Join Atlas Obscura in partnership with Union Station Redevelopment Corporation for a behind-the-scenes tour of Washington Union Station, where you will learn the secrets of Daniel Burnham's 1907 architectural masterpiece! The opening of DC's opulent Union Station energized the city and forever changed how Washingtonians traveled. More than a century later, the station, the third most visited tourist destination in the world, still buzzes with travelers, trains, and history. On this approximately one and a half hour tour, we will explore spaces within Union Station that the 37 million passengers, tourists, and shoppers who pass through the station rarely get to see. You will climb steps and open doors into areas where the public is not normally granted access, be shown unique vantage points to view and photograph the station, gain up-close looks at the magnificent details and ornamentation of the station, as well as learn what is being done today to preserve Union Station for years to come. A percentage of the proceeds will go toward ongoing preservation efforts at Union Station.
Other things to note:
Proof of Vaccination is required.
All participants will receive a complimentary Union Station tote bag and a coffee table book on the history of the station.
During this tour, you will get access to areas not accessible to the general public with some fantastic views and unique vantage points for taking photos of the station. You will get up close to the Roman Legionnaire statues watching over the Main Hall from above, see inside the Presidential Suite that was used by U.S. Presidents and other important visitors to Washington, DC, and so much more, all while learning about the station's vast history.
Hi. I am Jennifer, a member of the Atlas Obscura community. At Union Station Redevelopment Corporation, we actively work to preserve the history of Union Station and we want to share that history with you! Founded in 1983, Union Station Redevelopment Corporation (USRC) is a nonprofit organization charged with three main objectives: to preserve and restore Union Station’s historic and architectural significance, maintain the station’s long-term function as a multimodal transportation center, and enhance the retail and amenities within the station. Today, USRC continues to oversee the station as it evolves into a world-class facility, meeting the needs of more than 100,000 visitors a day.
For questions about this experience, please contact me directly through Airbnb.
There are 10 spots available on this experience.
Guests ages 9 and up can attend.
Guests must be able to stand for the duration of the tour (2hrs).
Guests must be able to climb stairs.
- Comfortable walking shoes
Any experience can be canceled and fully refunded within 24 hours of purchase. See cancellation policy.
