National Building Museum

Plan your visit

The museum is at 401 F Street NW near Judiciary Square Metro. It is generally open Thursday through Monday and closed Tuesday, Wednesday, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. The Great Hall and Museum Shop are free; exhibition admission is ticketed. Advance tickets are suggested but walk-up sales are available.

Accessibility

Wheelchair and stroller entry is on G Street NW during normal hours; after-hours programs use the 4th Street entrance through the lot. Elevators serve public areas, galleries are ADA designed, and a loaner wheelchair may be available. ASL interpretation can be requested with two weeks’ notice.

About National Building Museum

The National Building Museum is an active Washington museum exploring architecture, engineering, construction, landscape, design, and the built environment. It occupies the historic Pension Building and presents exhibitions, family activities, talks, tours, installations, and public programs around its monumental Great Hall.

Venue policies

Hours

Check current hours and holiday closures before visiting.

Tickets

Exhibitions require admission; advance purchase is suggested but not required.

Parking

The museum has no visitor parking; use transit, metered spaces, or a commercial garage.

Tours

Historic-building tours depend on docent availability; call ahead for times.