The Old Post Office

What is the best vantage point for a panoramic view of Washington, D.C.?

Normally, the answer would the top of the Washington Monument.  

However, the Washington Monument is currently closed and will be for all of Year 3.  The elevator is being replaced.  

So, people like us who want a panoramic view of D.C. need to find another vantage point.

Thankfully, there is one and it's free.  

The clock tower of the Old Post Office rises 315 feet to its peak and provides excellent views of the city from its observation deck (at 280 feet).  

The Old Post Office at Pennsylvania Avenue and 12th Street, NW

Before we share some photos, here are some fun facts about the Old Post Office:

• The building was completed in 1899 and was used as D.C.'s main post office until 1914.  Afterward,  it was used for federal offices.

• The architectural style is Richardsonian Romanesque, named for the Romanesque Revival architect Henry Hobson Richardson (1838-1886), who combined French, Spanish and Italian Romanesque elements in his designs.  

• The building was not universally adored.  Within a few years of its completion, some called for the its demolition since the style was out of place.  One critic described the building as a "Kansas City emporium so utterly out of keeping with the general atmosphere of official Washington that it sets the teeth of architects on edge."

• The building was nearly demolished . . . twice.  Once in the 1920's to make way for a new federal office building.  Again in the 1970's for the same reason.

• The building survived and has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1973.  Today, the building is the Trump International Hotel Washington, D.C.  The clock tower, however, is operated separately by the National Park Service and has its own entrance.

• The building might be haunted.  During construction, 5 workers died as the result of falling or being crushed.  So, if you stay at the hotel, you might encounter their ghosts. 

Enjoy the view from the Old Post Office!

A view of buildings along the Mall:  The Hirshhorn art museum (circular building to the left), the Natural History museum (domed building left of center), and the Smithsonian Castle dark building right of center)

The Supreme Court  (to the left) and the U.S. Capitol

The Washington Monument, with the Tidal Basin and cherry blossoms, plus a plane preparing to land

Thanks for visiting the Old Post Office with us.