Andy Chase

After reading the prologue of "The Lost Symbol" you might get the idea that its setting, The House of the Temple at 1733 16th Street NW, is either fictional, or at the very least all secret and private and foreboding and open only to guys who skulk around and drink wine from human skulls.

Actually, no. It's open to the public, even the ponderously-described "Temple Room." Also, they have a gift shop. I was there this past March, and while this solemn building does leave quite an impression, please don't take Mr. Brown seriously.