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Visit the Eames Archives

Llisa Demetrios, chief curator of the Eames Institute and granddaughter of Charles Eames in the gallery giving a tour.

Explore an Unrivaled Collection of Everything Eames

Ray and Charles Eames’s boundless curiosity and passion for problem-solving drove a practice that spanned furniture, architecture, film, exhibition design, and more. Located in Richmond, California, the Eames Archives holds one of the world’s most significant Eames collections—40,000+ objects, including industrial designs, prototypes, ephemera, tools, and personal items the pioneering design duo created and collected.

This wealth of material, which comes largely from the Eameses themselves and their office in Venice, California, offers visitors an in-depth understanding of the prolific couple’s lives, creative process, and influential design philosophy. As our staff catalogs these extensive holdings, the Archives will continue to shed new light on this great cultural legacy.

Tours

Tours of the Eames Archives are held Thursdays, and Fridays and are limited to groups of 14. They run for approximately 90 minutes and must be booked in advance.

Llisa Demetrios, chief curator of the Eames Institute sitting among the Eameses' many designs.

Meet Your Host

Llisa Demetrios, chief curator of the Eames Institute and granddaughter of Ray and Charles, will give you intimate access to the collection—showing not only iconic designs you know, but also rarely seen artifacts that fed the Eameses’ curiosity and design process.

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Schedule

Thursdays 10:00 am & 1:00 pm
Fridays 10:00 am
Please note there will be no tours during the weeks of November 25th, December 9th, December 23rd, and December 30th.

Tickets are released at 10:00 am Pacific time on the first of the month for the following month's tours.

Doors open 15 minutes before the start time and tours begin promptly as scheduled. 

This is a 90-minute walking tour. Please email us at visit@eamesinstitute.org at least 24 hours in advance if you require any special accommodations, such as seating, walkers, or wheelchairs.

Pricing

General Admission $85
Seniors (65+) $75
Students (with ID) $45

We are unable to accommodate infants and children under 12.

Children over 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

The Shop

Give the gift of curiosity this holiday season. For a limited time, our shop will be open to the public. Come shop our unique collection of items inspired by our Archives. During these special hours the Archives will remain closed.

Wednesdays 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Now until December 18th.

Private Tours and Large Groups

We offer limited private tour slots each month at 11:00 am on Wednesdays. The tours are led by Chief Curator Llisa Demetrios and are limited to 12 people. The cost is $2,000 and the duration is 90 minutes. If you are interested in booking a private tour, please email us.

Archives Study Center

Researchers at an educational institution, museum, or affiliated nonprofit can email research@eamesinstitute.org to inquire about arranging a visit.

Cancellations and Refunds

Change of plans? To cancel or reschedule your reservation, contact us at visit@eamesinstitute.org. Reservations cancelled at least 24 hours in advance of a scheduled tour will be fully refunded.

For urgent requests, contact us at (510) 694-1940.

Tour Highlights

What will you discover on the tour? Decades of design innovation and unique objects that provide fresh insight into the Eameses’ life and work.

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Directions

Our location is easily accessible by car or public transit. Visitor parking is available in the front entrance lot or on the street. Please note that a tour reservation is required for entry.

Our Address

Eames Institute
1330 South 51st Street
Richmond, CA 94804

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Public Transit

Take BART to El Cerrito del Norte, Amtrak to Richmond, or the San Francisco Bay Ferry to Richmond or Larkspur. A quick drive via your favorite ride-hailing service can bring you to our location.

Take Transit

Exterior of the Eames Institute Archives building in Richmond CA

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a ticket at the door?

Tickets must be purchased in advance. We keep our tour groups small (with a 14-person maximum) to ensure the best experience for each guest. Walk-ins cannot be accommodated.

Is the tour guaranteed to be hosted by Llisa?

Yes, unless there is an unforeseen circumstance in which case the tour will be hosted by another Eames expert.

Is there a coat room?

​​Yes. Coats must be worn or checked, and all bags, purses, laptops, packages, and umbrellas must be checked. Luggage and large objects are not permitted in the Archives. We recommend leaving valuables at home.

What items are not allowed inside?

To help protect our collection and ensure a safe environment for all, please do not bring the following into the Archives: food or beverages, cigarettes or vapes, art supplies, large bags, weapons, or camera equipment (such as tripods and selfie sticks).

Where can I grab a bite to eat nearby?

There are many great cafés, restaurants, and wine bars in the area. Click here for a map of our recommendations.

Is photography allowed?

You can take pictures in the Archives but not videos. Please refrain from photographing other guests or staff without their consent. Flashes, tripods, and selfie sticks are not permitted.

Can I bring my kids?

Due to the fragile nature of the objects on view, infants and children under 12 are not permitted. Children over 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

How about pets?

Leave pets and support animals at home. ADA-recognized service dogs are welcome throughout the Archives.

What is your visitor policy?

Be considerate of those around you. This means:

  • Stay home if you feel under the weather. To cancel or reschedule your tour, email visit@eamesinstitute.org. Reservations canceled at least 24 hours in advance will be fully refunded.

  • Leave food and drink and other prohibited items at home or in your car.

  • Arrive on time for your tour. Doors open 15 minutes before scheduled tour times.

  • Refrain from behavior that would disrupt the tour or inhibit our staff from carrying out their jobs.

  • Do not smoke or vape on the premises. Our campus is smoke-free.

  • Treat your fellow tour members and Archives staff with respect.

Are the Archives accessible?

The galleries and grounds, including the parking lots, are accessible to visitors using wheeled and seated mobility devices. Two wheelchair-accessible restrooms are available in the galleries. Personal care attendants accompanying ticket holders receive complimentary admission. Service animals are welcome throughout the Archives. For more information, contact us at visit@eamesinstitute.org.

What other things can I do in the area?

Make a day of your visit. Nearby attractions include:

Where can I stay overnight?

Hotels in the area include:

Can I visit the Eames Ranch?

A working farm, the Eames Ranch is undergoing a multiyear renovation to host educational tours and agricultural workshops.

Stay Curious

Explore our online exhibitions and digital magazine, Kazam!, where we share stories about the people, projects, and ideas shaping a better tomorrow.