The National Building Museum, located in Washington, D.C., is a specialized museum dedicated to architectural art. The building housing the museum was formerly used as an office building for the Pension Bureau. It was designed by Montgomery C. Meigs, who served as the chief engineer of the United States Army. The building was completed in 1887.
A Rare Fee-Based Facility Among the Smithsonian Museums
The National Building Museum, unlike most Smithsonian museums, is a paid facility. It is renowned for its focus on architecture, design, engineering, construction, and urban planning. The building faced a period of neglect and the possibility of being demolished after serving as a government office until the 1960s. However, architect Chloethiel Woodard Smith was commissioned to explore alternative uses for the building. Her report, issued in 1967, recommended transforming the space into a museum specialized in architectural art. Consequently, the building was registered as a National Historic Landmark in 1969, and in 1980, it became an independent nonprofit organization known as the National Building Museum.
Historical Background and Location
The National Building Museum is situated in the Northwest quadrant of Washington, D.C., adjacent to the Judiciary Square. The building itself holds historical significance, as it was originally constructed to accommodate the expansion of pension insurance for veterans, their families, widows, and orphans after the Civil War. This resulted in the need for a new building, and Montgomery Meigs’ design was chosen. He drew inspiration from Italian Renaissance architecture, particularly the Farnese Palace and Cancelleria Palace in Rome.
Exhibits at the Museum
The National Building Museum primarily focuses on the history of construction. The exhibits cover a wide range of topics, including architectural history, the work of architects, architectural design, urban planning, environmental conservation, building technologies, and the construction industry. The museum houses numerous valuable collections, not only from the United States but also from architectural exhibits worldwide.
One notable section in the museum displays the evolving housing conditions and changes in costs and attitudes towards living spaces through different generations. Visitors can explore the exhibits showcasing the evolution of housing styles, architectural trends, and urban planning in the United States throughout history.
Unique Architectural Features of the Building
The National Building Museum’s building exhibits various architectural elements. The exterior of the building is adorned with sculptures by Caspar Buberl, reminiscent of scenes from ancient buildings like Trajan’s Column and the Parthenon in Athens.
Inside, visitors can admire the grand columns and friezes, and the spacious interior has been used for inaugural balls during presidential inaugurations. The floor near the southern entrance features the presidential seal.
The building itself was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1969 and a National Historic Building in 1980. Currently, renovation work is underway to create new exhibition spaces and improve accessibility.
From a Single Building to Urban Spaces: A Comprehensive Exploration of Architecture
The National Building Museum provides an engrossing experience for those interested in architecture and urban planning. The exhibits encompass the works of American and international architects, landscape designers, and renowned architectural structures. Visitors can delve into various aspects of architecture, from historical buildings to furniture, photographs, models, and drawings, making it a captivating destination for architecture enthusiasts.
