Frequently Asked Questions
Click on the questions below to jump to the answers on this page.
Where is the National Building Museum located and what metro stop is closest to you?
What are your hours of operation?
Where can I park once I get to the Museum?
How do I become a Member of the National Building Museum?
Are there any restaurants around the National Building Museum?
Does the Museum ever close?
What do I do if I want to host an event at the National Building Museum?
What does it cost to visit the National Building Museum?
Are tours of the National Building Museum or your exhibitions available?
Is there an ATM at the National Building Museum?
Where is the National Building Museum located and what metro stop is closest to you?
The National Building Museum is located at 401 F Street NW, between 4th and 5th Streets, across the street from the Judiciary Square Metro (Red Line). Wheelchair access is available through the G Street entrance.
Please click here to visit our Accessibility and Directions webpage.
What are your hours of operation?
The National Building Museum is open to the public Monday through Saturday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, and Sunday, 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. The Museum is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. On rare occasions, the Museum may close for a special event. Admission to the Museum and its exhibitions is free. A donation of $5 per person is suggested.
Please click here to visit our Hours and Amenities webpage.
Where can I park once I get to the Museum?
The National Building Museum has metered parking available on F, 5th, and G Streets (first come, first served).
Parking meter hours of operation are:
F and 5th Street meters: 7:00 am to 10:00 pm, Monday through Friday, 2 hour parking.*
G Street meters: 7:00 am to 6:30 pm Monday through Friday, 2 hour parking.*
*All meters are handicapped accessible (you do not need to pay for parking with appropriate handicapped designation on your vehicle).
Parking on the 4th Street lot is NOT permitted as it is a "permit only" lot. Anyone parking in the lot without a parking permit will be subject to ticketing and towing.
Nearby parking lots/garages are located at the Verizon Center (entrances are on 6th Street and at the corner of 7th and H Streets), at the corner of 7th and F Street (across from the Verizon Center), and at the PMI Garage and 4th and G Streets.
How do I become a Member of the National Building Museum?
Becoming a member is easy! Click here to become a National Building Museum member and take advantage of all the Museum has to offer! You'll save money and enjoy insider privileges. And you'll have the satisfaction of knowing you support the premier American cultural institution dedicated to exploring and celebrating the building arts. Members enjoy these exclusive benefits:
Are there any restaurants around the National Building Museum?
In addition to Firehook Bakery and Coffee House here at the Museum, which offers a variety of gourmet sandwiches, soups, salads, baked goods, and beverages, there are a number of restaurants ranging from fast food to fine dining within a three block radius of the National Building Museum. Please ask the staff at the Information Desk in our Great Hall for recommendations.
Café hours:
Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:00 pm
Saturday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Sunday, 11:00 am to 4:00 pm
Phone: 202.628.0906
Does the Museum ever close?
The National Building Museum is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. On rare occasions, the Museum may close for a special event. If we close early for an event, or inclement weather, we will update our main telephone message, and website, with all pertinent information, as soon as possible. We will also make every attempt to place notifications at all entrances.
What do I do if I want to host an event at the National Building Museum?
Please click here for information about hosting events in the Museum.
What does it cost to visit the National Building Museum?
Admission to the Museum and its exhibitions is free. A donation of $5 per person is suggested.
Are tours of the National Building Museum or your exhibitions available?
Yes! Please click here to visit our Tours of the National Building Museum page.
Is there an ATM at the National Building Museum?
Unfortunately, there is not an ATM at the Museum; however, there are several nearby.
You can find an ATM at:
- 6th Street, between D and E Streets
- E Street, between 6th and 7th Streets
- F Street directly across from the Verizon Center
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