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

The Octagon House

A masterpiece of late Federalist architecture, this historic townhouse served as the temporary White House for President James Madison after the original was burned in 1814.

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The Octagon House
octagonhouse.org, og_image_octagonhouse.org

What is The Octagon House known for?

The Octagon House is a National Historic Landmark and a masterpiece of late Federalist architecture featuring decorative Coade stone elements imported from England. It is also known for serving as the temporary home of President James Madison and First Lady Dolley Madison in 1814 after the White House was burned.

What are the visiting hours for The Octagon House?

The museum is open to the public on Fridays and Saturdays from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. Private guided tours are available at 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, and 3:00 pm, or by appointment.

How much does it cost to visit The Octagon House?

Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for seniors, DC residents, college and graduate students, teachers, AIA members, or military personnel, and free for children and teens under 18. Guided tours are included with admission.

Who built The Octagon House?

The house was built in 1799 for Colonel John Tayloe III, one of the wealthiest men in the United States at the time. It was designed by architects Dr. William Thornton and James Hoban.

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 Octagon House, located at 1799 New York Avenue NW in the Foggy Bottom neighborhood, is one of the most important historic buildings in Washington, D.C. Completed in 1800, this unique Federalist-style home was among the grandest townhouses in the nation at the time of its construction. It was built for Colonel John Tayloe III, a wealthy Virginia planter and horse breeder, and was designed by architects Dr. William Thornton and James Hoban, who also designed the White House. Following the burning of the White House in 1814, the Octagon House became the temporary home and office of President James Madison and First Lady Dolley Madison. On September 8, 1814, the Madisons moved into the residence, which was the only private home in the city with the requisite scale and elegance for grand entertaining. President Madison established his official office in the circular study on the second floor. Since 1899, the building has been in the care of the American Institute of Architects, which purchased it in 1923 and used it as their headquarters for over 70 years. The house was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1960 and opened as a museum in 1970. Today, it is operated by the Architects Foundation, an accredited museum within the American Alliance of Museums. Architecturally, the building is a masterpiece of late Federalist architecture featuring Coade stone decorative elements imported from England, as well as local construction materials. Its distinctive eight-sided shape is a hallmark of the period's architectural experimentation.

Visitor tips

  • The main entrance is located on New York Avenue NW between 17th and 18th Streets.
  • Check the schedule as the museum is open to the public on Fridays and the first and third Saturdays of the month from 11am to 4pm.
  • Private guided tours are available at 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, and 3:00 pm, or by appointment.
  • Be aware that the sidewalk along 18th Street NW is currently closed due to ongoing construction.

Nearby context

Situated in the Foggy Bottom neighborhood, the Octagon House stands as a rare surviving remnant of the early Federal period in downtown Washington, D.C.

Sources

Evidence and links