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The National Children's Museum is a children's museum and science center in downtown Washington, D.C. It is intended to serve children up to age 12 and their families through interactive exhibits exploring science, technology, engineering, art, and math. Founded in 1974, the museum operated from 1979 to 2004 at 220 H Street, NE.
In 1881, the Arts and Industries Building (No. 34 on the map), known originally as the National Museum Building, opened on the north side of B Street SW to the east of "The Castle". Designed in 1876 by Adolf Cluss and his associates, the building is the second oldest still standing on the National Mall (proper).
The city's landmarks reflect its status as the national capital, including grand government buildings, homes of politicians, military facilities, and museums. The list also includes sites relating to support for the disabled, the Civil Rights Movement, pioneering urban infrastructure, and other historic themes.
The Octagon opened as a museum in 1970. The museum was restored to its 1817–18 era appearance in the early 1990s. The wall colors and room configurations seen today are representative of that time period. The museum was administered by the American Architectural Foundation from 1970 to 2012, though the museum was closed from 2007 through 2013.
Ghosts of DC – A Washington, D.C. history blog "History DC Area Directory". DCpages.com. Archived from the original on January 1, 2011; The Seat of Empire: a history of Washington, D.C. 1790 to 1861; Ovason, David, The Secret Architecture of Our Nation's Capital: the Masons and the building of Washington, D.C.
The National Building Museum's gift shop was honored in 2007 as the "Best Museum Store" in the country by Niche magazine, "Best All-Around Museum Shop" in the region by The Washington Post, [7] a "Top Shop" by the Washingtonian, [8] and named best museum shop in D.C. by National Geographic Traveler's blog, Intelligent Travel, in July 2009. [9]
The interior of the building was partially lit through the use of skylights and clerestory windows. An iron truss roof covers the building. In 1883, the exterior was adjusted to use a more vibrant maroon-colored brick. [4] The building is composed of four pavilions, one at each corner, about 40 feet (12 m) square and three stories tall.
The Castle was the first Smithsonian building, designed by architect James Renwick Jr., whose other works include St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City and the Smithsonian's Renwick Gallery, also in Washington D.C. The building committee held a nationwide design competition in 1846 and selected Renwick's design by a unanimous vote. [3]