United States Treasury Building
1500 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington DC, Washington DC, USA, 20220
One of the oldest federal buildings in Washington DC, the United States Treasury Building is a National Historic Landmark and home to the US Department of Treasury. Construction began in 1836 and the Greek Revival style architecture, complete with granite columns and statues, set the tone for many of the city’s future government buildings.
The Basics
Many Washington DC city tours stop by the United States Treasury Building to admire the impressive architecture and the surrounding statues—a recreation of the Liberty Bell and statues of early treasures Alexander Hamilton and Albert Gallatin—from the outside. However, if you want to take a look inside you must make advance reservations for a guided tour.
The docent-led tour shows you to rooms that have been restored as historic timepieces—such as the Salmon P. Chase Suite, Andrew Johnson Suite, and the Cash Room. Plus, you can learn about the building’s modern role as well as the important historical events that took place there.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Guided tours must be reserved through your congressional offices.
- Contact your representative well in advance because tours fill up fast.
- Photo IDs are required for entrance and no strollers, cameras, or backpacks are permitted in the building.
- Wheelchair users can be accommodated, just let your congressional office know your needs when you reserve the tour.
- Note that the Treasury Building is not where money is produced—to see the production of US currency, book a tour of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing.
How to Get There
The best way to reach the Treasury Building is by Metrorail—parking is limited in the area so driving should be avoided. The closest Metro stations are Metro Center and McPherson Square. Follow the signs for the White House, the Treasury Building is located next door.
When to Get There
Tours of the Treasury Building are offered on Saturdays at 9am, 9:45am, 10:30am, and 11:15am. Be sure to arrive on time, it is not possible to join a different tour as they are generally full.
Touring the Bureau of Engraving and Printing
To see a different side of the financial system, head to the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. There, you can see millions of dollars being printed as you stroll above the production floor on a guided tour. Plus, learn behind-the-scenes details about the creation and history of US currency. Get free, same-day tickets during the spring and summer and hop on a guided tour without worrying about tickets during the slow season (fall and winter).
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