National Academy of Sciences – Washington, D.C. - Atlas Obscura
Places near me Random place

National Academy of Sciences

Washington, D.C.

For 60 years, the academy had no permanent location until members voted Washington D.C. as its forever home.  

View all photos
The Great Hall at the National Academy of Sciences. aquinn (Atlas Obscura User)
The Great Hall at the National Academy of Sciences. aquinn (Atlas Obscura User)
NAS front entrance in summer. aquinn (Atlas Obscura User)
Athena's owl on a doorknob at NAS. aquinn (Atlas Obscura User)
Ceramic tile fountain design at NAS aquinn (Atlas Obscura User)
The National Academy of Sciences aquinn (Atlas Obscura User)
268
644
Top Places in Washington, D.C.
Palace of Wonders
Washington, D.C.
Owney the Postal Dog
Washington, D.C.
Martha, the Last Passenger Pigeon
Washington, D.C.
 See All
This entry is a stub
Help improve Atlas Obscura by expanding National Academy of Sciences with additional information or photos.

Many people love the Einstein Memorial on the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) grounds, but few know they can go inside the actual building. 

The NAS features 1924 art and architecture celebrating the history and significance of science. Architect, Bertram Grosvenor Goodhue designed the building in collaboration with architectural sculptor Lee Lawrie (famous for the Atlas at Rockefeller Center in NYC) and muralist Hildreth Meiere. Meiere’s career got a mega jumpstart as a result of the project. The NAS also maintains rotating art exhibits, as well as a permanent collection that explores the various themes of science and culture. 

Know Before You Go

The NAS is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m and closed on weekends and holidays. There is no entrance fee, but a photo ID is required. Entrances are located at 2101 Constitution Ave NW and 2100 C St NW. The closest metro station is Foggy Bottom. If you come between 12:30 p.m.-1:45 p.m., check out the cafeteria with cheap eats downstairs (a favorite among State Department employees who work nearby!)

science museums
Community Contributors
a
Added by
aquinn
Jason Michael Walker
Edited by
Jason Michael Walker
Published
July 10, 2019
Edit this listing
Make an Edit Add Photos
Nearby
Albert Einstein Bronze Statue
0.06 miles
Federal Reserve Tennis Court
0.12 miles
State Department Protocol Gift Office
0.14 miles
Want to see fewer ads? Become a Member.
Near This Place
Einstein at the National Academy of Sciences
Washington, D.C.

Albert Einstein Bronze Statue

The beloved statue at the National Academy of Sciences is oh so inviting to sit on.
Washington, D.C.

Federal Reserve Tennis Court

The only tennis court that falls under the jurisdiction of the central bank.
Secretary Kerry Thanks Pope Francis for Presenting Him with a Gift
Washington, D.C.

State Department Protocol Gift Office

They sort through millions of dollars worth of diplomatic gifts on behalf of the government.
Braddock's Rock and plaque.
Washington, D.C.

Braddock's Rock

The "Key of Keys" for Washington, D.C. and the apocryphal landing place for the military campaign that started George Washington's career is now at the bottom of a well.
Related Places
Leuven, Belgium

Museum voor Dierkunde

This 19th-century zoological collection has withstood the test of time.
Norman, Oklahoma

National Weather Museum

This enthusiast-led facility is the only museum in the country dedicated to the preservation of weather artifacts.
Geneva, Switzerland

Musée d'Histoire des Sciences (Museum of History of Science)

A treasure trove of scientific instruments from the 17th and 18th centuries.
Rodeo, New Mexico

Chiricahua Desert Museum

This rural museum is home to more than 50 local desert reptiles and the world's largest snake bite kit collection.
In partnership with KAYAK

Plan Your Trip

From Around the Web