A museum specially devoted to the history and influences of the architecture, construction, engineering, design and urban planning of the world, the National Building Museum also hosts a compelling variety of temporary exhibitions. Be greeted by the grandeur of its Italian Renaissance Revival façade and an astounding 1200-foot long Terra Cotta frieze showing Union soldiers. Step into its interior and be amazed by its imposing 75-foot tall Corinthian columns painted to resemble marble, which are some of the largest in the world.

Look out for the rails on the third floor, which were once used for whisking baskets of documents around and a dumbwaiter system used for lifting papers up and down. Do not leave without paying a visit to the fascinating museum shop that has been voted numerous times as one of the best museum stores in the United States.