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Home , Albert Einstein Memorial, National Academy, Solar (room)

1 EXTERIOR The combines elements of Greek, Egyptian, and Byzantine . The classical symmetry and simplicity of the exter- ior includes pillars carved directly into the rather than the usual row of . The ornamental cornice at the roofline features images of the owl and lynx, symbols of wisdom and observation. The bronze panels depict famous figures in the history of .

FOYER www.NASonline.org 2 @theNASciences Just through the main doorway are a and foyer with walls of cream stone

and a mahogany . At both ends of the The National Academy of

foyer are bronze and glass decorated is a private, non-profit society of with the signs of the zodiac. The appearance distinguished scholars. Established by an of the signs of the zodiac may seem curi- ous in a building dedicated to science. They Act of Congress, signed by

symbolize human observations of nature President Abraham Lincoln in 1863, from ancient times and the progress of sci- the NAS is charged with providing independent ence from its beginnings to the modern era. CULTURAL PROGRAMS OF THE NATIONAL advice to the nation on matters related to www.cpnas.org science and technology. MEMBERS’ CENTER 3 @cpnas The National Academy of Sciences Building, Just inside the main entrance and to which was designed by Bertram Grosvenor Goodhue, the left is the Members’ Center. Once 2101 , NW the Academy’s Library, it is now used by Washington, DC opened in April 1924. It closed in 2010 and visiting Academy members. A carved 202.334.2000 reopened in 2012 following the restoration of its relief above the depicts the historic core; renovation of later additions; and history and development of writing systems and technologies, with an installation of new communications networks, obelisk at the center inscribed “To ages and electrical, heating and ventilation equipment. yet unborn in accents yet unknown.” Three panels in the plaster The restored East Gallery features an exhibition ceiling show figures making a discovery, recording it on a tablet, and describing the building as well as the history and work reading about it on a scroll. of the Academy. This brochure complements that exhibit, guiding the visitor through some of the LECTURE 4 building’s most prominent features. Additional Opposite the Members’ Center, just inside the main entrance and Visitor’s Guide information about the building — including the to the right, is the Lecture Room. It was designed for demonstrating architect and decorative work by artists laboratory experiments and for showing films on scientific subjects. Hildreth Meière, Lee Lawrie, and Albert Herter — It is now used for meetings and other events. Above the walnut NAS Building Photos © 2012 Maxwell MacKenzie Memorial © 1978 , photo by Alex Jamison paneling, grilles near the ceiling mimic the convoluted designs can be found online at associated with Leonardo da Vinci and Albrecht Dürer. www.NASonline.org/NAS-Building. Original 1924 building ... Public spaces

7C

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5 GREAT 9 BOARD ROOM 10 10 Designed as the building’s focus In the southeast corner of the building, the and central feature, the 11 Board Room features a decorative light fixture in the shape of a was used for Academy meetings globe based on a 1515 map by Leonardo da Vinci. The portrait above until completion of the auditorium the fireplace imagines a scene with President Lincoln signing the in 1970. The and its support- Academy’s charter in the presence of its founders. ing elements are decorated with images that illustrate the history of science. For more information on 10 CONFERENCE the ceiling of the Great Hall, visit www.NASGreatHall.com or check 10 The 2010 renovation of the out an iPad at the reception desk in the Constitution Avenue foyer. 1960s additions to the Academy The mural on the north shows Prometheus a torch from building increased the space the chariot of the god Helios to bring knowledge to human- 5 available for meetings of its ity. Below that image is a quote from Aeschylus’s play “Prometheus

...... advisory committees and other Bound” describing the transformative effect of science and learning...... groups. During the renovation, 7B 7A the first was reconfigured to include two enlarged meeting 6 FRED KAVLI AUDITORIUM rooms with adjoining spaces for smaller sessions and social events. 11 All meeting rooms now include state-of-the-art audiovisual capa- bilities, improved acoustics, and energy-efficient lighting. The 670-seat auditorium is used 11 extensively for scientific symposia and meetings. Its interior was designed to eliminate acoustic focal points 11 COURTS and to ensure an optimal distribution 2 During the 2010 renovation, existing open-air of sound. The Fred Kavli Auditorium spaces adjacent to the first-floor conference also provides an excellent setting for 8 3 4 9 rooms were converted to enclosed courts the performing arts sponsored by the with skylights. Two of the courts incorporate Academy through its Office of Cultural Programs. For the schedule solar technologies in their roofs for energy of upcoming events, visit www.cpnas.org. conservation.

A, B, C GALLERIES

7 ...... 1 12 EINSTEIN STATUE The original design for the building 12 included galleries adjacent to the The statue of Albert Einstein in the south- Great Hall that were used for pub- west corner of the Academy’s grounds lic exhibitions. Removed when has become perhaps the Academy additions were constructed in the building’s most recognizable feature. MEMBERS’ ROOM 1960s, two of these spaces were 8 The bronze sculpture depicts Einstein holding a tablet with equations sym- restored in 2010, one for exhibits on the history and Beyond the Members’ Center, in the southwest corner of the work of the Academy (7a) and another for exhibitions bolizing three of his most important building, the Members’ Room was originally a reading room for scientific contributions. A circular sky on the relationship of science and art (7b). A third members of the Academy. On the walls above the dark walnut gallery, adjacent to the upper level of the Fred Kavli map shows the , sun, and panels are stylized insignias of eight of the world’s great uni- positioned as they were when Auditorium, also displays art exhibitions (7c). The Dennis Ashbaugh versities of the 1920s. The carving on the fireplace is an art deco schedule of current and upcoming exhibitions can Maryln the memorial was dedicated in 1979. 2000 rendering of the Academy’s seal. This room, which is now used for Additional information about Einstein be found at www.cpnas.org. Works in the Acad- Mixed media on canvas 74 x 80 inches meetings and social functions, also contains a display case that and the statue is at www.nasonline.org/ emy’s art collection focusing on the intersection of provides information about the Academy’s medals and awards. art and science are on display throughout the building. einstein-memorial.