Office of the Curator title and link to their web site
19th century engraving of Washington, DC a view of the Capitol looking west
   
 
 
 
 
 
welcome and introduction

In 1842, the year it was completed, the grandeur of Treasury’s East wing set the standard for the monumental architecture of government buildings in Washington, DC. Today, 160 years later, the current Treasury Building and Annex Repair and Restoration project (TBARR) represents the latest chapter in the legacy of the Treasury Building. The TBARR project remains committed to the preservation of the historic structure while preparing the structure to serve future generations.

In conjunction with TBARR's effort, this online exhibition examines the architectural significance of the Treasury building, the vision of its architect, Robert Mills, the modernity of his interiors, and the early stages of the Secretary of the Treasury and the office he worked in.

To enter the exhibit, please select a topic below:

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 Introduction
 The Treasury building was built in a time when America was  burgeoning with economic growth, a nation seeking its place  in the world.

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 Robert Mills 1781-1855
 Architect of the Treasury, Mills' industrious spirit for  architecture helped shape the new Classicism in America.

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Mills in Washington
From 1830-1842, Mills left an indelible mark on the architectural image of our nation's capital.

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Secretary of the Treasury
An overview of the history and duties of America's Secretary of the Treasury.

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Office of the Secretary
A look at the first office space in Mills' new Treasury, occupied by the Secretary of the Treasury.

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Greek Revival
Mills' new Treasury was inspired by this popular movement in America that strived to recreate the essence of an idealized model of ancient Greek architecture.

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A Symbol of Power
Upon completion, the style and size of the Treasury building served as a symbol for America's increasing economic stature.

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Reaction and Opinion
Mills' treasury falls victim to intense criticism from Congress , architect Thomas U. Walter, and Treasury personnel.

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Fireproof Construction
Mills fulfilled the mandate for this novel but increasingly vaulable building technique for the design of the new Treasury building.

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Planning and Interiors
Mills' approach for Treasury's interiors was a new concept for the modern office building.


~ Credits ~

The "A Monumental Building in a 'City of Magnificent Intentions'" exhibit and web site was produced by the staff of the Office of the Curator. The exhibition represents the work of Carrie Schomig and Matt Lowe, interns to the Curator's Office during the summer of 2002. The graphic panels for the exhibition were created Lynn Zaycosky, a graphic designer at our Printing and Graphics Division.

In addition, the Office of the Curator wishes to acknowledge the support and generosity of the following departments within the U.S. Department of Treasury:

    • Assistant Secretary for Management and Chief Financial Officer
    • Office of Management and Administrative Programs
    • Facilities Management Division
    • Printing and Graphics Division
    • TBARR

 
Return to the exhibition Introduction page
Return to the Office of the Curator home page.
treasury seal, and a link to the Department of the Treasury web site Department of the Treasury title and link to the web site Office of the Curator title and link to their web site Exhibition title "A monumental Building in a City of Magnificient Intentions" and link to the welcome page of the web site Link to Mills in Washington Link to Secretary of Treasury Link to Office of Secretary Link to Greek Revival Link to Symbol of Power Link to Fireproof Construction Link to Reaction and Opinion Link to Planning and Interior Space image of the Treasury building as a link to the Introduction of the exhibit Link to Introduction Link to Robert Mills Link to Mills in Washington Link to Secretary of Treasury Link to Office of the Secretary Link to Greek Revival Link to Symbol of Power Link to Reaction and Opinion Link to Fireproof Building Link to Planning and Interiors