Newseum Opens With Free Admission

By Broadside Asst. Style Editor Nicole Ocran

The Newseum opens its doors to the public today with free admission in Washington, D.C.

The Newseum features, among other items, eight panels from the Berlin Wall, a portion of the Pentagon Building, the communications tower that was once on top of the World Trade Center, as well as the Journalists Memorial.

Its Pulitzer Prize-winning photo gallery is a collection of the most iconic photographs of our time as well as interviews with the photographers.

An NBC News Interactive Newsroom allows Newseum patrons to act as TV broadcast reporters. Patrons can later download video footage of their efforts to show off to friends and family.

At 2 p.m. a dedication ceremony will be held for the Newseum with performances by the U.S. Marine Band and the U.S. Marine Color Guard. Remarks will be given from executives, public figures and partners in the Walter and Lenore Annenberg Theater.

Those scheduled to appear include:

• Alberto Ibargüen, President and CEO of the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, Newseum chairman
• Al Neuharth, founder of USA Today and the Newseum
• Arthur Sulzberger Jr. The New York Times Co. chairman
• Michael Bloomberg, mayor of New York City,
• Rupert Murdoch, News Corporation chairman
• Nancy Pelosi, speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives
• John G. Roberts Jr., chief justice of the United States

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After today, ticket rates will be $20 for adults, $18 for seniors, $13 for ages 7 to 12 and no charge to children 6 and under.