The historic buildings of Washington, DC preserve the past and offer a fascinating glimpse into the changes in architecture and daily American life since the early settlement of the nation's capital. Following is a guide to the 25 oldest and most significant Washington, DC historic landmarks. (In order by date of construction)
21. National Building Museum
© National Building Museum
1887
401 F St., NW Washington, DC. Housed in the former Pension Bureau building, this historic structure is recognized as a marvel of architectural engineering. The Great Hall is impressive with its Corinthian columns and four-story atrium. The museum in downtown Washington, DC examines America's architecture, design, engineering, construction, and urban planning.
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401 F St., NW Washington, DC. Housed in the former Pension Bureau building, this historic structure is recognized as a marvel of architectural engineering. The Great Hall is impressive with its Corinthian columns and four-story atrium. The museum in downtown Washington, DC examines America's architecture, design, engineering, construction, and urban planning.
Continue to page 3
22. Eisenhower Executive Office Building
© Rachel Cooper, licensed to About.com, Inc.
1888
17th St and Pennsylvania Ave. NW Washington, DC. Located next to the West Wing, this building houses a majority of the offices for the White House staff. The impressive structure, a fine example of French Second Empire style of architecture, was originally built for the State, War and Navy Departments.
17th St and Pennsylvania Ave. NW Washington, DC. Located next to the West Wing, this building houses a majority of the offices for the White House staff. The impressive structure, a fine example of French Second Empire style of architecture, was originally built for the State, War and Navy Departments.
23. Corcoran Gallery of Art
© Rachel Cooper, licensed to About.com, Inc.
1897
500 17th St. NW Washington, DC. The historic building was established as a private art gallery to house the extensive collection of Washington banker and philanthropist, William Wilson Corcoran (partner of the bank Corcoran & Riggs). Today, the Corcoran is a College of Art and Design and a gallery displaying one of the most comprehensive collections of American art in the world.
500 17th St. NW Washington, DC. The historic building was established as a private art gallery to house the extensive collection of Washington banker and philanthropist, William Wilson Corcoran (partner of the bank Corcoran & Riggs). Today, the Corcoran is a College of Art and Design and a gallery displaying one of the most comprehensive collections of American art in the world.
24. Carnegie Library
1902801 K St. NW Washington, DC. The early 20th century Beaux-arts style building, was the District of Columbia’s main library from the early 1900s until 1972. In 1980, it was partially renovated to serve as a part of the University of the District of Columbia. Beginning in 1999, the building was restored and in 2003 opened as the City Museum of Washington, DC. Sadly, the museum did not draw enough interest and closed. The building is currently used as the home of the Historical Society of Washington, DC and is available to rent for special events.
25. Union Station
© Miller Taylor
1907
50 Massachusetts Ave. NE Washington, DC. The city's train station is a beautiful historic building with exquisite features such as 50 foot Constantine arches and white marble flooring. Union Station is a transportation hub for the region as well as an upscale shopping destination.
50 Massachusetts Ave. NE Washington, DC. The city's train station is a beautiful historic building with exquisite features such as 50 foot Constantine arches and white marble flooring. Union Station is a transportation hub for the region as well as an upscale shopping destination.
