The Octagon seeks to educate the public about the built environment and the history of the early republic through its efforts in collection, preservation, and interpretation. The museum's federal period structure serves as a catalyst to promote stewardship of America's architectural heritage.

The Octagon is a unique federal period structure, designed by Dr. William Thornton for Colonel John Tayloe III. It was one of the first residences built in Washington, DC. After the British invasion of Washingon in 1814, James and Dolley Madison took up residence in the Octagon and it was here where President Madison signed the Treaty of Ghent. Today, the newly restored house serves as a museum of architecture and design.

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