Octagon exhibits and events
Join us at The Octagon for our current exhibits and special events.
Design for Living: Heller at The Octagon
Opens June 2024
The Architects Foundation proudly presents Design for Living: Heller at The Octagon, an exhibition that invites visitors to explore how the timeless elegance of a historic home is exquisitely transformed by the innovative contemporary furniture of Heller. The Octagon, designed in 1799 by William Thornton, is a National Historic Landmark and an iconic feature of Washington, DC’s historic core. This historic house’s eight walls hold the stories of the many people who have called this building home—enslaved laborers, wealthy Washingtonians, immigrants, factory workers, and even a U.S. President. Restored by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) in 1898 as one of the country’s earliest preservation projects, The Octagon currently serves as the headquarters for the AIA’s philanthropic partner, the Architects Foundation. Design for Living continues The Octagon’s tradition of design excellence and actively invites visitors to consider this historic residence as a home for the next generation of great design and great designers.
Shaping the Future of The Octagon Through Building Science + Design
Opens June 2024
The Octagon’s staff consulted a team of architects and engineers to help assess, measure, and find solutions for the building’s energy efficiency. Follow along as we navigate the process of forging a sustainable future for a nearly 225-year-old structure.
Communities Start Here
Opens June 2024
Communities by Design –or CxD– is an initiative of the Architects Foundation that’s anchored in the belief that people are a city’s biggest asset. Learn more about CxD’s work to make three American cities more healthy, equitable, resilient, and carbon neutral in this new exhibition.
AIA Global Campus for Architecture and Design
Opens June 2024
Curious about the AIA’s new national headquarters? This exhibition will highlight the goals for the highly interactive Global Campus for Architecture and Design and the work underway to bring that vision to life.
I Was Here
Ongoing
I Was Here is an art installation commemorating the lives of the enslaved people who built and worked at The Octagon. This is a part of The Octagon’s initiative to reveal the role enslaved craftspeople played in creating the architectural canon nationally.
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Host an exhibit or event
Are you interested in hosting a special event at The Octagon? Learn more about our space rental options >
If you’re interested in hosting an exhibit at The Octagon, please download our exhibit proposal form and send to AmandaFerrario@architectsfoundation.org.