National Building Museum

DOWNTOWN. The Building Museum offers a wide array of exhibits covering architecture, construction and engineering, but the biggest draw here may be the architecture of the facility itself. The Great Hall is the essence of Italian Renaissance splendor, with massive columns, a dramatic fountain, and an ornate ceiling soaring 15 stories high. A 1200-foot terra cotta frieze decorates the exterior. Inside, learn about design through interactive exhibits, or see temporary exhibitions focusing on the development of ghettos, factories, parks, roads and more. A must for the architecture buff or the casual observer. METRO: Judiciary Square.