Although the National Building Museum doesn't compete with other DC museums in terms of museum exhibits, it is worth a stop for the museum shop. The museum is located away from the Smithsonian museums in the center of Gallery Place Chinatown.
While entrance to the exhibits requires paid admission, entrance to the Grand Hall and the museum shop is free. The museum shop offers such unique items as elephant poop notebooks, jewelry and purses made from recycled materials such as street signs, and a large selection of DC travel guides.