National Building Museum

Location

The National Building Museum tells the stories of the world we design and build. We’re one of the most “family-friendly,” “awe-inspiring” spots in Washington, D.C. We’re a short walk from the National Mall, the Verizon Center, and Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.’s Penn Quarter.

The Museum offers something for everyone, from children to design buffs to building professionals. The engaging exhibitions and all-ages programming showcase architecture, engineering, construction, planning, and more.

The exhibits range from world- famous structures built entirely of LEGO bricks to Designing Tomorrow: America’s World’s Fairs of the 1930s. Long-term exhibitions include Cityscapes Revealed: Highlights from the Collection, which offers a comprehensive survey of the museum's permanent collection, and Washington: Symbol and City reveals how Washington, DC’s built environment reflects the complexity of its role as a national symbol and an evolving municipality.
The National Building Museum occupies a magnificent, historic structure with a soaring Great Hall, colossal Corinthian columns, and 1,200-foot terra cotta frieze. We’re connected to the Civil War because Civil War veterans collected their pensions in our historic building.

Learn about the Museum’s historic home during a free docent-led tour, offered daily. Docents also lead tours of exhibitions.

Come for family-friendly activities. Explore the Museum with a special tool kit, build a seven-foot arch, or build in the Building Zone. The Building Zone is geared for kids ages 2-6.

Our Shop has been named “Best All-Around Museum Shop.” Browse the Shop’s unparalleled selection of design books, house wares, educational games and toys, and more. Also enjoy our Museum Café.