National Building Museum’s new exhibition offers rare access to historic architectural artifacts

The National Building Museum is to launch a new exhibition offering rare access to historic architectural artifacts. Visible Vault: Open Collections Storage will open to the public on December 14 providing access to more than 2,500 artifacts, many of which have been hidden from public view for decades. The exhibition showcases a wide array of items spanning the 1800s to the present, offering an in-depth look into America’s architectural and design history.

The featured items represent highlights from the museum’s extensive collection of 500,000 artifacts. These include architectural blueprints, models, historical building fragments, drafting tools, and rare building equipment. Visitors will also encounter unique objects like construction toys, product samples, and dollhouse furniture, displayed in custom cabinets and accessible file drawers designed for interactive exploration.

Highlights of the exhibition include architectural models of prominent buildings such as I.M. Pei’s Miho Museum in Kyoto, César Pelli’s Herring Hall, and Frank Gehry’s proposed addition to the Corcoran Gallery of Art. Visitors can also see architectural fragments from historic landmarks like the Carnegie Mansion and the Washington National Cathedral, as well as an antique blueprint machine and tools used across various building trades.

The museum’s renowned Architectural Toy Collection, the largest of its kind in the United States, is a key feature. It includes Lincoln Logs, LEGO sets, Erector Sets, Froebel’s Kindergarten Bricks, and rare collectibles like Disney-themed construction toys. To enhance the experience, the exhibition also integrates a digital component through an Esri StoryMap. Accessible via QR code, this feature provides multimedia content and historical context about the artifacts and their creators.

“By bringing thousands of artifacts—many of which have never been on display—out of storage, we are not only celebrating America’s architectural and design legacy, but also transforming how we engage with and understand the built environment,” said Aileen Fuchs, president and executive director of the museum. “Every artifact has a fascinating story and we are excited to share them with the public. By opening our vaults and allowing visitors to do a deeper dive using digital tools, we are creating a more inclusive experience that invites audiences to explore, learn, and connect with the history of the places and spaces that shape our lives.”