Cultural Programs of the National Academy of Sciences (CPNAS)

25/02/2026

Photos by Bruce Guthrie from our DC Art Science Evening Rendezvous program on Feb 19, 2026, looking at the role of art, design, and imagination in the human exploration of Mars. Thanks to all who joined us for this fun evening!

12/02/2026

Charles Darwin and Abraham Lincoln were both born on February 12, 1809, an extraordinary coincidence linking two figures who profoundly shaped the modern world. Darwin revolutionized science with his theory of evolution by natural selection, transforming humanity's understanding of life on Earth. Meanwhile, Lincoln led the United States through the Civil War and abolished slavery, fundamentally redefining the nation’s moral and political landscape. He also signed the charter establishing the NAS in 1863!

During tours of the NAS Building, you can find various tributes to both figures:

Charles Darwin is honored with:
-Bronze work by Lee Lawrie on the Constitution Avenue front doors.
-A bronze bust by William Couper in the Rotunda Gallery.
-The painting On the Origin of Species (after Darwin) (2008-2009) by Tim Rollins + K.O.S., also in the Rotunda Gallery.

Abraham Lincoln is depicted in a mural by Albert Herter in the Board Room, illustrating him signing the charter that established the National Academy of Sciences on March 3, 1863.

27/01/2026

✨ Symmetries & Broken Symmetries is on view now through July 3 in the NAS Upstairs Gallery. The exhibition can be seen during NAS Building tours and select special events.

This exhibition brings together artist Shanthi Chandrasekar and physicist-writer Michael Albrow in a shared exploration of how order and chaos in the universe echo across art, science, and human understanding. Through parallel and complementary practices, drawing, painting, and writing enter into dialogue, offering multiple ways of perceiving the cosmos.

The show features 18 drawings and paintings by Chandrasekar, paired with selected writings by Albrow.

Chandrasekar, who grew up in an Indian atomic energy research community shaped by both advanced science and ancient cultural traditions, draws inspiration from kolam — a South Indian practice of geometric rice-flour patterns created on thresholds. Kolam embodies impermanence, resilience, and cosmic order. In her work, structured grids and symmetries gradually shift, fracture, or dissolve, revealing hidden layers and new possibilities. These transformations resonate with ideas in physics and cosmology, where symmetry — and its breaking — shapes reality from the quantum to the cosmic scale.

Albrow’s writings reflect on symmetry as a foundation of physics and its breaking as the source of complexity, life, and an evolving universe.

Together, they invite viewers to reflect on how pattern, balance, and rupture shape both the cosmos and human consciousness.

12/12/2025

Enjoy these photos of our screening and discussion of OUT OF PLAIN SIGHT last night in the Fred Kavli Auditorium!

08/12/2025

Take a one-hour tour of the historic NAS Building with one of our wonderful docents! Tours are offered several times a week and we currently have dates available through January 26. Reserve your spot today!

Take a one-hour guided tour of the beautiful National Academy of Sciences Building.

05/12/2025

We're enjoying the first snow of the season!