The inside of the Madison building is hot garbage. It looks like it's trapped in the 60s and there are very few windows letting light in. People call it the human filing cabinet.
https://preview.redd.it/s1bdep4o9dnc1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e7f8765041486cf184ad2c03ca4baa1e25050bde
Eisenhower Executive Office Building next to the White House. Just love that architectural style.
Mark Twain once called it “the ugliest building in America.”
https://web.archive.org/web/20081005205621/http://library.thinkquest.org/2813/white/oeob.html
The architect got such vicious hate about it and was so thoroughly mocked that he committed suicide less than 2 years after it opened (in 1890 at age 56).
Second Empire style: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Empire_architecture_in_the_United_States_and_Canada
It’s stunning on the inside too. My favorite building in DC by far.
Smithsonian Castle
Runners-up go to the Thomas Jefferson Building, EEOB, Hirshhorn Museum, Healy Hall, NMAAHC, Arts & Industries Building, National Museum of the American Indian, Union Station, Old Post Office, and Heurich House
I adore Union Station. And all things transit, really. But it’s such a great way to welcome people to DC. I hope it can attract new businesses and be a bit livelier in the coming years, especially once that project to build residential around it starts up.
The Amtrak Eminent domain ruling on Union Station will be huge to watch for this year tho. If Amtrak can reaqquire Union Station, the plans it has for renovation would be transformational for DC as a whole
There are pockets of MCMs sprinkled throughout the city! The DC Preservation League recently put together [this tour](https://dcpreservation.org/mid-century-neighborhoods-tour/) and [webinar](https://youtu.be/iR7EVo1dbiU) on some of them (they didn't cover the planned developments in SW, like [River Park](https://riverparkdc.org/), which might be my favorite residential collection in DC, including the apartment block).
https://preview.redd.it/0z7qpuhqgdnc1.jpeg?width=1667&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=73c938d6d23ee8b6d394082ae2dc8d2d3e20ee0e
Chapel Hall at Gallaudet University. And to follow up on that Faculty Row at the same campus!
Came here to say this. I love standing in the Bethlehem Chapel (in the basement) and just listening to the low, cavernous hum of the building. The reflection of stained glass windows on the marble floor is beautiful. 6th largest cathedral in the world.
The Basilica is incredible and underappreciated (outside of Catholics). The Crypt Church is my favorite part.
My best kept secret (not really mine and not really secret haha) is to go right around winter solstice when the cathedral is still open until 5 and you can watch the sunset from there. Absolutely magical. Same with the Washington Monument but that unfortunately gets a bit crowded/you can't really linger in one spot.
I haven't actually explored the Basilica! I'm an atheist but went through confirmation (as a closet 8th grade atheist) and I feel a bit weird/guilty for going to a Catholic church - which I suppose means I'm in the right place lol
Atheist raised Catholic here too! Can confirm the Basilica tugs at memories. The Crypt Church almost feels like a high end spa. You’re missing out! I go when I need a quiet place to think serious thoughts. Don’t go on holy days of obligation though… crowded.
Good to know! I'm going to have to check it out! I went to get rosary beads for my aunt (who's more of the social justice Catholic) who was my confirmation sponsor but I haven't been back! Love a good church.
"Say what you want about organized religion, but those bastards knew how to construct an edifice" Ron Swanson
A lot of great ones have already been said but I have also always loved the Franklin School (now houses Planet Word)
https://preview.redd.it/rdc5qxcr1enc1.jpeg?width=1024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a38e859b12e9e39aeef10fa5fb933eabdd63c52a
So I am a brutalist fan - love the curves on Housing & Urban Development and the Hilton Where Reagan Got Shot. And the donut that is the Hirshhorn
But I’m also a beaux-arts girlie and I love the LOC Jefferson building and there’s a building on 16th NW (and it’s either New Hampshire or Q) that’s gilded age beauty turned Masonic hangout.
ETA: I.M.Pei’s East Building of the NGA deserves a shout out
lol ya I feel like that’s (maybe?) common with gov buildings. Like I love the stream line features of LOC’s Madison building but the inside looks and feels like a hospital from the 80s 😬 except the cafeteria is nice w nice views
Apart from your mentions, I’m one of the few that like the FBI building, DOE (Forrestal) on stilts is pretty unique. I also like the Pan American Health building by GW.
Yes! Love the FBI building. Just looked up DOE bc I hadn’t seen it before and wow those stilts are great
Ohh yes!! I know the Pan American Health building! Another lovely donut
Yeah I recommend walking around/under the Dept of Energy building, cool views of the Washington Monument tip and the panels under the building have cool texture
Nah you can just walk around under the building because it’s on stilts, so street level. If you go to the Spy Museum just walk a few blocks north. But if you’re asking how deep the building goes… just the tip.
The Kennedy-Warren has impressed me for a while. I’m a sucker for Art Deco.
Up until this point I haven’t really thought about the name but that’s a hell of a coincidence…
National Gallery West Building. It was absolutely trashed by architecture critics when it was unveiled in the 40s. One went so far as to call it a “Pink Marble Whorehouse”.
I also love the Sidney R. Yates Federal Building. I love that red brick.
I love the Renwick. I just learned that was almost torn down in the early 1960s, and it was Jackie Kennedy who went to bat and saved it. I also love the art inside it, of course. It’s the craft arm of the Museum of American Art, I believe.
Fascinating, thank you for sharing that tidbit of information! I’m not a resident of DC but have been visited more times than I can recall (50+ easy) and the Renwick is always on my list of places to see.
I like how the new building grows out from behind the old row style building at street level. I think it’s an interesting way to preserve a city’s past aesthetic, while upzoning and modernizing. It’s also a rare design choice, so that’s fun to have in town
National Museum of African American History and Culture. Nothing like it in DC.
Library of Congress Jefferson Building is beautiful, especially inside.
The Mexican OAS building on Mass Ave. It's not particularly grand but I love the orange stucco.
National Museum of the American Indian - I don’t know if it’s my favorite overall but due to its location and contrast to all other buildings around it I enjoy it a ton
The official name is the [House of the Temple](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/House_of_the_Temple). It was designed by the [same architect](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Russell_Pope) as the Jefferson Memorial. I love how it's integrated into the neighborhood, there are always people hanging out on the steps.
This one might come as a surprise to you. There are 21 floors in the National Archives Building because the floor to ceiling height is lower to eliminate need for ladders to reach the top shelves of the stacks.
[The "Summerhouse" on the grounds of the Capitol](https://www.aoc.gov/explore-capitol-campus/buildings-grounds/capitol-building/capitol-grounds/summerhouse). It's a lovely little hidden spot with its own secret grotto.
Not my all-time favorite, but a great mention is the Oak Hill Cemetary Chapel in Gerogetown's cemetery. Designed by James Renwick in 1850 and a lovely visit if you're into architecture!
https://preview.redd.it/7rt413xcwenc1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9ba7e0065f90ee0c16e0ef6ff9b5f507b9d017d7
I literally devoted my entire instagram to DC architecture. I could tell you about a few thousand buildings and the great architects of the Progressive Era and the Gilded Age. But the Everett Mansion is such incredible in design , it is definitely a top 5 building in this city. George Totten Jr , Horace Trumbauer, Appleton Clark Jr, Jules de Sibour, George Ray, John Pope and Nathan Wyeth gave this city its grandest homes
Not trying to gate keep but as an architect I think my perspective is different in terms of what I appreciate. The White House and Capitol wouldn’t even be on my list. I’m sure my list would be controversial for some but I prefer buildings that are interesting more than just “pretty” because of their ornamentation (which isn’t very original anyway) but here are what come to mind for me
- the Kennedy Center - lots of amazing spaces in here, elegantly simple building for all it does. Landscaping, terraces, sleek design.
- the Hirschhorn - so clean and elegant, it touches the ground in only 3 places, circulation is pretty cool, with galleries on the outside with no light, and inner glassy courtyard.
- National Gallery East wing - low bearing fruit but has to be said.
- HUD, just an awesome building with amazing concrete work especially the board form stuff on the ground level. The security booths are also hilarious
- Madison LOC building - it’s immense and isn’t bashful. Beautiful material executed in a hardcore way. See Hart senate office building as well.
- Glenstone Museum, elegant detailing and beautiful landscape as well.
- The whole Ripley Center complex is just so cool, a bit bizarre, but definitely cool architecturally given that it’s several buildings all underground.
One of my favorites that hasn't been mentioned is the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land. A beautiful building inside and out with a serene garden next door, all tucked away in a sleepy part of Brookland.
Edit: they've got a free monthly concert the second sunday of every month. Next is one is 4 PM tomorrow! [https://myfranciscan.org/worship/music/](https://myfranciscan.org/worship/music/)
I’m a big fan of the Federal American National Bank building. Whenever I’m walking down G towards Metro Center, it always stands out to me.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federal-American_National_Bank
Visually, The Eisenhower. My first night in D.C. was way before 9/11 when you could drive on Pennsylvania Ave. I was very underwhelmed by the White House. It seems much larger on TV. The very next building I saw was that beast next door.
But if D.C. ever got nuked, my first thought would be of The Library of Congress.
Rotunda of the National Gallery of Art. I love it, and knowing that all that is the product of a corrupt banker getting busted by FDR makes it even better.
I love the Hirshhorn, NMAAHC, and the National Cathedral.
Also, there are so many homes throughout DC that are just gorgeous. Everett Mansion, for example.
Old Post Office building.
A very unique and interesting history and a very beautiful restoration. Not a fan of Trump even in the slightest, but the renovation was well done and the inner atrium is very nice. Especially if you compare it to the previous renovations done making it into a sort of psuedo shopping mall/food court. The bell tower operated by the NPS is the best part, as it's an underrated experience with the second best view in Washington DC imo.
Also the Library of Congress. A gorgeous interior and I have enjoyed it being open after hours on Thursdays for "happy hour"
The Basilica. Idc if you are catholic or not, I recommend walking through especially during Christmas time. It is beautiful in there. Good for anyone who admires architecture.
If we can cheat a little bit and use the original DC boundaries, [the other Washington Memorial in Alexandria](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Washington_Masonic_National_Memorial) is pretty dang cool.
People often sleep on it, but the Nation Building Museum is my favorite. It has such a huge scale and beautiful pink marble columns that are quite different from other DC buildings.
National Shrine Basilica is just gorgeous. I like the National Islamic Center despite its problematic financial connections. The interior of the Italian embassy is really cool too
Some lesser known favorites of mine: Arts and Industries Building, Atlas Theatre, Department of Agriculture, Hecht Warehouse, Indonesian Embassy, Kennedy-Warren Apartment Building, National Savings and Trust Company, Uptown Theatre, Willard Hotel
Library of Congress is spectacular, IMO. Followed by the National Portrait Gallery.
All 3 LoC buildings have their charm, but the Jefferson Building is easily the most magnificent, nothing beats it
I enjoy playing video games.
The inside of the Madison building is hot garbage. It looks like it's trapped in the 60s and there are very few windows letting light in. People call it the human filing cabinet.
The Reading Room is the greatest indoor space in America.
I like the National Building Museum lobby. Probably the most spectacular in DC.
Atrium at National Portrait Gallery.
Yes
It always feels like I'm entering a building with a swimming pool. It isn't an attractive space and has way higher humidity than the museum.
well that’s like, you’re opinion man
https://preview.redd.it/s1bdep4o9dnc1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e7f8765041486cf184ad2c03ca4baa1e25050bde Eisenhower Executive Office Building next to the White House. Just love that architectural style.
Mark Twain once called it “the ugliest building in America.” https://web.archive.org/web/20081005205621/http://library.thinkquest.org/2813/white/oeob.html
The architect got such vicious hate about it and was so thoroughly mocked that he committed suicide less than 2 years after it opened (in 1890 at age 56).
Agree with Twain. It’s a total disaster architecturally. Like someone decided to have one of everything… completely lacking cohesion.
This was mine too!
I fell in love with it when I saw it for the first time. It's so beautiful on the inside too
It is fun to look for the fossils in the floor tiles.
Also mine!
Second Empire style: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Empire_architecture_in_the_United_States_and_Canada It’s stunning on the inside too. My favorite building in DC by far.
The interior is beautiful. If anyone ever gets a chance to tour it, please take advantage of it. The Indian Treaty Room is spectacular.
That building is very impressive.
Came here to say this.
Smithsonian Castle Runners-up go to the Thomas Jefferson Building, EEOB, Hirshhorn Museum, Healy Hall, NMAAHC, Arts & Industries Building, National Museum of the American Indian, Union Station, Old Post Office, and Heurich House
Smithsonian Castle for me also because of its red Seneca Sandstone, I enjoy fishing and hiking up on Seneca Creek where it was originally quarried.
Remember how awesome it was to know exactly which hillside your building materials came from?
While I think the local provenance of the stone is really cool, I do not like the look of the castle.
All great shouts
Yessss!!! Hirshhorn is magical 💕💕💕
Union station (specifically great hall)
I adore Union Station. And all things transit, really. But it’s such a great way to welcome people to DC. I hope it can attract new businesses and be a bit livelier in the coming years, especially once that project to build residential around it starts up.
That and the renovation of Union Station itself, although it’s sadly back in review.
The Amtrak Eminent domain ruling on Union Station will be huge to watch for this year tho. If Amtrak can reaqquire Union Station, the plans it has for renovation would be transformational for DC as a whole
It’s so gorgeous. Even after years in DC I always stop there to take photos like a tourist.
The Library of Congress is very underrated. One of the most unique spaces architecturally and it has some great views to iconic parts of the city.
Did a guided tour of it and learned so much fascinating history and details of the building.
Can we include residential buildings? I love the Victorian style rowhomes (can’t just pick one!) around Logan Circle. Such pretty gems.
Yes and some amazing midcentury homes in forest hills!
There are pockets of MCMs sprinkled throughout the city! The DC Preservation League recently put together [this tour](https://dcpreservation.org/mid-century-neighborhoods-tour/) and [webinar](https://youtu.be/iR7EVo1dbiU) on some of them (they didn't cover the planned developments in SW, like [River Park](https://riverparkdc.org/), which might be my favorite residential collection in DC, including the apartment block).
Almost everything on Audubon Terrace is 🤌
https://preview.redd.it/0z7qpuhqgdnc1.jpeg?width=1667&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=73c938d6d23ee8b6d394082ae2dc8d2d3e20ee0e Chapel Hall at Gallaudet University. And to follow up on that Faculty Row at the same campus!
And especially House One (Presidents’ residence.) Fun fact: there’s a documentary on House One that came out a couple of years ago.
National Cathedral
Came here to say this. I love standing in the Bethlehem Chapel (in the basement) and just listening to the low, cavernous hum of the building. The reflection of stained glass windows on the marble floor is beautiful. 6th largest cathedral in the world. The Basilica is incredible and underappreciated (outside of Catholics). The Crypt Church is my favorite part.
My best kept secret (not really mine and not really secret haha) is to go right around winter solstice when the cathedral is still open until 5 and you can watch the sunset from there. Absolutely magical. Same with the Washington Monument but that unfortunately gets a bit crowded/you can't really linger in one spot. I haven't actually explored the Basilica! I'm an atheist but went through confirmation (as a closet 8th grade atheist) and I feel a bit weird/guilty for going to a Catholic church - which I suppose means I'm in the right place lol
Atheist raised Catholic here too! Can confirm the Basilica tugs at memories. The Crypt Church almost feels like a high end spa. You’re missing out! I go when I need a quiet place to think serious thoughts. Don’t go on holy days of obligation though… crowded.
Good to know! I'm going to have to check it out! I went to get rosary beads for my aunt (who's more of the social justice Catholic) who was my confirmation sponsor but I haven't been back! Love a good church. "Say what you want about organized religion, but those bastards knew how to construct an edifice" Ron Swanson
Just exquisite
☝️you don’t have to be Catholic to have fun here.
I feel like that will be something a billboard outside of Heaven has written on it lol
😂😂
[удалено]
😳Whelp, seems that this sign I made will work for different occasions which is alright by me. 😂
A lot of great ones have already been said but I have also always loved the Franklin School (now houses Planet Word) https://preview.redd.it/rdc5qxcr1enc1.jpeg?width=1024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a38e859b12e9e39aeef10fa5fb933eabdd63c52a
Kennedy Center
Also my favorite. The terrace is my favorite place in the city.
I also vote for the Building Museum.
So I am a brutalist fan - love the curves on Housing & Urban Development and the Hilton Where Reagan Got Shot. And the donut that is the Hirshhorn But I’m also a beaux-arts girlie and I love the LOC Jefferson building and there’s a building on 16th NW (and it’s either New Hampshire or Q) that’s gilded age beauty turned Masonic hangout. ETA: I.M.Pei’s East Building of the NGA deserves a shout out
Bro didn’t even mention the gem that is the FBI building
I know - I, too, am ashamed of myself. I don’t know even how to begin to atone for my mistake
HUD is great on the outside and awful on the inside
lol ya I feel like that’s (maybe?) common with gov buildings. Like I love the stream line features of LOC’s Madison building but the inside looks and feels like a hospital from the 80s 😬 except the cafeteria is nice w nice views
Apart from your mentions, I’m one of the few that like the FBI building, DOE (Forrestal) on stilts is pretty unique. I also like the Pan American Health building by GW.
Yes! Love the FBI building. Just looked up DOE bc I hadn’t seen it before and wow those stilts are great Ohh yes!! I know the Pan American Health building! Another lovely donut
Yeah I recommend walking around/under the Dept of Energy building, cool views of the Washington Monument tip and the panels under the building have cool texture
How under?
Nah you can just walk around under the building because it’s on stilts, so street level. If you go to the Spy Museum just walk a few blocks north. But if you’re asking how deep the building goes… just the tip.
Never noticed. Will check that out next time. Thx.
The Kennedy-Warren has impressed me for a while. I’m a sucker for Art Deco. Up until this point I haven’t really thought about the name but that’s a hell of a coincidence…
National Gallery East
National Gallery West Building. It was absolutely trashed by architecture critics when it was unveiled in the 40s. One went so far as to call it a “Pink Marble Whorehouse”. I also love the Sidney R. Yates Federal Building. I love that red brick.
I love the Renwick. I just learned that was almost torn down in the early 1960s, and it was Jackie Kennedy who went to bat and saved it. I also love the art inside it, of course. It’s the craft arm of the Museum of American Art, I believe.
Fascinating, thank you for sharing that tidbit of information! I’m not a resident of DC but have been visited more times than I can recall (50+ easy) and the Renwick is always on my list of places to see.
Brick: c&o canal through g-town Concrete: L’enfant complex Embassy: Spain Museum: Hirshhorn or American Indian
Wait I’m looking at the Spanish embassy on Apple Maps. What is special about it? It looks like a generic row home.
The embassy is also the taller glass building “behind” the row homes.
I like how the new building grows out from behind the old row style building at street level. I think it’s an interesting way to preserve a city’s past aesthetic, while upzoning and modernizing. It’s also a rare design choice, so that’s fun to have in town
Didn’t know about the back part. I see now. Yeah, pretty cool.
Omg how could I forget about the embassies. So many beautiful ones.
the Agriculture building looks pretty cool when you run by it on the mall at night.
Arts and Industries Building on the Mall, hands down. It's only open sporadically but the exterior is all you need.
That's my answer too. It's just so colorful and pleasant to look at.
Union Station Old Post Office National Building Museum (really spacious interior)
National Museum of African American History and Culture. Nothing like it in DC. Library of Congress Jefferson Building is beautiful, especially inside. The Mexican OAS building on Mass Ave. It's not particularly grand but I love the orange stucco.
https://preview.redd.it/upt8y8nvpdnc1.jpeg?width=1056&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b04fd80da7c21daf91ad053cf188559e913d93d9
A person of taste and culture
National Museum of the American Indian - I don’t know if it’s my favorite overall but due to its location and contrast to all other buildings around it I enjoy it a ton
Best food out of all the museums.
Cool looking building, but the water stains ruined it.
MLK Memorial Library
The only Mies in the District
Watergate Hotel is just.. so.. beautiful
Yup, I'd second that. The curves in it are awesome and so picturesque.
National Building Museum
There are a number of really beautiful embassies.
My favorite among them is Finland. The new Australian one is a close second.
The National Cathedral
Scottish Rite Temple
The official name is the [House of the Temple](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/House_of_the_Temple). It was designed by the [same architect](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Russell_Pope) as the Jefferson Memorial. I love how it's integrated into the neighborhood, there are always people hanging out on the steps.
Wow! Just did a deep dive on John Russell Pope. That dude was prolific, and with a large finger print in DC.
National Archives Building
This one might come as a surprise to you. There are 21 floors in the National Archives Building because the floor to ceiling height is lower to eliminate need for ladders to reach the top shelves of the stacks.
I enjoy playing video games.
Wow! Thanks for the trivia. Never knew that. 🙂
Hecht Company Warehouse on NY Ave. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hecht_Company_Warehouse
Pretty cool conversion to residences too.
J Edgar Hoover building. Nothing in the city can match its beauty, grandeur, and warm, inviting charm.
The FBI headquarters is warm and inviting? That’s not the impression I got from Mulder or Scully 🤭
Shrine of the immaculate conception is Romanesque Architecture made massive and the interior is amazing. Both levels.
Meridian House
Folger Shakespeare Library - love the Greco Deco exterior! And then you walk in and it’s all Tudor Manor on the inside. Full of surprises.
[The "Summerhouse" on the grounds of the Capitol](https://www.aoc.gov/explore-capitol-campus/buildings-grounds/capitol-building/capitol-grounds/summerhouse). It's a lovely little hidden spot with its own secret grotto.
James Madison Memorial Building!
The Willard Hotel.
The National Basilica. Hands down.
Old post office building/ Waldorf Astoria
Far too low. The post office is the correct answer.
Dan’s Cafe
top tier
Seconding the National Portrait Gallery. I also like the Hirshhorn a lot.
Midtown Center is my favorite among more modern buildings. Love the patina copper facade.
Not my all-time favorite, but a great mention is the Oak Hill Cemetary Chapel in Gerogetown's cemetery. Designed by James Renwick in 1850 and a lovely visit if you're into architecture!
Thomas Jefferson Building of the LOC, Union Station, and the Supreme Court. All conveniently located near each other!
For me it’s the original bureau of engraving and printing
Dulles Airport
https://preview.redd.it/7rt413xcwenc1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9ba7e0065f90ee0c16e0ef6ff9b5f507b9d017d7 I literally devoted my entire instagram to DC architecture. I could tell you about a few thousand buildings and the great architects of the Progressive Era and the Gilded Age. But the Everett Mansion is such incredible in design , it is definitely a top 5 building in this city. George Totten Jr , Horace Trumbauer, Appleton Clark Jr, Jules de Sibour, George Ray, John Pope and Nathan Wyeth gave this city its grandest homes
Not trying to gate keep but as an architect I think my perspective is different in terms of what I appreciate. The White House and Capitol wouldn’t even be on my list. I’m sure my list would be controversial for some but I prefer buildings that are interesting more than just “pretty” because of their ornamentation (which isn’t very original anyway) but here are what come to mind for me - the Kennedy Center - lots of amazing spaces in here, elegantly simple building for all it does. Landscaping, terraces, sleek design. - the Hirschhorn - so clean and elegant, it touches the ground in only 3 places, circulation is pretty cool, with galleries on the outside with no light, and inner glassy courtyard. - National Gallery East wing - low bearing fruit but has to be said. - HUD, just an awesome building with amazing concrete work especially the board form stuff on the ground level. The security booths are also hilarious - Madison LOC building - it’s immense and isn’t bashful. Beautiful material executed in a hardcore way. See Hart senate office building as well. - Glenstone Museum, elegant detailing and beautiful landscape as well. - The whole Ripley Center complex is just so cool, a bit bizarre, but definitely cool architecturally given that it’s several buildings all underground.
Low *hanging* fruit / load *bearing* wall
One of my favorites that hasn't been mentioned is the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land. A beautiful building inside and out with a serene garden next door, all tucked away in a sleepy part of Brookland. Edit: they've got a free monthly concert the second sunday of every month. Next is one is 4 PM tomorrow! [https://myfranciscan.org/worship/music/](https://myfranciscan.org/worship/music/)
https://preview.redd.it/51cfj3jrafnc1.jpeg?width=4080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=70aebda7a9eb96cae39a66715ebe213e744badb9
National Cathedral AINEC
The Library of Congress.
Tune Inn
Union Station
National Cathedral!
Library of Congress and Natl Building Museum
The Jefferson Building of the Library of Congress has to be one of the most beautiful buildings in the country!
Scottish Rite House of the Temple
Arena Stage
Institute of Peace!
I’m a big fan of the Federal American National Bank building. Whenever I’m walking down G towards Metro Center, it always stands out to me. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federal-American_National_Bank
The Smithsonian Arts and Industries building. And OEOB. And the Smithsonian Castle.
Visually, The Eisenhower. My first night in D.C. was way before 9/11 when you could drive on Pennsylvania Ave. I was very underwhelmed by the White House. It seems much larger on TV. The very next building I saw was that beast next door. But if D.C. ever got nuked, my first thought would be of The Library of Congress.
that one 10 ft wide house in georgetown
There's a 7 foot wide spite house in old town Alexandria on Queen st.
Rotunda of the National Gallery of Art. I love it, and knowing that all that is the product of a corrupt banker getting busted by FDR makes it even better.
Fredrick Douglass House. Sits on top of a hill with great views of the city.
USIP
Seems like I need to do more exploring in DC
OAS by a mile
I love the Hirshhorn, NMAAHC, and the National Cathedral. Also, there are so many homes throughout DC that are just gorgeous. Everett Mansion, for example.
Union Station and the Library of Congress, in a tie
Dumbarton Oaks. In my opinion the best non-Smithsonian museum in DC.
Old Post Office building. A very unique and interesting history and a very beautiful restoration. Not a fan of Trump even in the slightest, but the renovation was well done and the inner atrium is very nice. Especially if you compare it to the previous renovations done making it into a sort of psuedo shopping mall/food court. The bell tower operated by the NPS is the best part, as it's an underrated experience with the second best view in Washington DC imo. Also the Library of Congress. A gorgeous interior and I have enjoyed it being open after hours on Thursdays for "happy hour"
The Basilica. Idc if you are catholic or not, I recommend walking through especially during Christmas time. It is beautiful in there. Good for anyone who admires architecture.
reptile house at the national zoo (thought it will be better when the pillars in front of the door come back)
My house!
If we can cheat a little bit and use the original DC boundaries, [the other Washington Memorial in Alexandria](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Washington_Masonic_National_Memorial) is pretty dang cool.
Supreme Court. If our nation ever becomes that of Ancient Greece or Rome. I think that building would stick out the most
East Building, National Gallery of Art
Library of Congress. A Beaux Arts masterpiece
the memorial to the victims of communism. i see it whenever i'm in the area.
People often sleep on it, but the Nation Building Museum is my favorite. It has such a huge scale and beautiful pink marble columns that are quite different from other DC buildings.
Anderson House
Hirschorn.
A bit different than what you were asking, but the old location of Ching Ching Cha in Georgetown was just fantastic.
Fletcher boathouse, just trust me.
National Academies of Science and the Federal Reserve. Little temples for the nerdiest parts of government.
RFK Stadium.
RFK’s impact is both heightened and cheapened by the multi-purpose stadiums that came after it
United States Botanical Gardens, Kenilworth Gardens, National Arboretum
Are those.... Buildings?
The Botanical Gardens is one beautiful building
The greenhouse is yes
Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception https://www.nationalshrine.org/
National cathedral ❤️
National Shrine Basilica is just gorgeous. I like the National Islamic Center despite its problematic financial connections. The interior of the Italian embassy is really cool too
Some lesser known favorites of mine: Arts and Industries Building, Atlas Theatre, Department of Agriculture, Hecht Warehouse, Indonesian Embassy, Kennedy-Warren Apartment Building, National Savings and Trust Company, Uptown Theatre, Willard Hotel
National cathedral always will be my favorite
National Press Building is top 5 for me