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EPA History
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EPA Headquarters Exhibit

The Story of the Environmental Protection Agency: Protecting Public Health and the Environment

This exhibit takes you through the history of environmental protection in America and explores how the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency protects public health and the environment by safeguarding the air we breathe, water we drink and land on which we live.

Virtual Tour of the EPA Exhibit in Washington, D.C.

The exhibit is open to the public and free of charge, Mondays through Fridays, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Upon entry to the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, all adult guests are required to present a photo ID and all visitors will pass through security.

The exhibit is closed on federal holidays and will follow the Federal government’s inclement weather operating status. Access to the building may also be limited due to other restrictions such as COVID-19 response.

On this page:

  • Plan a Visit
  • Related Content
  • Feedback

Plan a Visit

Admission

The exhibit is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The exhibit is free of charge. Adults are required to show a photo ID to gain admittance to the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center.

Location

a double-glass door with two, very large EPA seals
Exhibit entrance doors (click to enlarge).

Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center
The Story of the Environmental Protection Agency: Protecting Public Health and the Environment
Room M112 (Mezzanine Level)
1300 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Washington, DC  20004

The exhibit is located on the Mezzanine Level, near the Berlin Wall Plaza entrance of the Reagan Building.
Visiting the Ronald Reagan Building | Map of DC

Metro

The Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center is just steps away from the Federal Triangle Metro stop. Exit the station and take the escalator up to the street level. Proceed across the open plaza and enter the Reagan Building through the door adjacent to the Woodrow Wilson Building.

Parking

The Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center has an underground parking garage open 24 hours a day offering hourly, daily, or weekend rates. Visitors can access the garage via ramps at 14th Street NW (north and south ramps, near Constitution Avenue NW) and 13-1/2 Street NW (off Pennsylvania Avenue at Freedom Plaza). Upon entry to the garage, your vehicle will be screened. 

Accessibility

The Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center has handicapped access and parking. The exhibit is located on the Mezzanine Level and is accessible by elevator or stairs.

Security Procedures

All adults are required to present a photo ID to enter the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center. All visitors will be subject to security screenings, including bag and parcel checks.

Places to Eat

There are many places to eat in or near the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center. A food court with many eateries located on the lower level of the Reagan Building is open Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.


Related Content

History of EPA

More videos
  • Videos - showing at the EPA exhibit.
  • Documerica - thousands of photographs of the American environment, 1972-1977.
  • EPA timeline - milestones in EPA and environmental history.
  • History of EPA - background about how EPA was established.

For further information about the work of EPA visit: www.epa.gov


Feedback

We would love to hear about your exhibit experience. Please let us know what you liked and what additional topics you would be interested in learning more about. Send feedback to Nancy Grantham grantham.nancy@epa.gov or  Joanne Amorosi amorosi.Joanne@epa.gov.

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Last updated on July 9, 2021