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

This is a special year for the National Academy of Sciences as our beautiful building at 2101 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C., turns 100. Dedicated by President Calvin Coolidge in April 1924 and designed by architect Bertram Grosvenor Goodhue, the building’s architecture synthesizes classical elements with Goodhue’s preference for “irregular” forms.

On this building tour, you will see Hellenic, Byzantine, and Egyptian architectural influences and touches of Art Deco. Explore the NAS 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 NAS Fred Kavli Auditorium, part of the 1970 wing.

This tour will be led by Cultural Programs of the NAS staff and colleagues from the Latrobe Chapter of the Society of Architectural Historians.

Photo ID Requirement

This is an in-person event. A government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license or passport) is required to enter the building.

Latrobe Chapter of the Society of Architectural Historians

Since 1967, the Latrobe Chapter of the Society of Architectural Historians has served as a forum for the local academic and professional community of historians and architectural historians to further our understanding and appreciation of the built environment of the National Capital Region and beyond. Their mission is to educate and inspire curiosity about the architectural history of the Washington, D.C., region. Through their active lecture and tour programs, SAH annual conference fellowship, and biennial symposium, they strive to foster an academic and professional community for those passionate about the built environment.