16. The Octagon House
The name is misleading for the Octagon House. It’s actually a six-sided building, as opposed to eight sided. The three story irregularly shaped home is a dramatic departure from other buildings of its time.
15. Embassy of Finland
The Embassy of Finland stands out among its Embassy Row neighbors. The contemporary building is a tribute to the spirit of Finland. The Embassy hosts tours once a month so visitors can see the building up close.
14. United States Botanic Garden
The Stunning Botanic Garden Conservatory stands out in downtown DC with its glittering dome made up of glass windows and shiny steel.
13. Library of Congress - Thomas Jefferson Building
The architects of the Thomas Jefferson Building won a competition to design the building in 1873. The from to fhb building features nine busts of prominent men between the gothic columns. Inside you will find some of the most beautiful interiors from American sculptors and painters.
12. Francis Gregory Library
This community library near Fort Davis Park, features diamond-shaped cut outs for windows creating a checkered pattern and allowing for a light-filled library with beautiful views of the surrounding woods.
11. Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
Styled in the Byzantine-Romanesque style, this one of a kind shrine has 70 chapels inside it. It’s one of the largest churches in the world.
10. Bridge at Yards Park
The footbridge is the iconic piece of Yards Park. This contemporary futuristic bridge is meant to be a link for present and future trails and you do get the feeling you are walking into the future as you walk through it.
9. National Cathedral
It took 83 years to complete the National Cathedral! This beautiful cathedral features 215, stained glass windows, a 676 foot high tower and 112 gargoyles adorning the outside walls.
8. National Museum of African American History and Culture
One of the newest buildings in DC, the National Museum of African American History and Culture was designed to represent the past, present and future of the African American experience. Wrapped in ornamental metal lattice, this impressive building is worth a visit!
7. Meridian Hill Park
Meridian Hill was designed to look and feel like an Italian garden.It features an Italian Renaissance style terraced fountain, ornate statues and French style gardens.
6. National Museum of the American Indian
The five story museum was designed to mimic natural rock formations shaped by wind and water over thousands of years.
5. St. Coletta School
St. Coletta School is a bright and fun design that stands out in its Southeast neighborhood. The school is a school for children and adults with disabilities. The architect wanted the design to resemble playfulness.
4. Martin Luther King Jr Memorial
Martin Luther King Jr was a man who was larger than life and left an impact that was larger than life. So it’s no wonder his memorial reflects that. The 30 feet memorial was based on a line from the famous "I Have A Dream" speech: "Out of a mountain of despair, a stone of hope."
3. Hirshhorn Museum
Home to modern and contemporary art and it’s architecture reflects its focus. The architect, Gordon Bunshaft, designed the building to be a large piece of functional sculpture. It has a hollowed-centered, elevated cylinder and curved galleries throughout the building.
2. United States Capitol Building
The Capitol building with its impression Capitol domes and marble columns, it’s a beautiful example of neoclassical architecture. Today the Capitol building covers over 1.5 million square feet and has over 600 rooms!
1. Washington Monument
Yes, the Washington Monument has to be on the list! Known as one of the seven man-made wonders of the US, this iconic 555 ft tall monument is quintessentially DC.
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