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?
What are the everyday activities for families?
What exhibitions are open now?
Where is your information about upcoming programs and lectures?
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 is the 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). The Museum is also just a few blocks from the Gallery Place/Chinatown Metro (Yellow and Green lines). Wheelchair access is available through the G Street entrance.
Please visit our Accessibility and Directions page.
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 and Christmas. On rare occasions, the Museum may close for a special event. Please visit our Hours and Admission 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.*
Some meters are active on Saturdays.
Up to date information for parking for persons with disabilities is available from the D.C. Department of Transportation.
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.
What are the everyday activities for familes?
There is something for families to do everyday at the National Building Museum. The Building Zone is open daily, Family Tool Kits and the Amazing Arches are available most days, and visitors can participate in Discovery Carts on weekends. Please see http://www.nbm.org/families-kids/everyday-activities/. Come see for yourself why the Museum has been called one of the most "family-friendly," "fun," "awe-inspiring," and "entertaining" places to visit in Washington, D.C.
What exhibitions are open now?
Please visit our current exhibitions page.
Where is your information about upcoming programs and lectures?
Please visit our calendar of upcoming programs and lectures.
How do I become a Member of the National Building Museum?
Becoming a member is easy! 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:
- Discounts in the Museum Shop and at Museum Programs
- Invitations to Member Events
- Subscription to the Calendar of Events
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.
Firehook Café hours:
Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Saturday, 10:00 am to 4:30 pm
Sunday, 11:00 am to 4:30 pm
Phone: 202.628.0906
Does the Museum ever close?
The National Building Museum is closed Thanksgiving and Christmas. 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?
Read some information on hosting events in the Museum.
What is the cost to visit the National Building Museum?
The Museum is a private, non-profit institution. Your admission fee helps the Museum deliver world-class exhibitions and programming. We welcome visitors to enjoy the Great Hall, Museum Shop, café, or a docent-led tour of our historic landmark building free of charge.
The prices below include access to all galleries, including LEGO® Architecture and the Building Zone, and docent-led exhibition tours, where available:
- Free for Museum members, children age 2 and under, and Memorial Day through Labor Day active-duty military and their families
- $8 for adults
- $5 for youth (ages 3 through 17), students with ID, and seniors (age 65 and over)
- $3 per person for the Building Zone only, the Museum’s hands-on building gallery for children 2 to 6
Tickets are sold at the Museum's Information Desk Monday - Saturday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm; and Sunday 11:00 am - 5:00 pm.
Are tours of the National Building Museum or your exhibitions available?
Yes! Learn more about the Museum's tours.
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
