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Old Patent Office Building
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The Old Patent Office Building, completed between 1836 and 1867, is a significant example of Greek Revival architecture. Initially housing the U.S. Patent Office, it later served various governmental roles, including wartime medical facilities during the Civil War. Today, it is home to the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the National Portrait Gallery, symbolizing the preservation of American cultural heritage.
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20400x5805 7.2MB
38.897110, -77.023035 |
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Old Patent Office Building,
Kogod Courtyard
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The Kogod Courtyard, a signature element of the Smithsonian American Art Museum, breathes new life into a historic landmark. Built in the early 19th century, the museum building is a National Historic Landmark itself. Architect Norman Foster's innovative design for the courtyard, completed in 2007, seamlessly blends modern aesthetics with the existing architecture. The soaring glass canopy floods the space with natural light, transforming it into a vibrant public gathering place.
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16281x9600 11MB |
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Judiciary Square
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Judiciary Square is a historic area that dates back to the city's early plans by Pierre L’Enfant. Established in the early 19th century, it became a center for government and legal institutions, including courthouses and federal buildings. Today, Judiciary Square is a civic hub, home to landmarks like the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, blending historic architecture with modern governmental functions in the nation's capital. This and the following "Sunset" views were captured through my office window during my time working in the nation's capital.
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14294x3045 2MB
38.895306, -77.015933
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Sunset View from One Judiciary Square
17667x2822 1MB
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National Building Museum
with
National Law Enforcement Officers
Memorial
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The National Building Museum in Washington, D.C., originally the Pension Building, was completed in 1887 to house the U.S. Pension Bureau, processing veterans' benefits after the Civil War. Established as a museum in 1980, it showcases architecture, design, and urban planning. Notable for its Renaissance Revival architecture and grand Corinthian columns in the massive Great Hall, the museum serves as a vital center for education and outreach, celebrating the built environment's impact on society.
Located in Washington's Judiciary Square, south of the National Building Museum, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial (foreground in photo) honors over 23,000 U.S. law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty. Established in 1991, it features curved marble walls inscribed with fallen officers' names, symbolizing their sacrifice. The memorial serves as a place of remembrance and respect, with ongoing efforts to add names annually.
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Original size:
8689x4413
38.896317, -77.017559 |
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National
Building Museum (interior)
Original size:
16749x6310 (105 mpixels/232"x87") |
Howard University, Founders Library
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Founded in 1867, Howard University is a private, historically black research university in Washington, D.C. Established shortly after the Civil War, it has played a crucial role in advancing civil rights and education for African Americans. The iconic Founders Library, a National Historic Landmark, serves as the main library and a symbol of the university's commitment to scholarship. Notable alumni include Kamala Harris, the 49th Vice President of the United States, Thurgood Marshall, the first African American Supreme Court Justice, and Toni Morrison, a celebrated novelist and Nobel Prize laureate.
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24795x17725
38.897308, -77.022506
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Tarrif Commission Building
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The General Post Office in Washington, D.C. (also known as the Tariff Commission Building), built between 1839 and 1866, is an early example of Greek Revival architecture in the United States. Originally designed by Robert Mills and later expanded by Thomas U. Walter, the building features an elegant, columned façade. Now part of the National Historic Landmark district, it has been repurposed for various uses, reflecting its architectural and historical significance in the capital.
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11465x2561
38.897308, -77.022506
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Carnegie Library on Mt. Vernon
Square
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The Carnegie Library on Mt. Vernon Square, opened in 1903, was funded by philanthropist Andrew Carnegie and built to serve as the city’s first public library. Designed in the Beaux-Arts style, it became a community and cultural landmark, reflecting Carnegie's vision for accessible education. Over the years, it has served various public and cultural functions, and today, it houses the Apple Carnegie Library and the DC History Center, preserving its historical significance.
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11465x2561
38.902265, -77.022947
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©2007-2010 Jinmin Zhou |
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