TOUR: National Building Museum

Sunday, October 19 
1:00 - 2:00 PM
401 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
Registration Required | Tickets $10 per person | No Refunds

Join us for a private, docent led tour of the historic home of the National Building Museum which was built between 1882 and 1887 for three distinct purposes: to house the headquarters of the U.S. Pension Bureau, to provide a suitably grand space for Washington’s social and political functions, and to commemorate the service of those who fought on the side of the Union during the Civil War. It is an important early large-scale example of Renaissance Revival architecture, and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1985.

Since it was created in 1980 through an act of Congress, the National Building Museum has transformed the public’s understanding of the impact of architecture, engineering, landscape architecture, construction, planning, and design. Through exhibitions, educational programs, and special events, including three inaugural balls, visitors experience stories about the built world and its power to shape our lives, our communities, and our future. The Museum resides in the historic Pension Building, which contains one of the most awe-inspiring spaces in the nation’s capital: a soaring, expansive Great Hall featuring eight colossal Corinthian columns. On the exterior, a 1,200-foot-long terra cotta frieze wraps the building.

Following the tour members and guests may visit Current Exhibits which are included in the fee.

Meeting Place:
Please plan on arriving by 12:45 to meet Elena Vejarano, OLLI’s tour coordinator, and our docent. The Museum will confirm where to meet one week before our tour, and attendees will receive this information.

Getting There:
The Museum is located across the street from the Judiciary Square (Red Line) station’s F Street NW entrance. Alternatively, you can take the Yellow/Green/Red lines to the Gallery Place-Chinatown station and walk two blocks east to the Museum. 

This tour is a substitute for the now cancelled National Grounds Tour. If you originally registered for the National Grounds Tour, please reply to the email regarding your interest in refund and registering for this tour in its place.