Opened in 1978, the I. M. Pei-designed East Building houses the National Gallery of Art’s collection of modern and contemporary art. Pei’s masterpiece has provided an eloquent setting for the display of great works of modern art from the permanent collection, over 300 temporary exhibitions, a library and rare book collection, administrative offices, and the Center for Advanced Study in the Visual Arts. While harmonizing with architect John Russell Pope’s neoclassical West Building, the award-winning East Building was designed in the modern idiom of its time and has taken its place as one of the great public structures in the nation’s capital.

We are most fortunate to have West End resident and NGA docent Sheridan Strickland volunteer to host an architectural tour of the East Building solely for FBWE Village members. The tour will highlight key design aspects and several major renovations of the iconic building and address such questions as: “What is the recurring architectural motif? How much does the skylight weigh? How many lights in the lighted walkway?” Join us on the tour and all will be revealed!

Meet in the seating area by the East Building entrance at 4th Street. (Sheridan will be there to meet attendees – she will be wearing a hanging badge.)