Home | The Octagon | Plan Your Visit

Visit In Person

Location: 1799 New York Ave NW, Washington, D.C.

Hours: Fridays and Saturdays, 11 :00 am – 4:00  pm (last entry at 3 pm)

Guided Tours: Guided tours are offered at 11am, 1pm, and 3pm, and last about 45-50 minutes. Included with admission.

Private Tours: For groups of 10+ or private bookings, email octagon@architectsfoundation.org. Large group tours require at least 2 weeks’ notice and may not be available during general open hours.

Admission

  • $10 / adult
  • $5 / seniors, DC residents, college & graduate students, teachers, AIA members, or military personnel
  • Free / children and teens under 18

Visiting Tips & Policies

  • Tickets are valid for any time within open hours on the day of purchase.
  • Need to change your visit date? Tickets are redeemable at any point; check in at the front desk upon arrival.
  • Metro accessible: Farragut West / Farragut North stations.
  • Driving: Limited street parking; use the ParkMobile app to help locate nearby garages.

Accessibility: The Octagon is not ADA accessible, but a full online tour is available.

  • We offer discounts for DC residents, students, seniors, teachers, AIA Members, and military personnel.
  • Please plan extra time for parking during the AIA Headquarters renovation.


Get Tickets


Explore The Octagon Virtually with Bloomberg Connects

Discover The Octagon digitally with our free guide, powered by Bloomberg Connects, featuring stories, videos, and behind-the-scenes insights:

  • Designed in 1799 by Dr. William Thornton, architect of the U.S. Capitol
  • From a private residence to temporary White House after 1814, school, government offices, and tenement housing — now a National Historic Landmark
  • Explore how The Octagon’s design intersects with civic purpose, sustainability, and social equity initiatives

How to Access

While Visiting: Scan the QR code on-site to launch the guide



Location & Contact Info

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