Introduction

Located to the west of the White House and Ellipse, the Northwest Rectangle was intended to mirror the Federal Triangle as a planned center for U.S. Government buildings. The original design was centered around a large public park, nicknamed the “little mall” that ran the length of the rectangle and mimicked the design of the National Mall, located just three blocks south. Although it was never completed, the area includes several important Government buildings and echoes of its grand intentions can still be seen today.

Department of Interior Mural Tours

Mural showing Native Americans by artist Gerald Nailor at the Interior Department Building, Washington, D.C.

To arrange for a tour of the Department of Interior Murals, please call 202-208-4743 to make a reservation with the Department of Interior museum staff. Mural Tours are offered at 2:00 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The tours are limited to 20 visitors and reservations are required in advance.