Octagon House

Overview

The Octagon House, also known as the Commander's Mansion, is a historic house museum that offers a glimpse into 19th-century Washington DC life. Built in 1818, this octagonal-shaped residence showcases Federal and Greek Revival architectural styles.

It is one of the few remaining octagonal houses in the United States and has been designated a National Historic Landmark.

Historical Site Architectural Landmark

Location

Address

1799 New York Ave. NW, Washington DC

Neighborhood: Downtown

Coordinates

38.908800, -77.035400

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

tuesday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

wednesday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

thursday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

friday 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM

saturday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

sunday 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Admission

Adults

$15

Children

$10 (ages 6-17)

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

March-May, October-November

Best Time of Day

Early morning

Fewer crowds and cooler temperatures

Duration Recommendations

Minimum

1 hour

Recommended

2-3 hours

Full Experience

Half-day

Seasonal Highlights

spring

Mild to warm

• Cherry blossoms
• Garden tours

summer

Hot and humid

• Extended visiting hours
• Outdoor concerts

autumn

Cool and crisp

• Fall foliage
• Holiday decorations

winter

Cold to freezing

• Holiday lights
• Special exhibits

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

Book tickets in advance
Check for special events
Dress for the weather

What to Bring

essential

Comfortable shoes Water bottle ID/Ticket

seasonal

Jacket (spring/fall) Rain gear (spring/fall) Sunscreen (summer)

not allowed

Large bags Food and drinks (unless specified) Pets (except service animals)

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: Low to moderate (some walking on uneven surfaces)

• Stay hydrated in summer
• Watch for ice in winter

Medical facilities: First aid available on-site

Payment Information

Accepted

Cash, Credit/Debit cards, Mobile payment

Currency

USD

Typical Costs

entry $15

guided tour $25

parking $12

food $10-$20

souvenirs $5-$50

Dress Code

Casual and comfortable, Comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, Walking shoes or sneakers, Inappropriate or revealing clothing, High heels

Booking Tips

• At least a week in advance for peak season
• Official website or authorized ticket vendors
• 48 hours in advance for refund
• Available for timed-entry tickets

Amenities

Restrooms

Gift shop

Atm

Wifi

Lockers

Wheelchair rental

Stroller rental

On site restaurant

Cafe

Picnic areas

Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

Octagon House App

Size: 45 MB

Features: Interactive map, Audio guides, Ticket booking

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Visitor center, Cafe

Charging Stations: Visitor center, cafe

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)

Distance: 5 miles

Travel Time: 15-20 minutes

Taxi

$20-$30 15-20 min

Metro (Blue/Yellow line)

$2.25 25-30 min

From City Center

Distance: 2 miles

Metro (Red/Orange/Blue/Silver lines)

$2.25 10-15 min

Bus (Multiple routes)

$2 15-20 min

Taxi/Uber/Lyft

$10-$15 10-15 min

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: Unique architecture, rich history, beautiful gardens

Historical Significance: One of the few octagonal houses in the US, hosted notable figures in the 19th century

Insider Tips

Best photo spots are in the garden
Guided tours offer more detailed history
Local cafes offer discounts with Octagon House tickets

Local Recommendations

• Visit the nearby historic neighborhoods
• Try local coffee shops and cafes
• Ask about hidden historical facts from the guides

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Hello

thank_you Thank you

where_is Where is

how_much How much

beautiful Beautiful

ticket Ticket

Guide Languages: English, Spanish, French

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Front facade

Best Time: Golden hour (late afternoon)

Tips: Capture the symmetry of the octagon

Result: Iconic view of the house

#OctagonHouse #WashingtonDC #HistoricHome

Garden

Best Time: Spring (cherry blossoms)

Tips: Wide-angle shots to capture the entire garden

Result: Beautiful blooms with the house in the background

#GardenPhotography #SpringInDC

Photography Rules

allowed areas Exterior, gardens, public spaces

prohibited areas Interior (unless permitted), Private areas

flash photography Not allowed inside the house

commercial photography Permit required

drone policy Prohibited without prior permission

tripod policy Allowed in gardens, restricted inside

selfie sticks Allowed in public spaces

Nearby Attractions

White House

Distance: 1.5 miles

Walking: 30 min

Type: Historic Site

McPherson Square

Distance: 500 ft

Walking: 2 min

Type: Park

National Portrait Gallery

Distance: 0.5 miles

Walking: 10 min

Type: Museum

Smithsonian American Art Museum