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

J. Edgar Hoover Building

The imposing headquarters of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, this concrete landmark on Pennsylvania Avenue serves as a center of American law enforcement and a key part of the National Historic Site.

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J. Edgar Hoover Building
File:FBI Headquarters - J. Edgar Hoover Building (53840035941).jpg: ajay_suresh derivative work: Georgfotoart, CC BY 2.0

What is the J. Edgar Hoover Building known for?

It serves as the headquarters of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Where is it located?

The building is located at 935 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. 20535.

What are the architectural features of the building?

The building is constructed primarily of poured concrete and features a trapezoidal open-air courtyard. It is eight stories high on the Pennsylvania Avenue NW side and 11 stories high on the E Street NW side.

Is there anything notable to see on the exterior?

The Pennsylvania Avenue side of the building features large panels depicting several U.S. presidents, including George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt.

When was the building completed?

Construction finished in September 1975, and the building was dedicated by President Gerald Ford on September 30, 1975.

What should I check before going?

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

What to know

Located at 935 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, the J. Edgar Hoover Building serves as the headquarters of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The site is part of the Pennsylvania Avenue National Historic Site, occupying approximately 6.6 acres, which is roughly equal to three or four downtown city blocks. The complex is bounded by Pennsylvania Avenue, 9th, 10th, and E Streets NW. Architecturally, the structure is a low-rise office building designed for efficiency and economy, utilizing poured concrete as the primary exterior material. The building's height varies by side, standing eight stories high on the Pennsylvania Avenue NW side and 11 stories high on the E Street NW side. Two wings connect the main buildings to form an open-air, trapezoidal courtyard. The approved design plan for the facility called for 2,800,876 square feet of space to accommodate 7,090 employees. While the first FBI employees moved into the space on June 28, 1974, the construction was officially finished in September 1975. President Gerald Ford dedicated the building on September 30, 1975. Visitors walking along the Pennsylvania Avenue side can observe large panels that depict the history of the United States through its leadership. These panels feature depictions of George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Monroe, Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, and Woodrow Wilson.

Visitor tips

  • Walk along the Pennsylvania Avenue side to view the presidential panels.
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes as the site spans approximately 6.6 acres.
  • Visit during daylight hours to clearly see the architectural details of the poured concrete exterior.

Nearby context

The J. Edgar Hoover Building is situated along Pennsylvania Avenue, positioned near the Department of Justice. It is a prominent fixture of the corridor connecting the White House and the U.S. Capitol.

Sources

Evidence and links