News Release Archive
L.A. Lands in D.C.
October 8, 2013
Museum Open in the Event of a Government Shutdown
September 30, 2013
In the event of a government shutdown, the National Building Museum will remain open during regular hours: Monday–Saturday, 10 am–5 pm; Sunday, 11 am–5 pm.
ALERT: NATIONAL BUILDING MUSEUM IS HAUNTED
September 28, 2013
The National Building Museum, America’s leading cultural institution devoted to the history and impact of the built environment, is haunted by ghosts. Multiple witnesses have confirmed at least four and as many as six separate spiritual beings living in the Museum, although specific identities of the undead have yet to be confirmed.
Spotlight on Design: Walter Hood
September 24, 2013
Walter Hood, ASLA, is out to prove the benefits of good design and high quality public art. The Berkeley, California-based landscape architect and public artist discusses his work, which includes Splash Pad Park, the de Young Museum, and Lafayette Square Park. Starting this fall, Hood will work to enhance a new town square for the Nauck neighborhood near Shirlington in Arlington County, Virginia.
The National Building Museum Presents Overdrive: L.A. Constructs The Future, 1940-1990
September 11, 2013
In fall 2013, the National Building Museum will be the only East Coast venue to present Overdrive: L.A. Constructs the Future, 1940-1990, the first comprehensive survey of the architecture of mid-to-late twentieth-century Los Angeles. This major exhibition will shed new light on well-known landmarks, uncover hidden jewels, and explore the architectural soul of one of America's most complex cities.
The Big Build at the National Building Museum
September 9, 2013
Be a builder for the day at the free Big Build festival. Amateur builders young and old can discover what it’s like to build a brick wall, carve stone, and much more as they work side-by-side with designers, builders, and artisans demonstrating their skills. Meet plumbers, electricians, ironworkers, landscape architects, woodworkers, and experts in many other fields to learn about their professions and hobbies.
Museum Partners with AARP to Tackle Issues Facing an Aging Population
September 3, 2013
This fall, the National Building Museum partners with AARP for programs focused on the impact of built environment on an aging population.
Canstruction® 2013 at the National Building Museum
August 27, 2013
Twenty-two teams representing architecture and engineering firms throughout the D.C. Metro area will gather at the National Building Museum to assemble their own works of edible architecture for Canstruction®. Canstruction is an international design competition that raises food for the hungry in a creative and exciting way. The sculptures will be on display in the Great Hall from September 1 through September 6.
National Building Museum Names Co-Founders of Friends of the High Line as Fifteenth Laureates of Vincent Scully Prize
August 23, 2013
The National Building Museum presents the fifteenth Vincent Scully Prize to Joshua David and Robert Hammond, for their work in creating one of the most successful urban revitalization projects to date, New York City’s High Line. Since its first section opened in 2009, the High Line has served as a catalyst for the re-development of Manhattan’s West Side and has prompted more than $2 billion in investment in the neighborhood.
MINI GOLF & BBQ AT THE NATIONAL BUILDING MUSEUM
August 22, 2013
This summer, the National Building Museum brings back its popular indoor Mini Golf exhibition. The expanded attraction features two 9-hole course options, with all new holes designed and built by leading Washington-area architects, landscape architects, designers, and contractors. The courses reflect this year’s theme of “Building the Future,” with twists and turns sure to challenge golfers young and old. Designed for ages 4 and up, the one-of-a-kind courses are located in
air-conditioned comfort during Museum hours from Memorial Day (May 27, 2013) to Labor Day (September 2, 2013).
Architectural Toys Make a Playful Addition to House & Home
July 23, 2013
Three toys from the National Building Museum’s Architectural Toy collection are now on display within House & Home, the Museum’s long-term exhibition that examines what it means to be at home in America. These toys, located in the “Community” gallery, illustrate the concept of community in different eras—the 1890s, 1940s, and 1960s.
A Preview of D.C.'s Future
July 18, 2013
CityCenterDC Scheduled for Completion by End of Year; Panelists discuss design and process.
Free Summer Concerts
July 16, 2013
National Building Museum Partners with Washington Performing Arts Society for Summer Block Party.
Teen-Curated Photography Exhibition Opens at National Building Museum
July 11, 2013
Teen-Curated Photography Exhibition Opens at National Building Museum. Investigating Where We Live Partners with National Park Service for 2013 program.
Popular Lecture Series Explores Iconic Styles
July 9, 2013
Architecture 101 explores significant periods in architectural history, serving as a refresher course for the professional or student or providing the novice with a chance to learn more about the world of architecture. The lectures explore the physical characteristics associated with the movements and how each reflects the culture, politics, and technical innovations of its time.
Field Fellowship Application Now Open
July 1, 2013
Fellowships at the National Building Museum provide scholars with opportunities to pursue independent research related to the Museum’s broad areas of interest in the building arts. In addition, fellowships provide opportunities for interdisciplinary learning through exposure to all aspects of the Museum’s daily operations. This year, the Field Fellowship will support the creative, educational, and non-commercial use of video or multimedia projects to interpret the built environment. The intent is to foster the creation of content that can be used to enhance design education.
Executive Director Earns ASLA Honorary Membership
June 19, 2013
The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) today announced its 2013 Honorary Memberships. Honorary membership is among the highest honors ASLA can bestow upon non-landscape architects in recognition of notable service to the profession. Since its inception in 1899, ASLA has inducted only 158 honorary members. Of the new honorary members is Chase W. Rynd, Executive Director of the National Building Museum.
Gensler's Global Reach
June 18, 2013
Gensler is a global design firm with 43 offices and 3,500 employees worldwide. Diane Hoskins, FAIA, co-CEO; Mariela Buendia-Corrochano, LEED AP, principal and global design leader; and Theresa Sheils, AIA, LEED AP, principal and studio director, will discuss how working on a global scale and fostering collaboration between people from different backgrounds and areas of expertise sparks creativity and drives innovation.
Swim, Sail, Sun: D.C.'s Plans for the Riverfronts
June 13, 2013
Washington, D.C. was built on the banks of two rivers, the Potomac and the Anacostia, yet through industrial use, pollution, and neglect, the city has generally turned its back on its waterfronts. Panelists discuss how the D.C. region is moving from indifference to engagement with its rivers and share what’s needed to protect these valuable natural resources while providing places to live, work, and play along their banks.
National Building Museum is a Distinctive Destination
June 5, 2013
The National Building Museum is proud to be a Distinctive Destination of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. We welcome all National Trust members to receive a discount of free admission and/or 10% off purchases at the Museum Shop when visiting the Museum.

