House of Cars

17.10.2009 - 11.07.2010

401 F Street NW National Building Museum Washington, D.C.,, USA

A showcase for innovation a training ground for the 20th centurys bestknown architects and now, a new direction for sustainable city planning the parking garage tells many stories.

As soon as there were cars, there was a parking problem, and cities responded both by finding ways to fit cars into old structures such as carriage houses and inventing a new building type made specifically for automobile storage. As the parking garages building type evolved, innovative engineers explored the best ways to lay out parking places and create structural systems to accommodate both cars and people.

The parking garage may have a reputation as an eyesore, but House of Cars challenges this notion using examples of welldesigned garages that add a creative tapestry to our streetscapes. It concludes with the question, What does the future hold for parking? and invites visitors to think about new types of parking solutions.

Admission is free

How to Get There:
By Metro
The National Building Museum is located across the street from Judiciary Square station on Metros red line. Alternatively, take the yellow or green lines to Gallery Place/Chinatown. Use the Galleries/Arena exit to F Street at the top of the last escalator (F Street), turn left and walk a short 2 blocks to the Museum.

Driving Directions:
http://www.nbm.org/plan-visit/accessibility-directions/

Parking:
Metered parking is located on 5th, F, and G Streets (please check meter carefully for hours of operation). Nearby parking lots/garages are located on F Street between 6th and 7th Streets, D Street between 8th and 9th Streets, and at the corner of 7th and H Streets. 

Motorcoach parking is available on a firstcome, firstserved basis at our G Street entrance. Motorcoaches may park in the driveway (no idling laws), but the driver must be available to move the bus in case of an emergency. Metered parking is available on F, G, and 5th Streets. A parking garage is available at G and 6th Streets at the Verizon Center. An open parking lot is available at H and 6th Streets in Chinatown.

Hours:
The National Building Museum is open to the public Monday through Saturday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, and Sunday, 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. Starting November 1, the Building Zone hours are Monday through Saturday, 10:00 am/4:00 pm, and Sunday, 11:00 am/4:00 pm. The Museum is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day. On rare occasions, the Museum may close for a special event.

Information:
Call 202.272.2448.