About Watergate Complex
The Watergate complex in Washington, D.C.'s Foggy Bottom neighborhood is a historic ensemble of a hotel, office and apartment buildings, and a shopping center. Designed by the Italian architect Luigi Moretti and built starting in 1967, the complex gained worldwide fame through the 1972 break-in at the headquarters of the Democratic Party, which set off the political crisis surrounding President Richard Nixon. Today the complex is a protected landmark. You can admire the architecture of its Italian design and experience the historic significance of the site, which, after several renovations and the hotel's relaunch in 2016, once again serves as a central gathering place in the city.
At a glance
- Category
- Sight › Historic sites
- Rating
- no reviews yet · write a review
- Address
- 2600 Virginia Ave NW
20037-1905 Washington, USA - District
- Foggy Bottom
- Phone
- +12023377731
- Website
- washingtondc.centralparking.com
- —
- Coordinates
- 38.89896° N · -77.05568° E
- Data quality
- confidence 0.91
- Identifier
- ID 31a41ce1-0a2…
Location & surroundings
Toggle layersFAQ about Watergate Complex
quick answersWhat is the Watergate Complex in Washington?
The Watergate Complex is a historic ensemble of a hotel, office and apartment buildings, and a shopping center in Washington, D.C. (USA). The complex is now a protected landmark. After several renovations and the hotel's relaunch in 2016, the Watergate Complex is once again a central spot in the city.
Why is the Watergate Complex famous?
The Watergate Complex in Washington became known worldwide through the 1972 break-in at the headquarters of the Democratic Party. That break-in set off the political crisis surrounding President Richard Nixon. When you visit, you can get a sense of the site's historical significance firsthand.
Who designed the Watergate Complex and when was it built?
The Watergate Complex in Washington was designed by the Italian architect Luigi Moretti and built starting in 1967. The complex's Italian design is one of its distinctive features and, for many visitors, a reason to make a detour. Today the complex is a protected landmark.
What can you see around the Watergate Complex?
Several historic sites and monuments lie in the immediate vicinity of the Watergate Complex in Washington. travelguide195 lists, among others, Watergate East at about 89 meters, the Pablo Benito Juarez Memorial at about 180 meters, and the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal and the Tidewater Lock at about 190 meters each.
Where is the Watergate Complex and are there restaurants nearby?
The Watergate Complex is located at 2600 Virginia Ave NW in the Foggy Bottom neighborhood of Washington, D.C. travelguide195 lists around 16 restaurants within 500 meters. That makes it easy to combine your visit with a meal in the area.
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The Watergate is and will be best known for its role in the ending of Richard "I am not a crook" Nixon's presidency. On 17 June 1972 five men employed by Nixon's Committee to Re-elect the President were arrested for breaking and entering at the Democratic National Committee's rooms at the Watergate. The ensuing scandal led to revelations of enemies lists, "campaign fraud, political espionage and sabotage, illegal break-ins, improper tax audits, illegal wiretapping on a massive scale, and a secret slush fund laundered in Mexico to pay those who conducted these operations." And those infamous tapes. Conversations in the Oval Office were automatically recorded, and those conversations were subpoenaed in the Congressional investigation. The tapes revealed President Nixon's direct knowledge and involvement in criminal acts under investigation, as well as his deep seated moral corruption and personal bigotries. Top of the Gate rooftop bar with great 360-degree views.
Source: Wikivoyage, „Washington, D.C./West End“ · authors per page history · CC BY-SA 4.0