Historic Building Tour
12:30 pm

Step back in time to the 1880s learn about the design, construction, and history of our building, formally known as the Pension Bureau.
Free to attend. Meet in the Great Hall.

Architecture of an Asylum: St Elizabeths 1852-2017 Exhibition Tour
10:30 am

Explore the complex history of Federal Government’s mental health hospital in Washington, D.C. Learn about theories on how architecture was thought to impact treatment for mental illness as well as the plans for the site’s use in the future. Requires museum admission. Meet by the entrance to the exhibition on the first floor.

Timber City Exhibition Tour
2:30 pm

Skyscrapers of wood: what once was unthinkable is now possible with new lumber techniques and applications. Learn more about the rebirth of large scale timber building.
Requires museum admission. Meet in the Great

*Please note: The National Building Museum is grateful to our volunteer docents for sharing their time and expertise. Occasionally, due to unforseen circumstances or emergencies, a volunteer may have to cancel at the last minute. Please check at the information desk to confirm your tour is still available on the day of your visit.