Created by an act of Congress in 1980, the National Building Museum has become one of the world’s most prominent and vital venues for informed, reasoned debate about the built environment and its impact on people’s lives. Our exhibitions, educational programs, and publications are well regarded not only for their capacity to enlighten and entertain, but also as vehicles for fostering lively discussion about a wide range of topics related to development, architecture, construction and engineering, interior design, landscape architecture, and urban planning.
I love this building. I took a tour shortly after we moved here and am amazed at the design features. After the Civil War, a new building was needed to house the US Pension Bureau. Congress appointed Montgomery C. Meigs as the architect and engineer and gave him some guidelines. The building had to be cheap and fireproof. Besides housing the Pension Bureau, it also had to have a large space for social and political functions. What's cheap and fireproof? Brick. You don't see a lot of brick buildings in DC, and according to the docent it wasn't well-received in its time. It didn't "fit in" with the other buildings in the area.
One of the things I found amazing is that by placing vents in strategic places, Meigs designed a ventilation system that created continuous air flow throughout the building. He felt that it would lead to a healthier work environment. Also, his placement of windows and arches made for a well-lit space throughout the Great Hall and the offices.
I've been to the National Building Museum a couple of times now, but have never been able to get a good picture of the Great Hall. Because of the way the windows are on that upper level, it's difficult to get a good pic without the light messing things up. Especially for a "non-photographer" like me. This is the best one so far:
I'm standing at one end on the second level looking toward the opposite side. This place is immense. See that fountain? It's 28 feet across. The Great Hall is larger than a football field. The perfect place for Inaugural Balls and the like as it can accommodate so many people.
Yeah, I like this place. Even if it doesn't "fit in."
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