Administration Building, Carnegie Institution of Washington facts for kids
Administration Building, Carnegie Institute of Washington
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![]() Administration Building in 2020
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Location | 1530 P Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. |
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Area | 0.5 acres (0.20 ha) |
Built | 1910 |
Architect | Carrere and Hastings (original); William Adams Delano (modifications) |
Architectural style | Beaux-Arts |
NRHP reference No. | 66000959 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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Added to NRHP | October 15, 1966 |
Designated NHL | June 23, 1965 |
The Administration Building, Carnegie Institute of Washington is a beautiful building in Washington, D.C.. It was designed in a style called Beaux-Arts by famous architects Carrere and Hastings. You can find it at 1530 P Street NW.
This building is home to the Carnegie Institution for Science. This is a special organization that helps scientists do important research. It was started in 1902 by a very generous person named Andrew Carnegie. Because of its amazing design and the important work done inside, the building was named a National Historic Landmark in 1965. It's also part of the Sixteenth Street Historic District.
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Discovering the Carnegie Building's Design
The Carnegie Institution for Science building is located in the Dupont Circle area of Washington, D.C. It's just north of Scott Circle, at the corner of 16th and P Streets NW. This building is quite large and shaped like a rectangle. It has two floors and is covered in a light-colored stone called Indiana limestone.
What Does the Building Look Like?
The front of the building faces west towards 16th Street. It has a grand entrance with ten tall columns. These columns are called Ionic columns and they support a decorative top part and a flat roof with a railing. The original building was mostly square. Later, small sections were added on the sides.
How the Building Grew Over Time
In 1937, a new part was added to the back of the building. This addition used the same types of stone and design, so it blends in perfectly. Inside, the building has offices and rooms for meetings. There's also a large auditorium that can seat 450 people.
The History of the Carnegie Institution
Andrew Carnegie was a very wealthy businessman who wanted to help science. In 1902, he started the Carnegie Institute of Washington with a lot of money, about $10 million! His goal was to support talented people who wanted to do basic research. He believed this research would help all of humankind.
When Was the Building Constructed?
The front part of the building was finished in 1910. It was designed by the same architects, Carrere and Hastings. The addition at the back, built in 1937, was designed by another architect named William Adams Delano.
What Happens at the Carnegie Building Today?
Today, the Administration Building is mainly used for the organization's office work. The main research labs and projects of the Carnegie Institution for Science are located in other places. The organization continues its mission to fund scientists so they can explore new ideas without too many rules.