Lafayette Square
What You'll See!
When John and Abigail Adams moved into the unfinished White House in 1800, Lafayette Square was the most prestigious address in the Nation’s Capital.
Today, the historic neighborhood around the White House and Lafayette Park showcases distinguished buildings, architecture, and sculpture with fascinating and dramatic stories that reflect the history of the city and the nation.
Stately Structures
This neighborhood offers you the opportunity to visit historic homes and six important museums – from the Octagon and the Corcoran to the National Center for White House History at Decatur House and St. John's Church, the church of the presidents.
Also check out outstanding examples of diverse architectural styles, from the distinguished Greek revival Treasury to the magnificent Beaux-Arts Eisenhower Executive Office Building, and more than 40 officially designated historic sites.
Outdoor Art
In the parks and green spaces of this historic neighborhood you'll discover a virtual gallery of sculpture honoring the lives of war heroes and ordinary people alike. The Marquis de Lafayette welcomes visitors to the "Presidents Park" from the southeast corner, while Andrew Jackson reviews his troops (and visitors below!) from the center axis.
For More Information
Check out our Calendar for up-to-date information on exhibitions, lectures and other heritage happenings in the city.
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Testimonials
“The DC Jazz Jam has provided a tremendous boost to DC’s indigenous jazz scene. [The] cadre of fine musicians at Dahlak have managed to create a warm, inviting, encouraging, and creative environment at their weekly jam sessions, which is no small accomplishment. Experienced professionals, like myself, attend the jam to relax, stretch out musically, and network with other players. But at the same time, the DC Jazz Jam has proved to be the perfect setting for younger talent to come out, and have some of their first experiences playing in front of an audience and to learn their craft in the laboratory of a nurturing jam session. In this manner, the DC Jazz Jam is but the latest chapter in Washington’s long history with America’s classical music, jazz.”