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Hillwood Mansion- Washington, DC
Although lovely, the substantial Neo-Georgian Arbemont Mansion was not one of the most architecturally interesting buildings constructed in the 1920s. Although stately and respectable, it did not become truly remarkable until renovated by cereal heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post. Designed to showcase her professionally curated art collection, the mansion contains some of the finest objects money can buy. Built in the 1920s by architect John Diebert for Helen Blodgett Erwin, the 36 room mansion known as Arbemont sat on 25 acres at the edge of Rock Creek Park. In 1926, well known landscape architect Willard Gebhart laid out an elaborate garden to compliment the house, with a strong central axis and…
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Omni Shoreham- Washington, DC
Years ago, the Omni Shoreham was a fabulous old society hotel, where there was always a good time to be had. A sophisticated space, with an Arts and Crafts flair, it was home to a lively lounge, and hosted countless inaugural balls. It was the place to be seen in Washington. While the Blue Room may be long gone, and it may host more conventions than politicians these days, traces of its grandeur remain. Located in the leafy Washington, D.C. neighborhood of Woodley Park, not far from the National Zoo, the Omni Shoreham was the brainchild of prolific D.C. developer Harry Bralove. Intended to be a residential hotel, a concept…
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United States Capitol- Washington, DC
One of the most recognizable buildings in the world, the United States Capitol is a neoclassical masterpiece. Inside and out, it is befitting of the important business that takes place inside its hollowed halls. Built and renovated many times over, it is a historical landmark almost as old as the country itself. Built shortly after the capital city of Washington, D.C. was established, on land selected by Pierre L’Enfant, its construction proved to be a monumental task. In 1792, at the suggestion of Thomas Jefferson, an architectural competition was held for the design of the Capitol building. With the original 17 submissions deemed unsuitable, in 1793 George Washington selected Dr.…
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National Building Museum- Washington, DC
Oh, the arches. They are absolutely everywhere at the National Building Museum, which is fitting for an organization dedicated to architecture, design, engineering and construction. Originally built to house the United States Pension Bureau, the spectacular soaring space makes for a perfect museum, one where the building is every bit as interesting as the exhibits. Designed by Montgomery C. Meigs, civil engineer and Quartermaster General during the Civil War, the 1887 building is one of the earliest large scale Renaissance Revival structures built in the United States. Intended to administer the benefits for veterans of the Civil War, the building was designed to house a staff of over 1500 people,…
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Library Of Congress- Washington, D.C.
For bibliophiles and architecture fans alike, there are few greater places in the world than a grand old library. Although they come in all shapes and sizes, few are more impressive than the Library of Congress. Built at the height of the Gilded Age, using the finest materials available, the Library’s Thomas Jefferson Building is without a doubt one of the most spectacular structures in the United States. A temple of knowledge, its timeless beauty inspires all who enter its elaborate doors. Founded in 1800, with a small appropriation to purchase reference books, the original Library of Congress collection was housed in the U.S. Capitol building itself. Sadly, in 1814,…
