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Born Global: Washington DC

This historic city is abundant with iconic monuments, vast museums and expansive parks. It is of course, also home to the pillars of US government. In its orbit floats the Pentagon, the State Department, the World Bank and embassies from most corners of the globe. As a result, Washington omits a palpable, permeating buzz.

Washington DC is also the showcase of American arts, home to such prestigious venues including the Smithsonian Institution, a collection of 19 mammoth museums, inclusive of the spectacular National Museum of African American History and Culture. Of the 17 that are located in Washington DC, two are under the direction of Australian women. We were lucky enough to spend some time with the magnetic Kym Sajet, Director of the National Portrait Gallery, and the brilliant Melissa Chiu, Director of the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden.

Meet our members in Washington DC

Born Global Snapshots

Know before you go

Check out Smartraveller advice for the United States – subscribe to updates and register your travel plans here

Make the move

Thinking about making the move to Washington DC?  Check out our information on obtaining a working visa here.

Things to do

Feeling hungry? Eat (and drink) at Rose’s Luxury with local chef Aaron Silverman. They don’t take reservations and a line forms at 4pm on weekends for a 5:30pm seating; but don’t let this be too offputting. Because dining here really is, as the neon sign hung downstairs near the kitchen says, “awesome.”

Feeling thirsty? Check out Reliable Tavern for a couple of drinks. Play pool, listening to the 90s grunge rock filled jukebox and sip on dealer’s choice cocktails

Top experiences and sites? Visit the Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden, one of the city’s most dynamic and boundary-pushing modern art museums, the Hirshhorn promises something new every time you visit

Unique to this city? Get in touch with nature at Rock Creek Park, DC’s favourite place for biking, skating, running and even horseback riding.

Did you know?

  • There are around 1,000-1,2000 items lost on the Metro every month
  • The Washington Monument moves.. technically it will sway about .125th of an inch of the wind is at least 30 miles per hour
  • DC averages 39 inches of rain every year, which is more than Seattle
  • The Library of Congress is the biggest library in the world with more than 162 million objects in its collection.