The National Mall in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Making A Modern Museum

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), December 15, 2017

1. Making A Modern Museum Marker

Inscription. The National Museum of American History opened to the public as the Museum of History and Technology in 1964. The architectural firm McKim, Mead & White designed the building as a contemporary take on surrounding beaux-arts and classical structures. The exterior's repeating bays were meant to evoke Greek columns. Inside, exhibitions highlighted the heritage and accomplishments of the United States and served as reminders of the importance of freedom and democracy during the Cold War.

Erected by Smithsonian Institution.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Charity & Public Work. A significant historical year for this entry is 1964.

Location. 38° 53.511′ N, 77° 1.786′ W. Marker is in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in The National Mall. It is on Constitution Avenue Northwest (U.S. 50) west of 12th Street Northwest, on the right when traveling east. On the grounds of the National Museum of American History. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1300 Constitution Avenue Northwest, Washington DC 20560, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American Northeast,

in the Upper South,

in the Mid-Atlantic,

in the Tidewater,

and in the Chesapeake Bay Region.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: A National Museum (a few steps from this marker); Legacy of War (within shouting distance of this marker); The Fountain (within

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shouting distance of this marker); Public Art for a Modern Museum (within shouting distance of this marker); Keeping It Green (within shouting distance of this marker); "Garden for Victory!" (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Welcome to Our Meadow! (about 300 feet away); Developing Sustainable Practices (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Northwest Washington.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Renovating the Fountain (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

More about this marker.
Caption from photo:
The northern face of the Museum, early 1970s

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), December 15, 2017

2. Making A Modern Museum Marker

Photographed by Brandon D Cross, August 11, 2025

3. Making A Modern Museum Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on August 12, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 15, 2017, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 353 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 15, 2017, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 3. submitted on August 11, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.