What is now the home of The National Building Museum was built between 1882 and 1887 as the headquarters of the U.S. Pension Bureau. U.S. Army Quartermaster General Montgomery C. Meigs was selected to be both the architect and engineer for the building - and General Meigs showed serious talent beyond "quartermastering". The interior "Great Hall" is one of the most impressive interior spaces in a city full of great interior spaces. (You may recognize the Great Hall as the site of the annual "Christmas in Washington" TV program.) The exterior of the National Building Museum is also unique for DC, fully encased in brick with Italian design influences. The museum hosts a rotating series of exhibitions and programs covering a wide variety of architectural and design topics. Note: While admission to the National Building Museum is free, it is not part of the Smithsonian Institution so visitor donations are greatly encouraged. Easily accessible from the Judiciary Square Metro station, right across the street (where you'll also find the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.)