Custom Tours

Custom building tours are for groups of 10 or more. Fees apply. Tours last approximately 45 minutes and are suggested for high school aged visitors and above.

Unless otherwise noted, tours can be scheduled at any time Monday through Saturday from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm and Sunday from 11:00 am - 4:00 pm. After-hours tours are available with limited dates and times.

Historic Building Tours

An in-depth presentation of the structure's architectural elements and historical significance as well as a chronicle of the building's construction will be presented. Constructed of more than 15 million bricks, the Museum houses some of the largest Corinthian columns in the world and has been the site of seventeen Presidential Inaugural Balls, from Grover Cleveland's in 1885 to Barack Obama's in 2009. The tour includes a visit to the Museum's fourth floor, where you will find yourself face-to-face with the colossal capitals of our Corinthian columns.

Washington: Symbol & City

First-time visitor or long-time resident? Discover the city created by the government and for the government through this groundbreaking exhibition. Today, the revered Capitol and White House, the stately offices of government, the iconic monuments and museums, and the sweep of the Mall and the city's many public parks all evoke the ideals of democracy in the 21st century. This exhibition explores how residents experience the city and how Washington itself expresses the tension between the demands of a working seat of government and the desire for a national symbol, and the hopes and needs of an evolving city.

Curator-led Tours

Get an insider's look of the Museum's exhibitions with a curator-led tour. This special offering also provides an understanding of the unique creative process behind creating an exhibition. Curator-led tours are limited to a maximum of 25 people. Reservation requests are required at least 4 weeks in advance, and are subject to curator's availability. Fee: $300

The following tours are available:

Cityscapes Revealed: Highlights from the Collection (ongoing)
Washington: Symbol and City (ongoing)
Unbuilt Washington (through May 2012)

Ghost Tours

Everyone loves a good ghost story. See a different side of the Museum on this lantern-light tour led by the ghost of Mary Surratt. Ghost Tours can be arranged for groups of 5-25 people. Recommended for ages 10 and up, 1 adult per every 10 children required. Tours are from 8:00 - 9:00 pm. Fee: $300 (membesr); $375 (non-members) 

Discovery Carts

Discovery Carts are perfect for youth groups, elementary school classes, and scouts. Most appropriate for ages 5 and up. Fees apply. Carts last 30 minutes. Custom discovery carts can be scheduled at any time Monday through Saturday from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm and Sunday from 11:00 am - 4:00 pm. After-hours carts are available with limited dates and times.

The following carts are available: 

Bridging the Gap: During this interactive demonstration, participants learn about five basic bridge types before solving a transportation problem by choosing which type of bridge to build.
Arches and Trusses: Discover how building forces, materials, and structures affect strength and longevity. Participants test different building materials and work together to build an arch.

Custom Tour Scheduling and Payment Information

To schedule a custom tour, please click on the form link below or contact the Tour and Volunteer Office at 202.272.2448. Custom tours/discovery carts must be scheduled at least three weeks in advance in order to secure a docent/cart facilitator. 

Rates

Rates are based on the number of tour participants in a group:

*One docent/cart facilitator will be scheduled per 25 visitors. Due to the complexity of scheduling, please have accurate numbers when you book your tour/cart.

**Pricing excludes Curator Led and Ghost Tours.

Payment

Payment is due at time of booking. A confirmation email with a link to make the payment will be sent to the group facilitator shortly after booking. We accept Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. If you must send a check, please make it out to the National Building Museum and plan for its arrival at least one week before your scheduled tour.

Cancellations and Refunds

If you must cancel your custom tour or realize you will arrive early or late, please contact the Tour and Volunteer Office at 202.272.2448 immediately. If your tour is scheduled for a Saturday or Sunday and you must cancel on that day, please speak to the information desk so that your docent/cart facilitator may be notified, as special arrangements will have been made to provide you with a docent/cart facilitator at a specific time.

Please allow up to three weeks to process a refund. Any cancellation received less than two (2) weeks prior to the scheduled tour date will result in a forfeiture of the tour fee.

Questions? Contact the Tour and Volunteer Office at 202.272.2448 or email grouptours@nbm.org.