• Date: January 25, 2012
• Author: Ellen Small Billard
• 17 Comments

Photojournalist Don Bartletti's 2003 Pulitzer Prize-winning photograph, Chiapas Racers, displayed in the Newseum

How would you like to see the Berlin Wall, a guard tower located next to Checkpoint Charlie, a thank-you letter written by Saddam Hussein, four decades of Pulitzer Prize-winning photographs, an antenna damaged in the September 11th attacks on the World Trade Center, and newspapers headlining the sinking of the Titanic in 1912?

What if I told you that not only could you see them, but you could see them all in the same building?

You’ll see all this and more when you visit Washington, D.C.’s Newseum, a seven-level museum dedicated to telling the story of the news over the past five centuries. Interactive and informative exhibits chronicle the evolution of the media and highlight its role in reporting and recording history. This impressive collection of artifacts, articles, and archives is a living tribute to America’s First Amendment (that guaranteeing the right to freedom of speech, press, and religion, among others).

The only problem with this museum is there is so much to see and it’s all worth seeing! So, we’ve compiled this mini-guide to help you spend your time at the Newseum wisely.

How much time should I plan to spend there?
The Newseum offers a pamphlet that suggests a timed itinerary for seeing the entire museum. It has you spending 15 minutes here, 10 minutes there, and so on. I followed this 2-hour itinerary pretty closely, and I just felt too rushed. There were places where I just wanted to read every plaque. Other exhibits, I was content to breeze through. You just don’t know what will grab you, so you should allow for extra time. I suggest 3 hours. There is a cafe where you can refuel if you find yourself waning during such a long time at one museum.

Visitors to the Newseum can view eight original slabs from the Berlin Wall. This side shows the West German side; the other side -- the East German side -- is blank.

Where should I start?
Start on the Lower Level. You’ll be ushered into a screening room to view a 5-10 minute film on the Newseum to help you get oriented. After that, you’ll step out right into the Berlin Wall exhibit, which was absolutely my favorite part of the entire museum. From there, just work your way up to the top, and eventually, out onto the balcony!

What should I see?
You should stop by every exhibit, if possible. That’s not usually a recommendation I make for museums. But, if you’re crunched for time (as we usually are!), make sure you at least see …

Berlin Wall Gallery (Level C - Lower Level)

The exhibit displays eight original concrete slabs from the Berlin Wall, which fell in 1989. The West German side is covered with graffiti, while the back, the East German side, is completely blank. Residents could not get anywhere near the wall undetected, due to the large three-story guard towers. This gallery tells the story of how news and information played a large role in the toppling of the East German government and the unification of Germany.

The Pulitzer Prize Photo Gallery (Level 1)

These images are compelling beyond words. This gallery features decades of Pulitzer Prize-winning photographs and details the experiences of the photographers who captured these influential images.

The Time Warner World News Gallery (Level 3)

This exhibit documents freedom of the press worldwide, featuring an exhibit on the 1990s war in the Balkans, as well as a color-coded world map detailing the level of freedom of the press across the globe. It also updates regularly its “World Hot Spots” as certain regions move in and out of the media headlines.

The September 11th Gallery (Level 4)

One of the more moving tributes to 9/11 that I have seen. The exhibit features an antenna from one of the twin towers, as well as headlines from around the world detailing the horror of that day. It pays tribute to the journalists who risked their lives, and some who gave their lives, to cover the events of that day.

News Corporation News History Gallery (Level 5)

The Civil War, the sinking of the Titantic, Dewey defeats Truman, President Kennedy’s assassination, and man’s walk on the moon are just a few of the thousands of headlines you will see in this exhibit. This gallery is a testimony not just to the events throughout history, but also to those who have told the story. Newspapers are arranged chronologically. You won’t possibly be able to read through all of the headlines, but allow yourself at least a half an hour in this gallery.

Hank Greenspun Terrace on Pennsylvania Avenue (Level 6)

Conclude your visit to the Newseum with a stroll on the Terrace overlooking Pennsylvania Avenue, with great views of the Capitol Building to the left and the Washington Monument to the right. As you walk onto the terrace, you’ll also pass the display of “Today’s Headlines” from around the globe. See if you can find your local paper!

Anything else I should know?
The Newseum is open from 9 am to 5 pm daily. It is located at 555 Pennsylvania Ave. NW.

Unfortunately, this is not one of Washington’s many free museums, but it is worth the price of admission. The cost of admission is $21.95 for adults, $17.95 for seniors, and $12.95 for children. Kids under 6 enter for free.

Why I definitely recommend a visit
The Newseum offers you a glimpse into some of the most memorable events in history — events that truly changed the world, for good and for bad — through the eyes of the people who are actually telling the story.

I’m certainly not arguing that the media always gets it right. In fact, sometimes, it could be argued, they may even make the situation worse, sensationalizing events or leaving out key facts that tell the whole story. I don’t believe the Newseum makes the case that the news is always right; rather, it builds a case for the importance of the news being an actual right. I have to admit, freedom of the press in America is a right I often take for granted.

I generally tend to be pretty critical of the media. But through this visit, I came to develop a better appreciation for the news media, though I certainly still have reservations about the fact that they are framing the event or issue for me, choosing the context in which to portray the event. But, if they didn’t get out there and report what was happening (even if it is through their eyes, their own perspective), then how would I ever know what is going on in the world?

The next time you’re in Washington, D.C., be sure to schedule some time to visit the Newseum. You’ll never view your evening news or your local paper the same way again!

Have you visited the Newseum? What are your reflections and recommendations?

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