A Group of Historic Sites and Museums
| Address: | 1799 New York Avenue, N.W. |
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| Phone: | 202-638-3221 |
| Guided Tours: | The Octagon is available for prearranged, by appointment only group tours of 10 to 25 people. |
| Admission: | $5; $3 students and seniors |
| Visitor Entrance: | Entrance at the intersection of New York Avenue and 18th Street |
| Metro: | Farragut West (blue and orange lines)Farragut North (red line) |
| Website: | http://www.theoctagon.org |
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Overview of organization: The Octagon, the museum of the American Architectural Foundation, explores the worlds of architecture, design, historic preservation and Washington history in this meticulously restored residence located two blocks from the White House. Designed by William Thornton and built between 1799 and 1801 as the home of prominent Virginian John Tayloe III and his family, the Octagon also served as the temporary presidential mansion of James and Dolley Madison after the British burned the White House during the War of 1812. Today, visitors enjoy the elegant circular foyer with its marble floor, the grand stair hall and the unexpected brilliant colors of this federal period home. |