Call them robber barons or captains of industry, dub their heyday industrial or gilded, today we revel in the nouveau riche's Beaux-Arts grandeur of Washington’s Massachusetts Avenue, better known as Embassy Row.
We’ll introduce you to the families who decided to showcase their fortunes in the nation’s capital: members of the first ranks of mining, railroads, banking, publishing, politicians and speculators in the 1880s and 90s. Spendthrift offspring, the Great Depression and other misfortune eventually drained the resources of many families. Only 50 years later, embassies, clubs and other institutions were buying up their mansions for as little as 10 cents on a dollar.
But in between, the high life and high architecture has made for some great stories. Alice Longworth Roosevelt delivered her famous line here -- “If you don’t have anything nice to say, sit next to me” -- and spirited chum Evalyn Walsh McLean lived a few doors up where she kept the Hope Diamond. Our walk ends outside the magnificent Phillips Collection museum, former residence of steel heir and avid art collector Duncan Phillips.
We’ll introduce you to the families who decided to showcase their fortunes in the nation’s capital: members of the first ranks of mining, railroads, banking, publishing, politicians and speculators in the 1880s and 90s. Spendthrift offspring, the Great Depression and other misfortune eventually drained the resources of many families. Only 50 years later, embassies, clubs and other institutions were buying up their mansions for as little as 10 cents on a dollar.
But in between, the high life and high architecture has made for some great stories. Alice Longworth Roosevelt delivered her famous line here -- “If you don’t have anything nice to say, sit next to me” -- and spirited chum Evalyn Walsh McLean lived a few doors up where she kept the Hope Diamond. Our walk ends outside the magnificent Phillips Collection museum, former residence of steel heir and avid art collector Duncan Phillips.
What Is Not Included?
Admission to The Phillips Collection museum is not included. The walk does not include interior tours of any embassy buildings.
Meeting Location
Connecticut Ave and 19th St near Dupont Circle (Washington, DC)
(Exact meeting location details will be provided immediately upon purchase of tickets.)
- Do I have to purchase tickets in advance?
- It's up to you. If you want to pay for your walk via credit card, the only way to do so is by purchasing in advance. If you prefer to pay cash, however, you are always welcome to just show up without an advance purchase. Either way we'd love to have you!
- What happens if I’m late?
- If you are late, you will miss the tour. Tours leave right on time, and to be fair to the whole group, we cannot wait for late arrivals. If you are not familiar with the meeting location area, please make sure to leave plenty of time to find it. Refunds cannot be provided.
- Where does this walk end?
- The walk concludes outside of the Phillips Collection museum, the former residence of steel heir and avid art collector Duncan Phillips. ( Admission to the museum is not included in this walk fee.) The guide can direct you back to the meeting location, approximately 2 blocks away.
- What sights do we see on the walk?
- Dupont Circle, the Embassy of Indonesia, the Cosmos Club, the Greek and Turkish ambassador's residences, and the former Washington home of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt are included on this walk.
- How long is the walk and how fast do we go?
- The walk lasts approximately two hours. We travel one and a quarter miles at a casual pace on flat ground.
- Is this walk suitable for children?
- No. This walk is not suitable for young children.
- I am bringing an infant/toddler. Do I need to purchase a ticket for him or her?
- No. Tickets are not required for children ages 3 and younger.
- What happens if it rains?
- Walks take place rain or shine. Dress appropriately for the day's forecasted weather conditions. Remember to bring water, sunglasses and sunscreen on warm, sunny days.
- Will I be able to shop and buy souvenirs during the walk?
- No. The guide can point you in the direction of the Dupont Circle shopping district at the conclusion of the walk.
- If I would like to go to the Phillips Collection Museum after the tour, how much is admission?
- Admission to the Phillips Collection Museum is $12 for Adults, $10 for Students, and $10 for Seniors ages 62 and older.
- Is the walk wheelchair and/or stroller accessible?
- Yes. Most of our walking tours are accessible for both wheelchairs and strollers.
- Can I bring a camera?
- Yes. There are a lot of great photo opportunities along the way!
- Are restrooms available on the walk?
- No. Restrooms are not available during the walking tour. Be sure to use the facilities prior to arriving for the walk.
- Can I bring my dog on the tour?
- No. Unfortunately, we cannot allow animals other than service dogs to attend our walks.
- Are the walks only offered in English?
- Yes. Washington Walks are only offered in English.
- What is a Washington Walkabout card?
- A Washington Walkabout card is a type of reward program. You pay for four walks up front and present your card at every walk and then you get the fifth one free. You can purchase a Walkabout card from a Washington Walks guide at beginning of any walk. Each card is $30, if you purchase tickets for your first walk in advance online (otherwise it's $40, if you pay on the spot). Cards do not expire and can be used by one individual only. After you’ve taken your five walks, return the card to Washington Walks and you’ll be eligible for the Washington Walks-a-Thon Award given at the end of the walking tour season.
- Are gift certificates available?
- Yes. For details, please contact Washington Walks by clicking “Contact WashWalks” to the left of the page.
- Can I book a private or a group tour?
- Yes. Private walks are available, although groups often decide to attend the public walk. For one thing, it is often less expensive; second, part of the fun of our walking tours is interacting with those who attend the public walk. If you are interested in booking a private walk, contact Washington Walks by clicking “Contact WashWalks” to the left of the page.
Washington Walks
The best way to tour any historic city is by foot. Since 1999, Washington Walks guides have been escorting visitors and locals alike through quaint neighborhoods, along hip urban thoroughfares, and past D.C.’s instantly recognizable landmarks and memorials.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or long-time resident, the same holds true: if you haven’t been on a Washington Walk, you haven’t been to Washington, D.C.!
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or long-time resident, the same holds true: if you haven’t been on a Washington Walk, you haven’t been to Washington, D.C.!
