Come back to D.C later if you want to see everything

Detroit Free Press (MCT) - Visitors to the inauguration this month will find there's more going on in Washington, D.C., than an economic meltdown and a change of presidents.

The charming Smithsonian's National Museum of American History has reopened after two years of renovations. The new Capitol Visitor Center debuted with a flourish in December.

Here's the lowdown on how to visit four D.C. highlights _ and the status of each attraction during inauguration week.

_The U.S. Capitol: Closed to visitors Jan. 17-Jan. 20, it otherwise will be open inauguration week.

Enter the grand underground visitors center on the east side of the Capitol across the street from the Supreme Court.

No reservation is needed for the visitors center, but for a free one-hour tour of the Capitol itself, order tickets in advance (free, www.visitthecapital.gov, 202-226-8000).

During weeks when Congress is in session (not inauguration week), you can get an additional pass to visit the spectators' gallery from your member of Congress. Contact his or her office, preferably three months ahead.

_The American History museum: It will be open during inauguration week. After an $85-million renovation, it is highlighted by a new interactive mounting of the Star-Spangled Banner flag. On Jan. 19, a new exhibit, "Abraham Lincoln: An Extraordinary Life," is to open. In addition, a traditional first ladies exhibit has reopened, featuring inaugural gowns.

Less illustrious but perhaps even more popular artifacts like Dorothy's ruby slippers are still on display _ and, thank goodness, so is my favorite thing at the museum, chef Julia Child's entire kitchen. Bon appetit! (free, www.americanhistory.si.edu, 202-633-1000).

_White House: As any presidential contender can tell you, the door to the White House is pretty hard to enter. That's true for tourists, too. The White House Visitors Center will be open during inauguration week, but tours of the White House will be suspended for that period and several weeks around it (the National Park Service does not give dates due to security concerns).

White House tours normally are open for groups of 10 or more with advance tickets from their member of Congress; book at least three months in advance (www.whitehouse.gov, 202-456-7041).

_Ford's Theatre. The theater where Lincoln was shot has undergone a fantastic $50-million renovation _ but the bad news is, the inauguration will be about three weeks before Ford's Theatre reopens _ on Feb. 11. Anyone visiting after that can see a host of celebrations of Lincoln's 200th birthday, plus plays and tours (free, www.fords.org, 800-899-2367).

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Ellen Creager: ecreager@freepress.com

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© 2009, Detroit Free Press.