A Tour of America’s Home for Science Offers Many Rich Discoveries

In a city teeming with monuments, museums, and historical sites, it could be easy to overlook the National Academy of Sciences building, located on Washington, D.C.’s National Mall, across from the Vietnam and Lincoln memorials. However, those who sign up for a guided tour of the nation’s “home for science” are in for a treasure trove of interesting architecture, art, and — of course — stories of science, scientists, and luminaries who have passed through the building over the past 100 years.

The free tours, a new offering from the Cultural Programs of the National Academy of Sciences, usually take about an hour or so and are led by trained docents several times a month. “You really can go into more depth about so much more on these tours,” said senior program associate Alana Quinn, who also occasionally leads the tours. “It’s fun to share these stories. And there are so many interesting stories.” Read more about the building, and attending a tour, click here.