Visit the landmarks and locations featured in Langdon’s latest adventure as you explore the secret side of the nation's capital. Learn more about the Freemasons, the city's design, and locations loaded with signs and symbols, from the breathtaking Scottish Rite temple to the Library of Congress.
View a larger version of The Lost Symbol Map
"Even from the air, Washington, D.C., exuded an almost mystical power. Langdon loved this city, and as the jet touched down, he felt a rising excitement about what lay ahead.”- Chapter 1
If you want to plan your own Dan Brown-inspired adventure in DC, here are a few locations you won’t want to miss:
US Capitol & Capitol Visitor Center
George Washington is said to have worn his Mason apron when laid the cornerstone for this powerful landmark, which is featured on the cover of the book. Some say that Masonic symbols and references appear throughout the building. The US Capitol Historic Society offers tours of the building's exterior on Monday mornings, rain or shine, at 10 AM, from March through November.
George Washington Masonic National Memorial
The temple-like building towers over Old Town Alexandria, Va. Inside, you’ll find exhibits about George Washington and Freemasonry, a large Masonic library and artifacts including George Washington's family Bible, locks of his hair and items used during his funeral.
House of the Temple (Scottish Rite Headquarters)
This 16th Street landmark was once voted one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. While it is officially used as an office building for the Sovereign Grand Commander and other officers and staff of the Scottish Rite, it also houses a museum and Masonic library. Look for the references to the number 33, a symbolic number for the Masons (which also happens to be the sum of the book’s 9+15+09 release date), in the building’s 33 columns and 33 ceremonial chairs. Free public tours are offered Mon.-Thurs. from 10 am-4 pm.
US Botanic Garden
Located in the shadow of the US Capitol, the lush and inviting Botanic Garden was a featured in a clue released on The Today Show.
Washington Monument
The celebrated landmark honors George Washington, whose likeness appeared in several clues.
Washington National Cathedral
Known for its beautiful stained glass windows, fascinating gargoyles, secrets and symbols, the stunning landmark stands at the highest point in the city.
Library of Congress
The nation's largest library holds many secrets of its own.
Smithsonian Institution
While the Museum Support Center featured in the book is not open to the public, visitors discover fascinating treasures at locations throughout the museum system.
L’Enfant’s City Plan
An early Facebook clue featured the name of Pierre Charles L’Enfant, the city designer whose streets and avenues have often been connected to Masonic symbols. Head to Freedom Plaza, near the White House, to see a large-scale rendering of L’Enfant’s city map and decide for yourself.
Statue of Albert Pike
The former Confederate general and sovereign commander of the Scottish Rite Masons is honored by a statue in Judiciary Square decorated with Masonic symbols like the double-headed eagle and the number 33.
International Spy Museum
This museum holds a few secrets of its own, with exhibitions that highlight George Washington’s career as a spy and other topics that have turned up in the pre-release clues, including the Enigma code-cracking machine and the Duquesne Spy Ring.
Mount Vernon
George Washington’s Virginia estate is also home to an interactive museum chronicling the life of the first president, his military accolades and political accomplishments—and his affiliation with the Freemasons.
National Museum of Women in the Arts: The building that today houses the National Museum of Women in the Arts was originally constructed as the D.C. headquarters for the Free and Accepted Masons, a fraternal order open exclusively to men. Construction of the temple began in 1907 with a lavish cornerstone-laying ceremony presided over by President Theodore Roosevelt. The six-story building, built during the height of the City Beautiful movement, was one of the first in Washington to use the innovative steel frame technique.
Exhibitions & Events
Oct. 9, 2009-Jan. 10, 2010Telling Secrets: Codes, Captions and Conundrums in Contemporary Art
National Museum of Women in the Arts
Housed in a former Masonic temple, this special exhibition of 39 paintings, photographs, drawings and prints looks at how artists use layers, words and textures, as well as evocative symbols such as tattoos, masks and veils, to enrich or deepen meaning in their works. $10 adults, $8 seniors & students, under 18- Free. Mon.-Sat. 10am-5pm, Sun. 12pm-5pm.
Ongoing
Spy in the City™
International Spy Museum
The International Spy Museum’s new GPS-based interactive experience takes puzzle-solvers on a series of outdoor missions using espionage tradecraft and intelligence collection activities. Equipped with a GPS Ranger handheld device loaded with GPS technology, participants follow video to earn points as they work their way towards mission completion. At pre-determined locations the device will automatically download clues, information, and possibly misinformation delivered by a wide range of media. This includes messages from filmed characters—from agents to sources to moles—and documents, codes, audio intercepts, and photos for analysis. This adventure style mission offers participants the opportunity to test their spy skills as they explore DC’s neighborhoods. $14 per person.
Ongoing
Operation Spy™
International Spy Museum
In an action-packed hour, participants take on the role of U.S. intelligence officers on an international mission to locate a missing nuclear device on the verge of being sold to a rogue nation. This intense experience combines live-action, video characters, themed environments, special effects, and hands-on activities. Participants take part in an intrigue-filled adventure based on an actual case drawn from the files of U.S. intelligence. Challenged to “feel, think, and act” like real intelligence officers, they uncover layers of deception to reveal a world of double agents and corrupt officials. In a setting where all is not as it seems and everyone has a hidden agenda, they must decide who they should trust. Will their decision be the right one? Will they find the device? In a high-stakes finale, the team must debate and determine its final course of action. Some teams will succeed and others will fail…their actions will determine their unique ending and ultimate score. Participants leave Operation Spy either congratulated on their success or aware of their failure, and conscious of the real challenges of participating in the “great game” of espionage. $14.
Ongoing
The Secrets and Symbols Bus Tour
DC by Foot
Get ready to hunt for unfinished pyramids, all seeing eyes or secret symbols and other esoteric designs laid out on the streets of DC. Wondering why the Washington Monument soar 555' 5" into the sky or why the Statue of Freedom on top of the Capitol is facing east? Why is the only statue of a Confederate general in DC happens to be one of a Mason? And where's his treasure? Who are the Masons and what have they done with DC? Join DC by Bus as they follow the path of the tweed coated Harvard symbologist, delving deeper than Dan Brown, mining more than mere Masonic machinations, and uncover the astrological, astronomical, and ancient symbolic secrets of the nation's capital. Bring your camera and your best conspiracy theories.
