Administration Building, Carnegie Institution of Washington

The Administration Building of the Carnegie Institution of Washington is an office structure on P Street featuring a limestone facade with classical proportions. It displays ten Ionic columns supporting a monumental entrance and a balustraded roofline.

The building was completed in 1910 following the founding of the research institution by industrialist Andrew Carnegie in 1902 with substantial backing. It represents the scale at which private wealth was directed toward scientific advancement in the early 1900s.

The building reflects how wealthy industrialists of that era displayed their support for science through grand architecture. Its refined design shows what importance society placed on advancing knowledge and research.

The building is located in an established neighborhood with good access and is easy to reach on foot. Visiting is best done during regular hours when the interior may be open to visitors.

Inside is an auditorium with about 450 seats that was long used for lectures and institution events. The space shows how the organization planned to share knowledge with a broad audience.

Location: Washington, D.C.

Inception: 1910

Architects: Carrère and Hastings

Architectural style: Beaux-Arts

Part of: Sixteenth Street Historic District

Address: 1530 P Street NW

GPS coordinates: 38.90950,-77.03620

Latest update: December 13, 2025 12:40