The DC Traveler

The National Building Museum is usually not on most visitor’s must see list, but I think it should be. It’s worthy of a quick walk through, mostly for the building’s architecture and massive columns. Also, if you’ve dragged very young children from museum to museum who might need a bit of “playtime”, check out the Building Zone.

The museum has four main galleries.

• A great retrospective of architect Eero Saarinen - designer of Dulles Airport terminal, the classic TWA Flight Center at New York’s JFK Airport and the St. Louis Arch (Jefferson National Expansion Memorial). Through Aug. 23, 2008.
• Cityscapes Revealed - Urban American buildings - materials, architectural styles and construction practices. Through 2010.
• Washington: Symbol and City - the evolution of the city, its neighborhoods and how the Federal Government has impacted the city’s architecture. Through 2011.
• Building Zone - The place for small kids to don hard hats, pick up a tool kit and build with giant Legos, blocks and more.

The highlight of the building is the 12-story main atrium and it’s giant faux-marble columns. Originally the Pension Building, the building housed hundreds of government pension clerks who wrote checks to Civil War veterans. Several Presidential inaugural balls have been held at the museum.

The museum also hosts school groups and educators for hands-on workshops and tours. The children from the DC school group attending the day I visited were all wide eyed and seemed very involved.

National Building Museum
401 F Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001 (map it)
202-272-2448

Dates and Times - Monday - Saturday - 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Sunday - 11-5. Guided tours at 11:30, 12:30 and 1:30 daily.

Admission - FREE

Nearest Metro Subway Station - Judiciary Square - Red line, then a 1-block walk or use the DC Circulator.

Parking - Metered street and garage parking is available in the area.

Images - from personal collection ©2008, Jon Rochetti

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