The Octagon Museum: A Glimpse into America's Architectural Heritage
Discover the architectural legacy of America at The Octagon Museum in Washington, D.C., where history and design intertwine.
Nestled in the heart of Washington, D.C., The Octagon Museum offers tourists a unique opportunity to explore the rich architectural history of the United States. This historical museum, originally built in 1799, played a significant role in the country's early years, serving as a residence for President James Madison and a hub for significant historical events. Visitors will be captivated by its distinctive octagonal design and the extensive collection of artifacts that showcase the evolution of American architecture.
A brief summary to The Octagon Museum
- 1799 New York Ave NW, Washington, Connecticut Ave/ K Street, District of Columbia, 20006, US
- +1202-626-7439
- Visit website
- Friday 11 am-4 pm
- Saturday 11 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Visit during weekdays for a quieter experience and more personalized guided tours.
- Check the museum's website for special events and temporary exhibitions before your visit.
- Allocate time to enjoy the museum's gardens; they provide a lovely setting for relaxation.
- Consider bringing a camera, as the architecture and gardens present excellent photo opportunities.
- Plan your visit around the noon hour for the best natural light when exploring the exhibits.
Getting There
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Public Bus
From Laurel, head to the nearest bus stop that services the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) route. Take the MTA's Route 92 bus towards Greenbelt Metro Station. Ride the bus until you reach the Greenbelt Metro Station. From there, board the Washington Metro's Green Line towards Branch Ave. Get off at the Gallery Place-Chinatown station. Transfer to the Yellow Line in the direction of Huntington and ride to the L'Enfant Plaza station. Finally, transfer to the Blue or Orange Line towards the Foggy Bottom-GWU station and get off at the Farragut West station. Walk northwest for about 0.5 miles along I Street NW, then turn right onto 18th Street NW, and finally, turn left onto New York Avenue NW. The Octagon Museum will be on your right at 1799 New York Ave NW.
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Train
From Laurel, make your way to the Laurel train station. Board a MARC Train on the Camden Line towards Washington, D.C. After a short ride, get off at the Washington Union Station. Once you arrive at Union Station, exit and head to the nearby Metro station. Take the Red Line towards Glenmont and get off at the Gallery Place-Chinatown station. From there, transfer to the Yellow Line towards Huntington and ride to the L'Enfant Plaza station. Finally, transfer to the Blue or Orange Line towards the Foggy Bottom-GWU station and get off at the Farragut West station. Walk northwest for about 0.5 miles along I Street NW, then turn right onto 18th Street NW, and finally, turn left onto New York Avenue NW. The Octagon Museum will be on your right at 1799 New York Ave NW.
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Bicycle
If you're feeling adventurous and would like to bike, start from the center of Laurel and head southeast towards the Baltimore & Annapolis Trail. Follow the trail south until it intersects with the surface streets towards Washington, D.C. Once you reach the city, navigate towards New York Avenue NW. Continue riding along New York Avenue until you reach 1799 New York Ave NW, where The Octagon Museum is located.
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Walking
For those who enjoy walking, depending on your location in Laurel, find your way to the nearest public transportation hub. From there, take a bus or train as described above to reach the vicinity of Washington, D.C. After arriving at Farragut West station, you can easily walk the 0.5-mile distance to The Octagon Museum. Head northwest on I Street NW, turn right onto 18th Street NW, and then left onto New York Avenue NW. The museum will be on your right at 1799 New York Ave NW.
Discover more about The Octagon Museum
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