Ronald Reagan Building: Where trade and art meet
The Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center is a large contemporary complex steps from the National Mall and an interesting contrast to the rest of Washington. On the outside, it resembles many of Washington's other grand buildings, with its commanding columns and round architecture. However, once inside, visitors see that it's actually quite a departure from the typical: it's adorned with contemporary works of art, modern design and high-tech facilities.
The Ronald Reagan building is also the site for Washington, D.C.'s World Trade Center. Its focus on international trade leads to many events, meetings and conferences involving trade relations. As a result, its conference facilities are state-of-the-art, and it serves as a meeting point for many foreign dignitaries.
Mostly used as a space for conventions, conferences, meetings and events, the Ronald Reagan building is an interesting architectural display as well, for which many come to tour inside. While maintaining the traditional exterior to blend in with its neighbors, the building inside takes on a modern look. Artists were selected to create sculptures and installations for the building and complex. The building features a stone, steel and glass framework with a 10-story rotunda and cone-shaped skylight of glass. Artist Keith Sonnier was commissioned to create the neon-glass sculpture in the atrium.
The building also houses retail and dining spots. The famous and hilarious Capitol Steps poke fun at Capitol Hill and the administration in their comedic show at the Reagan Building. In summer, the Woodrow Wilson plaza outside hosts concerts, and hundreds of people take their lunch there while enjoying people-watching.
Four prominent sculptures are featured in the plaza, including the Federal Triangle Flowers by artist Stephen Robin: a single-stem rose and a single lily, both created from cast aluminum and set upon limestone pedestals.
HelloWashingtonDC Tip: Also a regular feature on the plaza is the Capital Harvest, a farmers' market, which includes live cooking demonstrations and music, while promoting eco-friendly and interactive initiatives. Click here for more information on the market.
Posted by Rin-rin Yu
