Guided Tour of the National Academy of Sciences Building

Tour the "nation's home of science in America."

Take a one-hour guided tour of the beautiful National Academy of Sciences building at 2100 C St., NW, Washington, D.C. Dedicated by President Calvin Coolidge in April 1924 and designed by architect Bertram Grosvenor Goodhue, the building’s architecture is a unique fusion of classical elements and “irregular” forms, and celebrates the history and significance of science.

On this tour, admire rich Hellenic, Byzantine, and Egyptian architectural influences and touches of Art Deco. Explore the Great Hall with iconography by Hildreth Meière and other ceremonial rooms with architectural sculpture by Lee Lawrie and murals by Albert Herter. You’ll also peek inside the acoustically brilliant Fred Kavli Auditorium, part of the 1970 wing.

Enjoy artwork and exhibitions exploring intersections of art, science, and culture.

This tour is organized by the Cultural Programs of the National Academy of Sciences (CPNAS). CPNAS sponsors exhibitions, salons, theatrical readings, and other events that explore relationships among the arts and sciences. The NAS is a private, nonprofit institution that recognizes achievement in science by election to membership, and — with the National Academy of Engineering and the National Academy of Medicine — provides science, technology, and health policy advice to the federal government and other organizations.

Learn more about the exhibitions on view at www.cpnas.org.

Read the full visitor code of conduct guidelines here.

Questions? Email us at cpnas@nas.edu.