Nils Paellmann

Visiting the Lincoln Memorial is always an awesome experience. Designed by Henry Bacon (1866-1924), it was constructed between 1915 and 1922. This is the closest the US has to a secular shrine. Perfectly located at the end of the Mall on the opposite end from the Capitol, the views across the Mall and the Reflecting Pool are epic. The Gettysburg address inside is a must read.

The house where Abraham Lincoln died after his assassination at the Ford Theater across the street. Very informative exhibits and very helpful Park rangers.

Great art museum in the former Old Patent Office Building, designed by architect Robert Mills. Wonderful paintings by the likes of Edward Hopper, Ralston Crawford, William H. Johnson, Stuart Davis, Thomas Hart Benton, and many others.

World famous art gallery. The Anselm Kiefer exhibition was perfect for the space on 24th Street. I also enjoyed the show on Y.Z. Kami and a beautiful show of 1990s paintings by Helen Frankenthaler (1928-2011) right next door at 541 West 24th Street.

Great Chelsea gallery. Don't miss the current exhibition of the legendary and fearless photojournalist Lynsey Addario, documenting conflict areas such as Afghanistan, Sudan, and Ukraine for the New York Times and many other periodicals. The view from the roof deck in the storied Starrett-Lehigh Building alone is worth the visit.