New Acquisitions: 2023
As part of its mission to inspire curiosity about the world we design and build, the National Building Museum actively collects objects, photographs, and paper materials that document the building…
The Harrison Apartments and Adaptive Reuse in DC
Washington, DC’s architectural story is one of evolution and adaptation, and few buildings illustrate that better than the Harrison Apartments. Tucked into the Judiciary Square neighborhood, this landmark structure has…
Four Hundred Years of Children’s Books About the Built Environment
For centuries, children’s books have shaped how young readers experience the world, including the buildings, cities, and landscapes they move through every day. Building Stories invites visitors to rediscover the…
Momentum in Motion: Exploring Parkour and the Built Environment
As the National Building Museum launches Momentum Park(our), a new summer installation exploring the dynamic interaction between movement and buildings, we spoke with Mark Toorock to learn more about the…
Parkour Meets Design: Four Spaces Built for Movement
Parkour is more than a sport; it’s a conversation with architecture. Every railing, ledge, and staircase becomes an invitation to explore what a space can do and how bodies can…
Where We Play: The Architecture of Basketball Courts
With the NBA Finals in full swing, millions of viewers will focus on the players and the pursuit of a championship. But behind every slam dunk lies something often overlooked:…
Pension Building Timeline, 1881–1985
Explore how the Pension Building, the National Building Museum’s home, came to be, evolved, and found new purpose as a museum celebrating the building arts. 1881 – A New Federal…
Mystery in the Collection: What Are These Lettering Devices?
Every once in a while, a mystery item emerges from the archives that sparks curiosity and a healthy dose of detective work. That’s exactly what happened when our Collections team…
What is Historic Preservation?
Historic preservation is more than saving old buildings: it’s about honoring the stories, materials, and memories that shape our communities. In this Q&A, architect, preservationist, and urban planner, Dr. Christine…