National Building Museum Extends Capital Brutalism Exhibition Through June 30, 2025
January 22, 2025

– Museum’s Critically Acclaimed Exhibition About Controversial Architectural Style Extended Due to Popular Demand –
– Public Program About Brutalism Slated for February 6
WASHINGTON, D.C. January 22, 2025– The National Building Museum announced today that it will extend its Capital Brutalism exhibition through Monday June 30, 2025. This exhibition has sparked intense media and public interest as it tells the story of how D.C.’s Brutalist architecture helped reshaped the city in the mid-century. Capital Brutalism explores the history, current state, and future of seven polarizing buildings and the WMATA Metro system in Washington, D.C. The exhibition is co-curated by Dr. Angela Person, associate professor of architecture at the University of Oklahoma, and architectural photographer Ty Cole.
Capital Brutalism was originally slated to conclude on February 17 but has been extended to June 30, 2025 due to popular demand.
The exhibition had received much critical acclaim from the media:
A segment that aired on CBS Saturday Morning last weekend said of the exhibition, “At the National Building Museum in Washington D.C., the city’s much maligned concrete beacons of Brutalism are getting a fresh look.”
The Wall Street Journal said, “Capital Brutalism” does what an exhibition of recent architecture should do, which is to take something that has become familiar, commonplace and discolored by decades of auto exhaust and help us to see it with fresh eyes.”
The Washington Post called the exhibition a “fascinating, sometimes tongue-in-cheek look at sites the show calls the past, present and potential future of brutalism in Washington.”
Bloomberg City Lab said the exhibit offers “provocative solutions for some of the city’s least-understood buildings.”
Washingtonian Magazine said, “A New Exhibit Asks You to Reconsider How Much You Hate Brutalism.”
The Federalist called it “An intelligent, provocative show”….“Capital Brutalism is a history show and a design show, but it stimulates thinking and especially the imagination.”
The Georgetowner said, “Exhibitions like this one and articles putting the style in a positive light are on the upswing.”
Smithsonian Magazine called it, “the largest-ever survey of Washington’s Brutalist architecture.”
“We are thrilled to extend Capital Brutalism at the National Building Museum. If popular culture is any guide, there is a renewed interest in this controversial architectural style that is so prevalent in D.C.” said Aileen Fuchs, the National Building Museum’s President and Executive Director. “Hollywood has elevated the style with the new, award-winning film, The Brutalist. Our exhibition provides additional historical context for Brutalist architecture and inspires visitors to rethink their perceptions of beauty and equity as we consider the future of these Brutalist buildings.”
The catalogue for Capital Brutalism is available for in person or online purchase at the National Building Museum Gift Shop along with Brutalism merchandise.
On Thursday, February 6, architect Jeanne Gang will lead the Museum’s Spotlight on Design public program about Brutalism. Gang is founding partner of international architecture and urban design practice Studio Gang, one of the many architecture firms featured in the Capital Brutalism exhibition who created speculative redesigns of some of the D.C.’s Brutalist buildings.
More information and tickets can be found HERE.
This program has applied for 2 LUs (AIA).
Spotlight on Design is presented by The Anthony and Keiko Greenberg Foundation. Additional support provided by The American Institute of Architects.
MUSEUM HOURS – Thursday – Monday, 10 am – 4 pm. Capital Brutalism is located on the second floor. Tickets: $10: Adults; $7: Youth (ages 3-17), Student with ID, Senior (ages 60+); Free: Museum Members. Purchase tickets online
LINK TO ADDITIONAL IMAGES
MEDIA CONTACT
Karen Baratz, karen@baratzpr.com, 240.497.1811
ABOUT THE NATIONAL BUILDING MUSEUM
The National Building Museum inspires curiosity about the world we design and build. We believe that understanding the impact of architecture, engineering, landscape architecture, construction, planning, and design is important for everyone. Through exhibitions, educational programs, and special events, we welcome visitors of all ages to experience stories about the built world and its power to shape our lives, our communities, and our futures. Public inquiries: 202.272.2448, info@nbm.org, or visit www.nbm.org. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
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