Visit the Newseum: Iooss' Athlete Exhibit, Pulitzer Prize winning photos, etc.

If you haven't been to the new Newseum on Pennsylvania and 6th (i.e. it used to be located in Rosslyn), you really need to get out there.  If you like the news, journalism, photography, and sports you need to go and see all the exhibits this museum has to offer. 

Until the end of the year, visitors to the museum can check out "Athlete: The Sports Illustrated Photography of Walter Iooss".  This exhibit was the main reason for my visit, since my friend Teri and I had been talking about it for months now.  Some of my favorite images from Iooss' work are on display at the Newseum and if you can't get enough of his work, you can also buy his book in the gift shop.  If any of my friends or family are reading this post, you can feel free to buy me this book.  For someone like me (i.e. who loves sports and photography) this is a a beautiful book.

As you progress through the Athlete exhibit you see the images and there are short narratives from Iooss that describe why, how the picture was taken and the interaction with the athlete.  My friend has had the pleasure of meeting Walter Iooss, but I on the other hand can only dream of hearing him tell his stories.  Since the Iooss exhibit is on photography, I thought about it and I don't want to share my pictures of his pictures on here.  I want you to go see them for yourself and to read the plaques next to stills.  At the Newseum, you can really see what he captured and read the humor and wit that he conveys.

For those of you interested in the news headlines from history there is also a section about G-men and journalists.  Events such as the Lindbergh baby kidnapping, the Unabomber, and the Hearst SLA kidnapping are covered and on display. 

Some of the exhibits can be a little grim and images can be graphic and there are signs (i.e. throughout the Newseum) that some of the material may not be suitable for children.

The electric chair that the Bruno Hauptmann died in.  Hauptmann was sentenced to death for the kidnapping and murder of the Lindbergh baby

The Newseum offers up great views of the city and there are 2 studios in the facility. One studio is where ABC shoots "This Week".  You might recognize that the Newseum offers a great view of the Capitol.

Other notable exhibits include: Elvis, a 9/11 antenna, and the Berlin Wall.  Trust me, there is so much more that can be explored so don't think that is a comprehensive list of topics/exhibits.  You can literally spend all day in the Newseum.  Think I'm joking?  The tickets that you purchase for your visit are actually valid for the date you go and the following day, just in case you have more to cover or want to take another look.  I actually upgraded my ticket to an annual pass, because there is so much information to absorb and I definitely plan on coming back.

Antenna from the North Tower of the World Trade Center, after 9/11

Quote in the Pulitzer Prize photo section

In front of a section of the Berlin Wall

You can touch a piece of the Berlin Wall

In addition to the history and information provided in the other exhibits, there is an area where you can create your own video, read a teleprompter and "play" journalist.  You can pick your backdrop and create your video for $5.  Don't be shy, people.  Even though the Newseum does have a great gift shop, I think you should try out this opportunity.  It's only $5 and the experience is fun, so just do it!  You can take home a picture and download the video for 30 days.  Trust me ~ It'll be the best souvenir you take home.

THE WIRK