City Museum of Washington, D.C.
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The City Museum of Washington, D.C., managed by the Historical Society of Washington, D.C., was dedicated to preserving and displaying the history of Washington, D.C., in contrast to other museums which focus on Washington's role as seat of the federal government. The museum closed indefinitely on November 28, 2004 due to financial difficulties and attendance below expectations.
Located in the center of Mount Vernon Square in Washington, the museum occupied a Beaux-Arts building built by Andrew Carnegie in 1902, originally used as the city's Central Public Library. It more recently had been used by the University of the District of Columbia and housed the museum since its opening in May 2003.
The museum houses the Kiplinger Research Library, a collection of books, maps, photographs, and other materials relevant to the history of the city. Though the museum is closed, the library remains accessible to the public.
In March of 2006 Washington, D.C. Mayor Anthony A. Williams announced that the Historical Society of Washington, D.C. and the National Music Center had "entered into an agreement that calls for the Music Center to occupy a substantial portion of the Carnegie Library (formerly the City Museum) for the next three years. During its occupancy, the Music Center, to be known as “the Gig,” will offer a wide variety of performances, classes, exhibits, and special events."
