Hey, baby! Look for the putti at the Library of Congress
1. Do you know the meaning of the cherub sculptures along the staircases in the Library of Congress Great Hall? Known as putti in Italian Renaissance art, they represent various occupations of American life during Thomas Jefferson’s time. If you look closely, you can see that they’re all holding objects that symbolize their pursuits — a cogwheel for the mechanic, a spade for the gardener, a lyre for the musician, a rabbit and gun for the hunter, etc. After countless visits over many years, I only just learned this on a recent visit when an out-of-town friend asked a docent about them! This is just a small sample of all the interesting tidbits to be gleaned and architectural details to admire in the stunning space. Have you been? The LOC is open Monday – Saturday, 10am – 5pm, and admission is free with timed-entry passes. Read more about the iconic DC spot in this KFDC post.
2. Next time you’re waiting for a flight with kiddos at DCA, take them to Curiosity Runway! The new children’s playspace comes from the National Children’s Museum, Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, and The Boeing Company. It’s located in Terminal 2, just after the airport’s North Security Checkpoint between the C and D Gates.
3. A treat for Valentine’s Day: Barracks Row is offering a Sweet Tooth Dessert Tour passport that gets you a dessert from 19 restaurants on Capitol Hill. That’s a lot of desserts, but you don’t have to get them all at once. The passport is good from Friday, February 10 through Sunday, February 19. Cost is $29.
4. Are you deciding between a fun-focused or educational summer camp for your child? Some thoughts on the topic in the Washington Post.
5. The Family Edition of a super fun game!
