The National Academy of Sciences: a Photo Safari in Art and Architecture!

The National Academy of Sciences was first established in 1863 by President Abraham Lincoln. Its current building, dedicated in 1924, is an historic neoclassical temple of science near the Lincoln Memorial, serving as the headquarters of the National Academy of Sciences engineering and medicine. It features iconic art and the famous outdoor Albert Einstein Memorial.

Designed by architect Bertram Grosvenor Goodhue, the building mixes neoclassical art with Art Deco Hellenic and Egyptian influences. Its picturesque Great Hall serves as a gracious venue for conventions of scientists.

The interior views include ceiling iconography by Hildreth Meiere and architectural sculpture by Lee Lawrie that celebrates scientific history

On this photo Safari, limited to 10 photographers and their accompanying non-photographer companions, we will be led by an Academy docent to the most photogenic interior spaces of the Academy including the Great Hall, the boardroom, the auditorium, the library and many other spaces that are a visual delight for the photographer. Beautiful works of art adorn the walls of the Academy, and the Academy has given exclusive access to Washington Photos Safari for this unique photo tour.

For this safari we suggest the widest angle lens of your DSLR or mirrorless camera or your late model smartphone. No tripods are allowed.

Here is a sampling of the images clients will be able to get on this safari. (All of these images were taken with a smartphone.)

National Academy of Sciences | Flickr

The safari will be led by an Academy docent and photo instruction will be provided by E. David Luria, director of the Washington Photo Safari and a professional architectural photographer who has photographed over 2,500 apartment buildings, hotels and restaurants and has directed the training of over 47,000 amateur photographer customers since 1999.

Here is what safarians had to say about the Academy of Sciences safari:

I’ve taken several Washington Photo Safari workshops but today’s at the National Academy of Sciences was a stand out. It’s a unique location – an amazing building with exceptional art and displays- that’s not on most people’s tour list for DC. The NAS tour guide was extremely knowledgeable, friendly, and enthusiastic. And Mr. Luria provided his always positive and helpful advice to make the best photos. Mark R., Burke, VA

Five Stars! I had an incredible time at a photography workshop with David Luria today at the National Academy of Sciences today. The building itself is a fascinating subject, full of great architectural details and light, but honestly David was the real highlight. He’s got this energetic, fun personality that makes learning feel effortless, and his tips and advice were genuinely useful, not just the standard stuff you hear everywhere. I walked away not just with better photos but with a much better eye for finding shots I would’ve walked right past before.

I’d recommend him without hesitation, and I’m already looking forward to more workshops with him. Vito T., Washington, DC