CityBuddy
Posjetite National Building Museum
Best time to visit
Weekday mornings are the quietest, letting you experience the Great Hall nearly to yourself. Late afternoons on weekdays also work well, as school groups tend to clear out by 2 PM.
Budget tips
General admission is free, though some special exhibitions have a fee around $10-$12. The building is part of the Smithsonian network so no ticket or reservation is required for the permanent spaces.
Recommended for
Architecture enthusiasts, Photography lovers, Families with kids, History buffs
Plan your visit
1.5-2 hours
About
Quick facts: The Great Hall is one of the largest indoor spaces in Washington, soaring 159 feet high with eight colossal Corinthian columns, each 75 feet tall and painted in a warm terracotta hue. More than 1,200 tons of iron and brick were used to construct the massive atrium, which has hosted inaugural balls for every U.S. president since Grover Cleveland.
Highlights: Walk into the Great Hall and look up: the massive interior columns are hollow, built as clever engineering to save weight while still supporting the 1.5-acre skylit roof. During the Civil War, the unfinished building served as a makeshift hospital and later as a barracks, with soldiers carving their names into the brickwork that you can still spot today.
Insider tips
- Grab a spot on one of the benches in the Great Hall center and look straight up to see the full scale of the 159-foot skylight without craning your neck.
- The gift shop stocks surprisingly unique architecture-themed souvenirs like building block sets and blueprint posters that make great gifts.
- Head to the mezzanine level for a quieter vantage point overlooking the main hall, especially pretty when afternoon light pours through the windows.
- Check the calendar before visiting: the building occasionally hosts free design workshops and family building activities on weekends.
Where to Stay in Washington
Selected by City Buddy based on guest reviews and proximity to top attractions
Search all hotels in WashingtonPowered by agoda
Have you heard of free walking tours?
After traveling to 30+ countries, there's one thing I wish someone had told me from day one, and it completely changed how I experience new cities.
Free walking tours. Yes, actually free. No credit card needed. No catch.
Local guide, 2-3 hours
Major sights, hidden gems, local stories
100% tip-based
Guides earn only tips, so they give their absolute best
You tip what feels right
At the end, just tip whatever you feel is right
I've done these in dozens of cities and they've been the highlight of almost every trip. If you're visiting Washington, United States, do this on your first day. You'll thank me later.
More attractions in Washington
All attractions in Washington →
Most popular itineraries!
Browse trip plans created by other travelers