The National Building Museum began as the administration office for processing pensions for the rapidly increasing numbers of veterans of the American Civil War. It maintained this role until the early 1920s when the Pension Bureau relocated. Lavish balls and formal events also occurred here and still happen today.
Step inside the impressive building to view its central fountain, Corinthian columns and high ceilings. It was built between 1882 and 1887 from plans by architect U.S. Army Quartermaster General Montgomery C. Meigs, who was inspired by two buildings in Rome designed by Michelangelo. Palazzo Farnese inspired the brick exterior, while the open interior is modeled around the church of Santa Maria degli Angeli. Walk into the museum’s Great Hall with its fountain centerpiece and 75-foot-tall (23-meter) Corinthian columns, which are among the largest in the world.
Above the entrances, a military-themed frieze extends 1,200 feet (370 meters) along the building. It was created by Caspar Buberl who also has his work above the entrance to another Washington structure, the Arts and Industries Building.
Tour displays featuring the design and history of other important structures and the American house. Young future architects may want to use the building tools and materials in the hands-on exhibit Play Work Build.
In the 1960s, consideration was given to demolish the building, but this didn’t happen when a study suggested it become a museum of the building arts. Soon after, the structure received national historic building status and was given its current name in 1997. Purchase items in the well-stocked Museum Shop, which has multiple sections for specific interests in construction and design.
Find the National Building Museum four blocks north of the National Mall in the Penn Quarter and Chinatown district. Free tours by architects are conducted regularly. General admission is free, with a fee charged for special exhibits. Street parking is available. Buses stop nearby. Alternatively, take the Metro to Judiciary Square or Gallery Place/Chinatown stations. The museum is open every day.
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