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Arts and Industries Building, Smithsonian Institution

Washington, District of Columbia
County of District of Columbia.
National Register Number: 71000994
 Resource type: Building.
Property type: Recreation & Culture - museum. The threat level was Watch in
2006.
Certified Local Government: NO

Statement of Significance (as of designation - November 11, 1971):
Constructed between 1879 and 1881, this is the best preserved example of 19th century "world's fair" or "exposition" type architecture in the country. Built to house the international exhibits left over from the Philadelphia Centennial Exhibition (1876), it reflects the three principal requirements of this architectural type: to enclose and cover a very large area; to present a tasteful, dramatic, and pleasing exterior; and to be inexpensive to construct. http://www.si.edu

Condition:
The NHL is not threatened; it has failed mechanical and roof systems, but is not in structural failure.

The NHL is closed awaiting moth-balling, which is underway. The NHL has been cited as one of the National Trust's Most Endangered Buildings in 2006.


Comments and questions about the database may be directed to NHL_info@nps.gov