Wiesner building

The Wiesner Building is a six-story structure with white modular metal panels and a gridded facade that shows strong technological influences in its design. The building houses the MIT Media Lab, the List Visual Arts Center, and the Center for Bits and Atoms.

The building was constructed between 1978 and 1984 by architect I. M. Pei, who was known for modern designs. It was named after Jerome Wiesner, a former MIT president, and his wife Laya.

Art installations by Kenneth Noland and Scott Burton occupy the spaces inside, bringing together technological research and creative expression. The place shows how science and art can share the same building.

The building is located on Ames Street and is easy to reach if you are navigating the MIT campus. Visitors should be aware that some areas may have restricted access since it is a research facility.

The building's exterior uses interlocking cubic forms that create an illusion of nested boxes both on the outside and within the interior spaces. This thoughtful design feature links the outer envelope and inner structure in an unusual way.

Location: Cambridge

Inception: 1985

Architects: I. M. Pei

Floors above the ground: 6

Part of: campus of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Address: 20 Ames Street, Cambridge, MA 02142

GPS coordinates: 42.36086,-71.08772

Latest update: December 10, 2025 20:02