Visit The Octagon
Located at 1799 New York Avenue NW in Washington, D.C., The Octagon is a National Historic Landmark and the historic home of the Architects Foundation, the philanthropic partner of The American Institute of Architects (AIA).
Designed in 1799 by Dr. William Thornton, the first architect of the U.S. Capitol, The Octagon has played a remarkable role in the architectural and civic history of Washington. Today, the Architects Foundation stewards the building as a museum, exhibition space, and gathering place for conversations about architecture, design, preservation, and the communities we build.
Book online now!Hours
The Octagon is open Fridays and Saturdays from 11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Last admission is at 3:00 p.m.
Guided tours are offered at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. and are included with admission. Tours last approximately 45–50 minutes.
Admission
$10 — Adults
$5 — Seniors, D.C. residents, college and graduate students, teachers, AIA members, and military personnel
Free — Children and teens under 18
Groups of 10 or more and private tours should be arranged at least two weeks in advance by contacting octagon@architectsfoundation.org.
While You’re Here
The Octagon is part of the AIA Global Campus for Architecture & Design, a destination for architecture, design, culture, and community in the heart of Washington, D.C.
Visitors can also explore the neighboring AIA headquarters, including exhibitions and a self-guided tour highlighting the building’s architecture and net-zero design.
On weekdays, stop by:
Grace Street Coffee Roasters
Locally roasted specialty coffee, espresso drinks, and tea
Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
AIA Design Shop
Books, gifts, apparel, and objects inspired by architecture and design
Monday–Thursday, 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Please note that Global Campus operating hours differ from The Octagon’s museum hours. The AIA Global Campus is open Monday–Friday from 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. and is closed Saturday and Sunday.
Getting Here
The Octagon’s entrance is located at 1799 New York Avenue NW, between 17th and 18th Streets.
The closest Metro stations are Farragut West and Farragut North. Limited street parking and nearby parking garages are also available.
Questions?
octagon@architectsfoundation.org
(202) 626-7439
Accessibility: The Octagon is not currently ADA accessible, but a full online tour is available.
Explore The Octagon Virtually with Bloomberg Connects
Discover more than two centuries of architecture, history, and civic life with The Octagon’s free digital guide on Bloomberg Connects.
Explore stories, videos, and behind-the-scenes perspectives on:
- The Octagon’s design by Dr. William Thornton, the first architect of the U.S. Capitol
- The building’s remarkable evolution from private residence and temporary White House to school, government offices, tenement housing, and National Historic Landmark
- The people, events, and ideas that have shaped The Octagon throughout its history
- The Architects Foundation’s stewardship of The Octagon and its continuing role as a place for exploring architecture, preservation, design, and civic life
How to Access
While visiting The Octagon: Scan the QR code on-site to launch the free Bloomberg Connects guide and explore additional stories as you move through the house.
Location & Contact
The Octagon
1799 New York Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20006
Email: Octagon@ArchitectsFoundation.org
Phone: (202) 626-7439