The National Academy of Sciences Building on Constitution Avenue also houses the National Academies of Medicine and Engineering. Given the NAS Building’s name, it seems an unlikely draw for tourists in a city filled with places to see. But step inside and you will first be impressed by the Entry Foyer’s mahogany ceiling accented with winged figures and limestone walls. More impressive is this 56 foot dome of The Great Hall. These Art Deco paintings by Hildreth Meière represent the sun, the orbiting planets and different scientific disciplines. Within the pediments are allegories for earth, water, fire and air.
