National Building Museum
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If I had young kids, this would be a hit. But it's not great for older kids. Plus they were mobbed with summer camps. Second floor had lots of rooms to see but every room smelled really musty.
First time visiting and enjoyed it overall. I brought my 7-year old so outside of the interactive parts, we breezed through the less interactive exhibits. The favorites for my kid were The Playground and Brick City. We also read a few books together in the Stories exhibit on the first floor. We left to eat lunch at Chipotle (his choice) and easily picked back up on our exhibit path. The Great Hall is beautiful also and I personally enjoyed the Homes exhibit.
The building is so beautiful that it was clearly not designed for this recent use case but had some other function - and indeed it was a post-Civil War pension office grander than any bureaucratic office building these days. The artistry isn't necessarily the best for a museum, but it works pretty well. The best part of the museum was the tour which is free because you aren't going into the exhibits but learn about the architect, his choices, and the history of the building from its inception to inaugural balls to now. Our tour guide was Gene who was incredibly knowledgeable and able to answer everyone's questions. On the tour you're also guided up to the upper floors that you would not typically have access to. The exhibits require a ticket but it's still pretty cheap and even though it's federally owned, it still requires funding, so it's worth the ticket. The exhibits range on topics from the types and reasons for different shelters including videos, dioramas, and artifacts. They are visually appealing and informative. There is also an exhibit on buildings made out of Legos which is fun for all ages. There are a large gift shop and a small cafe for quick bites. If you've hit all the big iconic DC museums, this museum is a great one to hit to fill out your learning experiences.
Interesting museum built after the Civil War to hold pension records from Union soldiers thus named "The Pension Building" designed and built by Montgomery Meigs now used as the National Building Museum showcasing the history, materials and design of buildings with many exhibits such as, "Brick City" many LEGO buildings and "Tuskeggee Chapel" exhibits the design and reconstruction of the said chapel. All exhibits are educational and fun for all ages. The Great Hall is overwhelming is size, sort of an indoor atrium with columns rising up four stories. A tour is available and our guide Catherine was exceptional. A true hidden gem in DC
Very cool spot. The actual building is beautiful, and if I had to say something it would be that it wasn't as much architectural design as you would expect, but rather about ultimate overall design. There is especially a lot to do with kids, and it is absolutely awesome if you want to take them there. Three floors, simple design, there was even ice skating indoors when I was there. There was a Lego exhibit as well. The staff was excited to have me there and answer questions about their favorite exhibits.
We had the opportunity to attend a private reception event at the national building museum. I've never been here so it was an especially nice treat to have a private after hours access. Beautiful architecture with soaring ceilings. Didn't get a chance to visit the several exhibits along the sides of the main hall. Would definitely come back during the day to check it out!
This museum is outstanding; one of the best in Washington D.C. The National Building Museum is a private, nonprofit organization inside a building, completed in 1887, which served as the Pension Building, housing the United States Pension Bureau, and hosted several presidential inaugural balls. It is currently a museum of architecture, design, engineering, construction, and urban planning in Washington, D.C. The museum hosts various temporary exhibits in galleries around is spacious halls. The most impressive hall is the Great Hall, which is a spectacular indoor space with columns and a frieze, stretching around the exterior of the building and depicting Civil War soldiers in scenes somewhat reminiscent of those on Trajan's Column as well as the Horsemen Frieze of the Parthenon. I highly recommend it for family members of all ages.
We very much enjoyed spending a pleasant couple of hours in the National Building Museum. Highly recommended for anyone interested in architecture, design and history of buildings. The great hall in the center of the building is beautiful, with massive Corinthian columns. The entire building is made from more than 15 million bricks, making it one of the largest brick buildings in the world. There was an interesting exhibit on housing, that talked about the Sojourner Truth housing project in Detroit in 1941, and the start of the Bracero agricultural worker program in 1942, and how prevalent housing discrimination based on ethnicity was in those days. Also, there is a dramatic terracotta frieze that wraps around the exterior of the building---you must take a look at this. This distinctive and intricate work depicts scenes from the Civil War, including the movement of infantry, navy, artillery, cavalry and quartermaster units. Highly recommended!
As I'm writing this review I see a photo that I uploaded of one of my kids several years ago, playing in one of the building rooms. A happy past time! But this review is specifically for the Building Museum's GIFT SHOP, which is remarkable! I want to do all of my holiday shopping there, as well as curating our home, and my own personal bookshelf, and random toys for my kids, and writing/art supplies... I could spend all of my money at this gift shop. I'm commenting on it specifically because I'm sure there are hundreds of reviews for the rest of the building, including the museum as such and as an event space. Visit the museum, and linger for the gift shop!
The National Building Museum is a great museum to check out! If you're into design and buildings, or just plain curious, this place does not disappoint. I was able to check out their 'Building Stories' exhibit that they're currently running, and it is amazing! I love children's books and authors, so this was such a great way to really explore the world of architecture, engineering, construction, and design that are found in books that we've grown up with! Very kid-friendly and good for all ages - they have wonderful staff and educators here! Metered street parking can be found in the area. +'Building Stories' exhibit +wonderful staff +kid-friendly +metered street parking in the area
This was my first time at the Building museum and I absolutely loved it. The exhibits were all so different and cool and the building itself is a marvel. We had only about an hour to spend before they close (they close at 4 just fyi) so we rushed thru to be able to see everything. I think an hour and a half is probably all you really need to spend here but it's a beautiful building
Very average museum. There not much to do. If you pass by, I can recommend getting inside and seeing some galleries they have. The building itself is very nice.
What a cool museum! The various exhibits are very informative and cool to learn about. Especially the Covid-19 one. Very intriguing! There is a huge play in the middle for children to play in. Highly recommend. Staff was super friendly and the place was very clean! read more
The museum remains where other things have changed over the years. Notably, you can walk into the building without buying a ticket but most of the exhibitions require a wristband. I unintentionally stopped in on a day when they were offering free tickets. I don't think they ever open every room in the building for exhibition at the same time, so the amount of stuff on display is less than you'd think looking at it from the outside. However, my visit did yield some intriguing finds including a hall on contemporary southern architecture that hits much harder if you've actually been to the places (which by and large I now have), and a historical exhibition on schoolhouses for black people in the South, which provided an interesting window into history. I wouldn't count the Building Museum among the top tier of attractions, but it's a good landmark and worth visiting. read more
My kids and I LOVED visiting this museum, but a big part of that had to do with "The Playground" installation there until August 30th). We had a blast rock climbing, playing basketball, and swinging in the hammocks. Not sure what this open area is when the installation isn't there, but don't think my kids would have enjoyed it without that. So highly recommend it for the next week! read more
First time visiting and enjoyed it overall. I brought my 7-year old so outside of the interactive parts, we breezed through the less interactive exhibits. The favorites for my kid were The Playground and Brick City. We also read a few books together in the Stories exhibit on the first floor. We left to eat lunch at Chipotle (his choice) and easily picked back up on our exhibit path. The Great Hall is beautiful also and I personally enjoyed the Homes exhibit. read more
9 months ago
The building is so beautiful that it was clearly not designed for this recent use case but had some other function - and indeed it was a post-Civil War pension office grander than any bureaucratic office building these days. The artistry isn't necessarily the best for a museum, but it works pretty well. The best part of the museum was the tour which is free because you aren't going into the exhibits but learn about the architect, his choices, and the history of the building from its inception to inaugural balls to now. Our tour guide was Gene who was incredibly knowledgeable and able to answer everyone's questions. On the tour you're also guided up to the upper floors that you would not typically have access to. The exhibits require a ticket but it's still pretty cheap and even though it's federally owned, it still requires funding, so it's worth the ticket. The exhibits range on topics from the types and reasons for different shelters including videos, dioramas, and artifacts. They are visually appealing and informative. There is also an exhibit on buildings made out of Legos which is fun for all ages. There are a large gift shop and a small cafe for quick bites. If you've hit all the big iconic DC museums, this museum is a great one to hit to fill out your learning experiences. read more
Interesting museum built after the Civil War to hold pension records from Union soldiers thus named "The Pension Building" designed and built by Montgomery Meigs now used as the National Building Museum showcasing the history, materials and design of buildings with many exhibits such as, "Brick City" many LEGO buildings and "Tuskeggee Chapel" exhibits the design and reconstruction of the said chapel. All exhibits are educational and fun for all ages. The Great Hall is overwhelming is size, sort of an indoor atrium with columns rising up four stories. A tour is available and our guide Catherine was exceptional. A true hidden gem in DC read more
9 months ago
Very cool spot. The actual building is beautiful, and if I had to say something it would be that it wasn't as much architectural design as you would expect, but rather about ultimate overall design. There is especially a lot to do with kids, and it is absolutely awesome if you want to take them there. Three floors, simple design, there was even ice skating indoors when I was there. There was a Lego exhibit as well. The staff was excited to have me there and answer questions about their favorite exhibits. read more
We had the opportunity to attend a private reception event at the national building museum. I've never been here so it was an especially nice treat to have a private after hours access. Beautiful architecture with soaring ceilings. Didn't get a chance to visit the several exhibits along the sides of the main hall. Would definitely come back during the day to check it out! read more
This museum is outstanding; one of the best in Washington D.C. The National Building Museum is a private, nonprofit organization inside a building, completed in 1887, which served as the Pension Building, housing the United States Pension Bureau, and hosted several presidential inaugural balls. It is currently a museum of architecture, design, engineering, construction, and urban planning in Washington, D.C. The museum hosts various temporary exhibits in galleries around is spacious halls. The most impressive hall is the Great Hall, which is a spectacular indoor space with columns and a frieze, stretching around the exterior of the building and depicting Civil War soldiers in scenes somewhat reminiscent of those on Trajan's Column as well as the Horsemen Frieze of the Parthenon. I highly recommend it for family members of all ages. read more
We very much enjoyed spending a pleasant couple of hours in the National Building Museum. Highly recommended for anyone interested in architecture, design and history of buildings. The great hall in the center of the building is beautiful, with massive Corinthian columns. The entire building is made from more than 15 million bricks, making it one of the largest brick buildings in the world. There was an interesting exhibit on housing, that talked about the Sojourner Truth housing project in Detroit in 1941, and the start of the Bracero agricultural worker program in 1942, and how prevalent housing discrimination based on ethnicity was in those days. Also, there is a dramatic terracotta frieze that wraps around the exterior of the building---you must take a look at this. This distinctive and intricate work depicts scenes from the Civil War, including the movement of infantry, navy, artillery, cavalry and quartermaster units. Highly recommended! read more
10 months ago
2 years ago
As I'm writing this review I see a photo that I uploaded of one of my kids several years ago, playing in one of the building rooms. A happy past time! But this review is specifically for the Building Museum's GIFT SHOP, which is remarkable! I want to do all of my holiday shopping there, as well as curating our home, and my own personal bookshelf, and random toys for my kids, and writing/art supplies... I could spend all of my money at this gift shop. I'm commenting on it specifically because I'm sure there are hundreds of reviews for the rest of the building, including the museum as such and as an event space. Visit the museum, and linger for the gift shop! read more
The National Building Museum is a great museum to check out! If you're into design and buildings, or just plain curious, this place does not disappoint. I was able to check out their 'Building Stories' exhibit that they're currently running, and it is amazing! I love children's books and authors, so this was such a great way to really explore the world of architecture, engineering, construction, and design that are found in books that we've grown up with! Very kid-friendly and good for all ages - they have wonderful staff and educators here! Metered street parking can be found in the area. +'Building Stories' exhibit +wonderful staff +kid-friendly +metered street parking in the area read more
This was my first time at the Building museum and I absolutely loved it. The exhibits were all so different and cool and the building itself is a marvel. We had only about an hour to spend before they close (they close at 4 just fyi) so we rushed thru to be able to see everything. I think an hour and a half is probably all you really need to spend here but it's a beautiful building read more
1 year ago
Very average museum. There not much to do. If you pass by, I can recommend getting inside and seeing some galleries they have. The building itself is very nice. read more
I have to admit that I left the museum a bit underwhelmed. Honestly, I thought the museum was going to be a tour of iconic buildings from around the world, and how these buildings came to be. I guess this is slightly my fault because I did not do much research prior to visiting the museum, and we kinda randomly picked a museum to visit. During our visit (December 2023), there were five exhibitions for a $10 (adult) entry fee: 1. Brick City, 2. A Better Way Home, 3. Play-Work-Build, 4. House & Home, and 5. Mini Memories. Brick City and Play-Work-Build are very kid-friendly. Brick City is kind of cool because it highlights amazing architectural feats (e.g., Empire State Building, Sydney Harbor, Chichén Itzá, etc.) reconstructed with legos. Play-Work-Build is room full of huge foam blocks where folks can building things. Mini Memories, which was a room of souvenirs representing various states and countries, would be fine if it was not a main exhibit for the museum. I kind of reminds me walking through a grandparent's home full of knick knacks. A Better Way Home and House & Home were a little more adult-friendly. It was nice to take a walk down memories land and see images of American families of various racial and ethnic backgrounds through past 200 (I think) or so years. A Better Way Home has small walk-through replicas of various types of home buildings. It took us (two adults) about 1.5 hours to go through the five exhibits. Since it was a slow Saturday, we even played with the foam blocks for a few minutes. To be frank, we spent more time in the souvenir shop, which was more interesting than a few of the exhibitions. While I did not hate the museum itself, I would have to be very committed to a particular exhibit to visit again. I'm not sure if this is an effect of the pandemic, but I expected the museum to have a few more exhibits focusing on architecture. Again, I guess that's my fault for not researching what was going on at the museum. Oh, I will say that the building of the museum was quite impressive. Shoot, there should have been an exhibit about the building itself. . . they have plenty of room to add that exhibit. ;) read more
3 months ago
4 years ago
If you're a fan of architecture or Civil War history or have young kids and would like to take an indoor break, I would recommend a visit to the National Building Museum in DC. It's just one block east from the Capital One Arena or two blocks east of the National Portrait Gallery. Taking the metro (red line) to Judiciary Square will land you right in front of the museum. This huge building has a brick-facade that is differs in appearance from the concrete Greco-Roman pillared mega-buildings you will see elsewhere in DC. Although there is an admission fee ($10/adults or $7/child), it's worth a rest stop or if you're curious to see the rotating exhibits. I used to visit the NBM often10 years ago (2011-2013) when my teenage sons were little kids. The fountain and grand interior of the building provide an enjoyable respite in the city! read more
6 months ago
2 years ago
Needed something to get me out of the house on a lazy Sunday. What a nice treat this was! The exhibits were creative and informative, and it wasn't as busy as I expected on a weekend. I spent about an hour there, I imagine it would have been a tiny bit longer if I had gone with friends or children as there was plenty to discuss and activities to do. To be aware of: It was $10. read more
7 months ago
The great hall in the National Building Museum is breathtaking. I could sit there by the fountain and relax all day. The rest of the museum was a bit underwhelming. The Home & House museum was interesting, as you see images and items from families and home throughout history. Taking pictures was not allowed, which is extremely annoying in 2024! There is an exhibit of buildings done in Legos that is more fun for kids. Another exhibit had small items representing every state in the country. It doesn't take long to go through the entire museum. The great hall is probably the only part of the museum that will stick with me over the years. read more
The name sounds funny, almost like it was a mistake or something, but the National Building Museum is pretty neat. It's contents are exactly how it's named- there are tons of exhibits on architecture, building projects around the world and the vision behind them, as well as photography for architecture. I had never been here before (and I've been to DC a few times and hit up lots of museums), and I'm glad I went. I would say overall it was a cool experience- there really is a lot to learn and it's a topical museum that isn't near as popular or talked about. But here's my advice: if you haven't been to DC and still need to see the "big" museums, don't go to this one until you've been to the others. I just don't think it's worth it, plus you do have to pay admission for this one. Honestly, just walking in to see how darn cool the lobby is is plenty. Cuz seriously, it's stunning and mesmerizing and with all due respect was the coolest part of the museum to me. However, if you're like me and have been to the other museums, then give this one a try! read more
3 years ago
4 years ago
I've wanted to visit these exhibits for a while since the NBM was used as a staging area for the Cherry Blossom 10 Miler, and I finally took that opportunity, and it wasn't that bad! There were 12(!) exhibits, and it was hit or miss, but the exhibits were extremely varied! $10 per adult. $7 for students. FREE if you are a member! For Summer 2022 here are some of the following exhibits: 1. The Playhouse - 5/5: They transformed the atrium into the Folger Theatre, and are playing A Midsummer's Night Dream, and they have activities around the stage, and backstage tours! Really cool, I want to go back and see the actual play. 2. The Wall - 5/5: Very interesting and evocative exhibit, that's designed to initiate conversations since most visitors are probably "anti-wall". Stories from both sides of the border, and how border communities have evolved over time as policy changes. 3. Gun Violence Memorial Project - 5/5: Somber, poignant, and simple exhibit that has houses with cubbies that are filled with names and belongings of those killed by gun violence. Reminds us that everyone who died had a name, a family, hopes and dreams, and a community that mourns them. 4. What's Already There - 2/5: Seemed incomplete, but an exhibit demonstrating how Brussels is changing the urban landscape with sustainable practices, but the exhibit was not well guided, and I didn't know what I was looking at. 5. M|LAB - 5/5: It's a small exhibit, but super cool. Utilizing audio-visual, the exhibit transports you to different locations and you get to see how sound travels in different locations like the sound windmills make in an open field! 6. Notre-Dame De Paris: The Augmented Exhibition - 4/5: A technological exhibit that explores the construction, destruction, and rebuilding of the Notre-Dame in Paris. I thought a lot of the information wasn't well presented and focused on using AR for the entire exhibit rather than allowing AR to provide a superior experience. read more
I like the National Building Museum enough to be a member. My wife and I do not even live in Washington, D.C., but my elderly father does, and I am in town just about every month to check up on him (he still lives by himself). So I expect I'll go at least once per year. I also want to support the institution regardless, in the hope it will continue to develop. I offer utmost praise, with a comment that is less a critique than the expression of an aspiration. There is a reason to visit this space, separate from the exhibits. It is quite well known as a rental venue. If you are in the area or frequent it, and you are on the circuit of dinners, the black tie galas, you no doubt have been hosted in its Great Hall, a national landmark, what once was the Pension Building for veterans. Presidents have used it for inaugural balls, and it has the quality you would wish for on such an occasion, a grandeur that is not affected by post-modernist irony, a straightforward attempt to communicate through scale (among the most sizable Corinthian columns in the world, they claim) that the city and the nation are to be respected, to be held in awe. Even empty, it is impressive. You can stop in without a ticket, just to gaze (the other space nearby, if you like this sort of thing, is the Kogod Courtyard of the National Portrait Gallery, my favorite indoor public space, bar none). A little display, permanently in its own room, tells the story of the Quartermaster General, Montgomery C. Meigs, who designed the edifice. He specified low rise stairs so disabled soldiers could get up and down. Some have derided it over the years, but it has stood the test of time. It is old school, to be sure, but I would pick this style over Neo-Gothic. When this was an office, you must have walked into the splendor, aware that bureaucrats were grinding away on your behalf. As much as in any dystopian vision of the future, the vastness surroundings would have communicated, we are huge, you are tiny. On Labor Day, my wife and I had a date downtown. We went specifically for the Brutalism exhibit. That movement, in my opinion appropriately reviled for the utter failure of its proponents to respect humanity or human beings, rendering the inhabitants of the structures the equivalent of insects, and, for that matter, offering no solace even for ants (given the propensity for unfinished concrete), has been re-appropriated, and, at least in image, literally in photos, rehabilitated, through social media. I am not expressing anything original, for various articles of some expertise and erudition have been published pointing out how attractive these imposing monstrosities are as subjects, empty and foreboding, straight on or at a Dutch angle, as if architecture had achieved its apex by eliminating its users. But compare the Building Museum itself to the best of Brutalism. The Building Museum is, for the apprehension it might inspire, nonetheless welcome in a sense: come in, it says, and witness the workings of the government. It does not declare, this environment is meant to crush you into the dust from whence you came. The galleries are upstairs, where the offices were. We also saw the collection of miniature buildings, tourist souvenirs, which were a delight (I grew up where that giant tire is IRL, by the Detroit airport), and the Lego constructions adjoining a room where kids could play with the building blocks. Everything is quality. I only wish there were increased quantity. More than any other single museum I patronize, I enjoy what I experience -- my wife and I probably visit a dozen museums in any given year, and I wander through, feeling educated but not always reveling in the sights. I leave, as I suppose one should, wanting more. The Building Museum is a bit off the beaten path. I do not wish for it to be overrun. But if you have the least interest in architecture, design, urban planning, etc., this is a good hour to spend. Even if you care not a bit for the subject, I encourage you if you are passing by to stop in and gawk. read more
4 years ago
My alumni holiday party was held here this past Friday and it was amazing. Go Terps!!! The food and drinks were flowing. It's such a beautiful building. I don't know how far in advance you have to book this place but it's worth it! I can't wait to come back again. I would like to actually visit the museum. It's conveniently located across from Judiciary Square metro station. read more
3 years ago
3 years ago
3 years ago
Brick City at the National Building Museum in D.C. celebrates architecture with Legos. The exhibit opened in May, but I waited to see it with my niece because she loves Legos. These were impressive. But besides this exhibit and the gift shop, I didn't think there was much else to do there. read more
7 years ago
I'm not hating on the building museum. It's all good. It's just really devoid of that wow factor you are used to. I mean this is the land of museum mecca and there is too much hype to live up to. The best part of the museum is the gorgeous columns. The architecture is really lovely. I just wish there was more to the actual exhibits We really enjoyed the temporary evicted exhibit. If you have never been on hard times before in your life you need to view this exhibit. It is so simple but it is so well done. Thank goodness someone is creating a conversation starter about the housing crisis in this country. read more
7 years ago
We were pleasantly surprised by the National Building Museum! It was recommended to me by a relative and I am glad we took the time to check it out. It was just me and my husband so we skipped the extra fee to see the Lawn exhibit which was geared toward families with youngish kids. It made me miss my kids at that age as they would have loved running up and down the hill! We enjoyed many of the unusual current exhibits like Hoops (photographer Bill Bamberger's collection of photographs depicting basketball courts from around the world showing how they build communities), House & Home (historic exhibit on what living at home means to different people throughout America), Secret Cities (the architecture and planning of the Manhattan Project), Flickering Treasures (historical look at the world of grand movie theaters in Baltimore), and more! Plus, the building which houses the National Building Museum itself is quite grand and something to see! Completed in 1887, it originally housed the United States Pension Bureau serving Civil War veterans and their families. A frieze depicting scenes from the Civil War encircles the exterior of the building. It also served as location of several inauguration balls and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1985. read more
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401 F St NW
Washington, DC 20001
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(202) 272-2448
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