Historic Building Tour
11:30 am | 1:30 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
2:30 pm

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.

House & Home Exhibition Tour 
11:30 am | 1:30 pm

Tour houses both familiar and surprising, through past and present, challenging our ideas about what it means to be at home in America.

Arches & Trusses Discovery Cart
 2:00 pm

Geared toward children five years older, this hands-on interactive cart explores what it means to be an architect by examining building materials and practices.
Free to attend. Look for the blue cart in the Great Hall.

Bridging the Gap Discovery Cart
 2:00 pm

Geared toward children five years older, this hands-on interactive cart explores basic forces that impact structures, the five different types of bridges and their advantages and disadvantages.
Free to attend.

*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.