Are their local competitors to the National Building Museum in Washington DC?

There's only one I can think of: the American Architectural Foundation has its headquarters in DC. They operate an exhibit gallery that focuses (naturally) on architecture. I believe they also have a good bookshop there. Right next door is the Octagon House Museum, which is a very historic and architectually interesting house operated by the foundation.

Here's a link:

http://www.archfoundation.org/octagon/exhibitions/...

If you're interested in architecture, there is an amazing AIA Bookstore. Not a museum, I'll admit, but a great place to check out if you're into buildings and city planning. It's located at 1735 New York Ave. NW in downtown DC.

In general thought, the National Building Museum is great! They have great exhibits, a fabulous gift shop and the building itself is very cool. There is no admission fee per se, but there is a suggested donation of (i think) $5.

Have fun!

particular it does. The national construction Museum must be between the main ignored attractions in D.C. The present shop makes a speciality of books on shape, and so on. and the infants' toys area makes a speciality of imaginitive, helpful issues. flow!