Join the club on a field trip to National Building Museum March 11, 2023. The museum is open from 10am until 4pm.

The historic home of the National Building Museum 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. Upon its completion in 1887, the space accommodated approximately 1,500 clerks and officers who serviced 324,968 Civil War pensioners. In that time, less than 20 years after the war, 890,000 pension claims had been filed on behalf of those killed or wounded in the Civil War.

Museum highlights include

  • The Great Hall
  • Alan Karchmer: the architects’ photographer Through August 14, 2023 See the work of a master image-maker in large format, including iconic photographs of projects by top architects.

The Museum Cafe is operated by SakuSaku Flakerie, a French bakery with a Japanese twist offering signature croissants, Kouign Amann, quiches, and more.

Location: 401 F Street NW Washington, DC 20001

Parking is challenging near the Museum, and they recommend using public transportation whenever possible. For those who plan to drive, we have partnered with SpotHero to help visitors find and purchase guaranteed parking at many convenient locations in the area.

To reserve your parking spot, visit the National Building Museum SpotHero Parking Page and book a spot with rates up to 50% off drive-up.

Metro: 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.

Public entrances are on F Street NW, directly across from the Metro entrance; 5th Street NW; and G Street NW. Accessibility entrances are on G and 4th Streets. Wheelchairs are available at the Information Desk.

Tickets are not required to visit the Great Hall, the Museum Shop, A Better Way Home: The Housing Affordability Breakthrough Challenge exhibition.

Advance-purchase tickets are suggested, but not required. Tickets are $10/adult. You can purchase tickets online here.

Please email Ed Niehenke if you are going eniehenke@aol.com