams.”

Located at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, the congressionally-authorized memorial bas relief of former President Woodrow Wilson (by artist Leonard Baskin) overlooks the Woodrow Wilson Plaza.

The cherry blossom trees in Washington, DC are a beautiful symbol of the ever-growing friendship between Japan and the U.S. In celebration of this enduring bond and as tribute to Japan’s original gift of the trees in 1912, the Embassy of Japan invited the local DMV community to take part in #FriendshipTakesFlight, an art installation created by the partnership of our two nations.

The Embassy of Japan hosted interactive origami-folding events, bringing people together to learn the art of origami. Built from a small square sheet of paper and a few complex and thoughtful folds, participants were able to create beautiful origami cranes as illustrated in this tutorial.

By engaging in paper-folding sessions held across several events in the DC area, individuals were able to contribute their very own creation to a collaborative, living sculpture. This dynamic installation now hangs as a symbol of the evolution of friendship between Japan and the U.S.

Created by artist Stephen Robin, Federal Triangle Flowers are comprised of two parts – a single stem rose and a lily. The cast-aluminum flowers are located between historic Ariel Rios Building and the Reagan building, installed on limestone pedestals on either side of the plaza’s circular opening. Serving as a transition between the older buildings of Federal Triangle and our more contemporary building, each flower is approximately 10 feet high, 14 feet long and seven feet wide.

Discover a new world of dreams at National Children’s Museum, now open in downtown DC! Combining science center content with a children’s museum experience, our hands-on space inspires young innovators under 12 to explore science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (or STEAM) through engaging exhibits and programs. Advanced tickets are required.

For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.

The Oscar Straus Memorial Fountain, dedicated in 1947 as a tribute to the diplomat and Secretary of Commerce and Labor, has been restored and returned to its original location at the 14th Street entrance of the building.

The memorial is comprised of a low, three-tiered fountain and two bronze sculptures to the right and left of the fountain each set on granite pedestals. The fountain is flanked on one side by a reclining female figure, representing Justice, dressed in classical robes with her hands held in prayer. On the other side is a partially draped male figure, depicting Reason, with a child next to him who holds a purse, key and hammer, symbolizing capital and labor. The two figures represent the opportunity and religious freedom that Oscar Straus found in the United States and celebrates what he returned in service to his adopted country.

A gift from the Embassy of Latvia, the painting by Latvian artists Aleksejs Naumovs and Kristaps Zarins is now on permanent display on the Ground Level by the 14th Street entrance.

The painting is of the 14th Street façade of the building. It was created with both artists sharing one canvas, each illustrating the building from his own perspective, creating a vibrant composition that highlights the brilliant Indiana limestone exterior and the dynamic activity of the surroundings.

Located in the southeast corner of our building, the Woodrow Wilson Center is the official memorial to our nation’s 28th president. A “living memorial,” the Center is a gathering place for some of the best and brightest scholars and experts from around the world. While serving as a place for concourse, it is also home to the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Memorial Exhibit, housing photographs, memorabilia and other historical information. The exhibit is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Located on the Ground Level of the building, no appointment is needed and admission is free.