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National Building Museum
Museum and Historic and Protected Site
Downtown-Penn Quarter-Chinatown, Washington
"The architecture of the building alone is worth the walk!"(9 Tips)
"mini golf closes at 3pm on the weekends"(3 Tips)
"hands down my favorite museum in DC or anywhere!"(2 Tips)
"History of Washington DC exhibit"(2 Tips)
107 Tips and reviewsFilter:
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Matt WetzelMay 30, 2014Hidden museum gem in DC. One of most beautiful museum buildings I've been to. There is a small fee, but well worth the admission. In fact, its better than some of the other free Smithsonian museums.
StephanieAugust 24, 2016The large open space within has recently been activated over the years thru architect led installations. The supporting exhibits have also improved in quality and content. Certainly worth a trip.
Upvoted Jan 9
Hannah LuddyJanuary 11, 2017Excellent exhibits, particularly the one on wood and the one on dolls loaned from the Victoria and Albert museum. Great for kids-- lots of space and interactive stuff just for them.
Upvoted Jan 20
Danielle DaSilvaJuly 12, 2018My favorite museum in DC. Rotating exhibits are well presented, and truly unique. Go in the summer when they bring in a new interactive exhibit that fills their atrium.
ElizabethJune 23, 2015What a gem! Two great spaces for the kids and lots of interesting exhibits for the adults. Each summer they roll out something unique as well.
Devin BoyerJanuary 29, 2018The exhibits themselves are pretty small, but the building itself is incredible! Definitely hop on a free guided tour to learn the history! Also seems to be a great place for kids
Christina RitchieAugust 6, 2019One of the best museum gift shops! Items aren’t cheap, but unique pieces you won’t see in other souvenir shops. And it has a nice, albeit tiny, cafe/coffee shop.
Allison KasicOctober 9, 2015The actual museum is eh but each summer they do something awesome like a giant maze, ball pit, or mini golf course in the middle of their main room.- Danika BrownMarch 31, 2015Take the tour so you can get the scoop on the history of this building. The exhibits are always fascinating, and the gift shop is a great place to get an unusual design-gift.
JH H-DSeptember 17, 2019Don’t know if the admission is worth it if there isn’t a huge exhibit going on. The architecture inside is stunning though
Amy CummingsJuly 22, 2018You have to pay to see most of the exhibits, so go when there’s a featured exhibit like the Fun House!
Jeremy CNovember 27, 2015Stop by around Thanksgiving to check out 'construction' exhibit 4 free. Building itself is a great, spacious place to chill after doing the National Mall.
Rebecca WAugust 13, 2015The great hall is incredible. They always have awesome exhibits on building and green energy and such. I highly recommend.
Affinia Hotel CollectionJune 12, 2014Less than a 10 minute walk from The Liaison, this museum allows you to channel your inner architect, highlighting design, engineering, construction, urban planning, and of course, architecture.
Boxfire PressJune 15, 2011Well off the National Mall, this is one of DC's best kept museum secrets. The history of DC exhibit is fantastic, but be sure to check out the Lego brick buildings upstairs until September 2012. Read more- Georgi GeorgievApril 29, 2016Amazing building! Exhibitions are on interesting topics, but it's missing some je ne sais quoi. I think it can certainly improve.
LAMPS PLUSAugust 17, 2011The National Building Museum in DC examines the impact of the built environment on our lives. Ancient Native tipi designs to the future of sustainable architecture, all housed in a landmark structure.
Vivian KongJuly 14, 2015For all ages - free admission if you want to just check out the gorgeous space/structure.
Dara FisherDecember 26, 2012An awesome first stop in DC--a great exhibit on DC's urban planning history will get you oriented well to the layout of the city.
WiredAugust 8, 2012The museum offers insight into the history and future of the world we create for ourselves, with lots of things for kids and adults to do.
The Building Zone is a great little play area for kids. It's billed as suitable for ages 2-6, but my one-year-old was able to enjoy it as well.
Jennifer Newton-BatemanSeptember 8, 2017Fabulous building and interesting exhibits related to architecture and construction.- ElizabethJune 30, 2013Play the indoor architectural mini golf! Just remember, mini golf closes at 3pm on the weekends and 4pm weekdays.
Some exhibits close earlier than the museum- check in advance!
Ashley BrooksAugust 8, 2014The inside is absolutely gorgeous. There were only two exhibits open when we toured the museum so there wasn't much to see...
Nemanja MarjanovicSeptember 30, 2018Museum shop. And there was an exhibition called Eviction which was great.- Nemanja MarjanovicSeptember 30, 2018Museum shop. And there was an exhibition called Eviction which was great.
Timothy RobsonJuly 4, 2011The best book store/gift shop in DC, and the most interesting special exhibitions. Members get a discount in the shop. Read more
M Squared Real EstateAugust 19, 2011This building has one of the best interior rooms in DC, if not the country. Anyone interested in the architecture of Washington DC should visit.
Kathryn FoxJanuary 25, 2012The Building Zone play area is no longer free. It's $3 per person, including adults, for a 45 minute session.
Neelu ModaliAugust 2, 2011Lego exhibit ROCKS! Check out the built-to-scale replicas of various skyscrapers from around the world.
Claire LormanDecember 29, 2010the best museum in dc! the great hall is a great place to sit and relax. they also gave great design outreach programs!
Chris FordFebruary 5, 2014Don't use the fountain as a restroom after all you can drink special events, you'd think that wouldn't be a tip and would be common sense, but it isn't
Going Out Guide from PostLocalMarch 22, 2011#CherryBlossoms: The National Cherry Blossom Festival Family Day and Opening Ceremony is at the National Building Museum March 26 from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. It's free! Read more
Presidential LibrariesJanuary 24, 2011From 1982-1988, President and Mrs. Reagan participated in the annual "Christmas in Washington" program, a chance to celebrate the holiday season with Americans across the country.
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National Building Museum
401 F St NW (at 5th St. NW)
Washington, D.C. 20001
United States
Washington, D.C. 20001
United States
The National Building Museum is America’s leading cultural institution devoted to the history and impact of the built environment. We do this by telling the stories of architecture, engineering, and design.
Closed until 10:00 AM (Show more)
- Mon–Sat
- 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
- Sun
- 11:00 AM–5:00 PM
(202) 272-2448
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- 8.7
"Line gets super long on busy days! Highly recommend getting a reservation for a timed visit."
Taylor Ness - 8.1
"The gift shop in the museum is incredible. Great books!"
Holly Mabery - 8.5
"Impressive little museum with a powerful collection. Nice grounds to walk around and get out of central DC for a bit."
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- 9.3
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Harjit - 8.0
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