Top 3 Exhibits at the Newseum in Washington, D.C.

Washington D.C.'s Newseum is one of the most modern, interactive museums in the nation's capitol, having opened in April of 2008. The Newseum tracks five centuries of news history, making it fascinating for adults, but also includes interactive computer games geared towards children. Newseum is located at 555 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, just a few blocks from the National Mall. One can spend an entire day roaming the six floors. However, on my recent visit I've selected the top three exhibits for adults.

4-D Film - "I-Witness 4-D Time Travel Adventure" - Level 1

A 4-D film is currently showing on the concourse level 1's Walter and Leonore Annenberg Theatre, called "I-Witness 4-D Time Travel Adventure". This innovative movie transports the viewer through time as new reporting first started in the 1800's. It covers Nelly Bly's investigative coverage of a women's mental institution, Edward R. Murrow's reporting of World War II, from a London rooftop during German air raids and bombings, and other popular TV news personalities who influenced journalism through the years.

The 4-D effects can be seen with 3-D glasses, given out to each guest at the start of the film. The 4^th dimension is motion simulation was felt when the seats move up, down and sideways. The film lasted only 13 minutes but was one of the highlights.

Today's Front Pages Gallery - Level 6

Anyone who likes to read the newspaper will appreciate the exhibit called "Today's Front Pages Gallery", on the 6^th level. Every day, 80 newspapers' front pages are enlarged, printed out and displayed in this gallery. One newspaper from each state, the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and several international papers are included.

I found this exhibit one of the best, as I don't have too much time to read my local paper, and never saw the newspapers of many of the other states before. Allow at least 40 minutes to an hour for the Front Pages Gallery.

9/11 Gallery - Level 4

The centerpiece of the 9/11 Gallery on Level 4 is a twisted 10 foot structure of metal which was one of the antennas on top of the World Trade Center (see the picture in this article). It's a jarring sight when a visitor realizes that this structure was part of the collapsed towers.

The rear wall of the area displays the 9/11 newspaper headlines from around the world. This exhibit also includes a memorial tribute to photojournalist William Biggart. He died while covering the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Some of the photos he captured are also on display.

If time permits, I also suggest a visit to the Berlin Wall gallery, where eight sections of the wall are on display. Another highlight and a perfect place to take a break is the 6^th floor terrace. From here, tourists can obtain a perfect, up close view of the Capitol Building and sit down on the benches for a rest.

The Newseum is on par with the famous Smithsonian Museums. I suggest including this attraction on a list of places to see in Washington, D.C. Admission is $19.95 for adults (19 to 64), $17.95 for Seniors (65+), military and students, $12.95 for ages 7 to 18 and children under 6 are free.