Featured exhibit: Designing the Future
On view through December 2026
Designing the Future invites visitors to explore AIA's history of architectural innovation and architecture's role in shaping communities. Discover the net-zero design strategies behind our historic 2025 renovation and see how the campus functions as a workspace, a neighbor, and a living model of sustainable design that gives back.
Free admission!
Behind the Design walking tour
Explore the building’s key stops, inside and out, on a self-guided walking tour that reveals the net-zero strategies behind the design—and how architects are creating a climate-positive future. Along the way, visit features like native gardens, a historical willow tree, a felt wall, exterior sunshades, reused materials, and more. Each stop highlights a different part of the story, and many offer immersive augmented reality (AR) experiences!
Features marked with on this site are part of the walking tour.
Explore our other exhibits
- Material Memory: Explore a sculpture that reuses elements from the renovation, honoring the past while celebrating a sustainable, forward-looking design legacy.
- Lego building model: Experience the AIA Global Campus and the historic Octagon through a detailed, 4' x 4' LEGO model that brings the campus' defining architecture to life.
- The Octagon: Visit AIA’s first D.C. home—a National Historic Landmark—now housing the Architects Foundation and exhibits on architecture’s role in shaping society. Separate admission costs apply.
- AIA Design Shop: Browse books, gifts, décor, and apparel—each piece inspired by architecture and design.
Upcoming event
Feb. 26: Design Thinking Through Drawing Workshop
What if your most powerful design tool was your pencil? Join Bradford J. Prestbo, FAIA, and David Damon, AIA, for a fun, high-energy workshop that puts freehand sketching back at the heart of design thinking! In 90 minutes, you’ll be sketching your way to clearer thinking, faster ideas, and communicating architectural intent with confidence.
Plan your visit
Hours: 9am–4pm, Monday–Friday
Closed Saturday & Sunday
How to visit:
- Individual visitors are welcome anytime during open hours. No reservations needed.
- Group tours available by appointment, offering a guided experience through featured exhibits and the campus.