Washington, D.C., District of Columbia story
The Architecture of Power
Washington is a city of stone and symbol, where architecture is used to project stability and legacy. Much of this is seen in the Greek Revival style, which turned the city into a…
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Washington is a city of stone and symbol, where architecture is used to project stability and legacy. Much of this is seen in the Greek Revival style, which turned the city into a forest of white columns. The Old Patent Office Building is a prime example, constructed between 1836 and 1867 with a restrained Greek Doric design.
It’s a building that has seen it all: from serving as a morgue and hospital during the Civil War to hosting Abraham Lincoln’s second inaugural ball in 1865. Today, it houses the National Portrait Gallery, blending that historic weight with modern art. This obsession with classical form isn't just for show; it's meant to link the American experiment to the ancient democracies of the past.
Every column and portico you see is a deliberate nod to that enduring ideal.
Updated June 2026