The House of the Temple has been open to the public for guided tours since it opened in 1915. Unless otherwise noted under Special Hours, Closings, & Holidays, we offer free, guided tours Monday–Thursday at the following times: 10 am; 11 am; 2 pm; 3:30 pm* *Anyone arriving after 3:30 pm may receive an abbreviated tour, if time allows.

Receive updates on the Temple’s new archives room, explore the classic Masonic periodical The Builder, celebrate a “Blue” Christmas with Craft Lodge regalia, and more!

The new House of the Temple, located at 1733 Sixteenth Street, NW in the District of Columbia was completed in October 1915. It is unfortunate that Grand Commander Richardson passed away on July 24, 1914, before he could see his vision fully completed.

Welcome to the House of the Temple! We encourage you to spend a moment on our virtual tour and learn more about our unique building, galleries, and collections. While you are here, check out some rarely seen rooms that aren’t on the live tour, including the Grand Commander’s Suite and Temple Garden.

The House of the Temple is a major work by a well-known architect, a prime example of an important period of American Architecture, a prominent building in the nation’s capitol, an important part of Masonic history, and has been recognized throughout its 100 years as a significant building.

The House of the Temple is a 10–15 minute walk from two Metro stations: Dupont Circle (Red line) and U Street/African-Amer. Civil War Memorial/Cardozo (Yellow & Green lines). From Dupont Circle Station (Red Line)

The House of the Temple Historic Preservation Foundation, Inc., was created by the Supreme Council, 33°, to maintain, support, and enhance the House of the Temple as an architectural landmark and as the national headquarters of the Southern Jurisdiction of Freemasonry.

2022年3月1日 · The House of the Temple Library is open Monday–Thursday, 9 am to 5 pm. The library is closed Fridays and all Federal holidays. Visitors are strongly encouraged to call 202–232–3579 or check the official Twitter account (@MasonicMuseum) prior to coming to confirm the library will be open.

“The House of the Temple—known among its brethren as Heredom—had always been the crown jewel of the Masonic Scottish Rite in America. With its steeply sloped, pyramidical roof, the building was named for an imaginary Scottish mountain.” (p. 423)

The Sphinxes flanking the front entrance to the House of the Temple are adorned with inscriptions in both Phoenician characters and Egyptian hieroglyphs. The sphinxes symbolize the pillars that stood at the entrance of Soloman’s Temple, named Jachin and Boaz.