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Washington, D.C., District of Columbia / Landmarks

House of the Temple

An imposing Masonic temple in Dupont Circle, modeled after the ancient Tomb of Mausolus, serving as the national headquarters for the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry.

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House of the Temple
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What is the House of the Temple known for?

The House of the Temple is a Masonic temple in Washington, D.C., and serves as the national headquarters of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Southern Jurisdiction, U.S.A.

How much does it cost to visit?

Guided tours are free on Monday through Thursday, although there is a fee for tours on the weekend.

What are the tour hours?

Free guided tours are offered Monday through Thursday at 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2:00 p.m., and 3:30 p.m.

What is the architecture of the building?

Designed by architect John Russell Pope, the building was modeled after the tomb of Mausolus (the Mausoleum) at Halicarnassus.

When was the House of the Temple built?

Construction began with a cornerstone laid in 1911, and the building was completed in 1915.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

The House of the Temple is a striking Masonic landmark located at 1733 16th Street NW in the Dupont Circle neighborhood of Washington, D.C. It serves as the national headquarters of the Supreme Council of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Southern Jurisdiction, USA. The building's architectural design was crafted by architect John Russell Pope, who drew inspiration from the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, one of the ancient world's seven wonders, located in southwest Turkey. Construction of the temple began with a cornerstone laid in 1911 and the structure was completed in 1915. Since its opening in 1915, the House of the Temple has welcomed the public through guided tours, offering a glimpse into the organization's history and architecture. The site is also associated with the House of the Temple Historic Preservation Foundation, Inc. For those interested in the interior, the House of the Temple Library is open to visitors from Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Guided tours are available on these same days, with scheduled times at 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2:00 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. While tours on Monday through Thursday are free, the organization charges a fee for tours conducted on the weekend.

Visitor tips

  • Visit Monday through Thursday for free guided tours at 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2:00 p.m., and 3:30 p.m.
  • Call 202-232-3579 or check the @MasonicMuseum Twitter account before visiting to confirm the building is open.
  • If you are visiting with a group of 10 or more, email the staff in advance to ensure they can accommodate you.
  • Be aware that weekend tours require a payment fee.

Nearby context

Located in the heart of Dupont Circle, the House of the Temple is surrounded by an eclectic mix of residential architecture and embassies, adding to the mysterious aura of the Masonic temple.

Sources

Evidence and links