National Academy of Sciences

So I was here for a work related meeting. This place is located right off Constitution Ave near the State Dept. The building is an older building filled with atriums and lots of cool old school architectural features. There is a library there I believe that access is limited to the National Academy members and staff only. I don’t meet either of those qualifications. The staff is helpful and friendly, there is a cafeteria in the building on the lower level of the building as well, its small and has a somewhat limited selection of items to choose from although the food there was actually better than I expected but I don’t think I’d want to eat there daily.
There are meetings open to the public however, registration is usually required and you also have to check in with security at the front desk so just FYI, you can’t necessarily just stroll on in and look around.

National Academy of Sciences
The National Academy of Science sits humbly across the street from all the so well known monuments and memorial. People have walked so far and been overwhelmed by so many memories it is very easy just to see another building along constitution drive and move on with one’s day. I personally like the art deco period and this building has many attributes of the era, that it caught my glance. With the Albert Einstein Memorial in front, which I had to see, I said to myself, lets go in and see what is happening in the National Academy of Sciences. I am glad I did as I learned of their mission and enjoyed the trappings of the art deco era. The art that was hanging around the ground floor was all pretty modern art, some of which I don’t understand fully, however I enjoy the striking colors and messages. The ceiling is not to be missed in the main lobby. Incredible — see the picture please — I visited the board room, and dreamed of all the brainpower that has graced this room and wonder about the thinkers and their thoughts over the decades. There was a big touch screen with information about all the publications created and their connections to each other, almost too much to understand, but I will be reading some of them for sure. This stop may be a bit intellectual for some. I find it fascinating.

If you’re looking for something similar to the Smithsonian’s Natural History Museum, this is not the place to go. Other than a couple pieces of ambiguous art and displays, this is nothing but a large office building that is solely intended to be the headquarters of the National Academy of Sciences. Once you walk in (open to the public at 9 am), you sign in (no admission charge) and you’re instructed to walk along the corridors whether you start left or right. In one hallway are some pictures of the history of the academy.
As I traversed the halls wondering if I’d see any interesting exhibits, I was met mostly with office and meeting rooms. However, there is a library that looks pretty neat from the outside. I say outside because it was roped off. The main center hall is dedicated for events such as brunches and dinners.
Probably the main attraction of the academy is former member Albert Einstein’s statue on the outside grounds of the building looking over Constitution Ave.

Four times a year, the NAS hosts some of the best kept secret concerts in the city. The classical concerts are held in the auditorium with bucket seats. The great hall has the feel of a Masonic temple which can be nice if you are in the mood for cavernous domes and elegance.
And there’s always the giant statue of Einstein outside…

Although this bookstore contains mostly materials covering scientific and engineering research (bor-​ing), the real reason to come here is the Einstein Memorial.
If you approach the Academy from Constitution Avenue, you will see a glimmer of bronze on the southwest corner. Since Einstein is «sitting» in a relaxed position, you can actually sit in his lap and not have a park policeman yell at you. Try that at Lincoln. I dare you!
Note to Unilocalers and tourists: the bookstore entrance is at 2100 C St. N.W.