Things to do nearThe Pentagon

Completed in January 1943 after an extraordinary construction effort of less than two years, The Pentagon was built to consolidate the sprawling offices of the War Department under one roof. Designed by architect George Bergstrom, the building covers roughly 6.5 million square feet of floor space spread across five floors, five concentric rings, and five sides, a shape chosen in part due to the constraints of the original building site. Today it serves as the headquarters of the United States Department of Defense, home to the offices of the Secretary of Defense and the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Visitors on approved tours move through corridors lined with portraits of military leaders, historical photographs, unit flags, and display cases documenting the evolution of the American armed forces across more than two centuries. The interior art and corridor museums offer a surprisingly rich cultural experience, covering conflicts from the Revolutionary War through modern operations.

The 9/11 Memorial Chapel, located near the site of impact on the building's west side, provides a solemn and reflective space within the working complex. Outside, the Pentagon Memorial park is open to the public without a tour reservation and remains one of the most quietly moving outdoor memorials in the Washington region.

The building's sheer scale, its historical weight, and its role as an active center of global decision-making make The Pentagon a singular destination for anyone interested in American history, architecture, or public service.