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Eames
Institute
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—
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 of the Eames Archives are held Thursdays and Fridays and are limited to groups of 10. They run for approximately 90 minutes and must be booked in advance.
Join our team of expert docents for a guided tour of our collection. You’ll explore who Ray and Charles Eames were before they met, their first collaboration, and the surprising range of work they produced together. Along the way, you’ll view private correspondence, peek into the original drawers of their design studio, and, yes, sit in a few iconic chairs.
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Llisa Demetrios, chief curator of the Eames Institute and granddaughter of Ray and Charles Eames, offers a uniquely personal view into the collection—sharing intimate access through family stories and showing not only iconic designs you know, but also rarely seen artifacts that fed the Eameses’ curiosity and design process.
We offer limited private tours led by Llisa for up to 15 people. The cost is $2,500 and the duration is 90 minutes. If you are interested in booking a private tour, please email us at visit@eamesinstitute.org.
Past as Prologue: The Last Decade of Furniture Design by Ray and Charles Eames (1968–1978) explores the final years of Eames furniture design, capturing how their work evolved to meet the emergent needs of modern workplaces. Free and open daily, 10am–5pm at the Transamerica Pyramid Annex Gallery, 535 Washington Street, San Francisco.
| Thursdays | 1:00 pm |
| Fridays | 10:00 am & 1:00 pm |
Tickets are released on a quarterly basis. Tickets for August and September are now available. Tickets for October through December will be released at 10:00 am Pacific time on September 1.
Certain tour days may be unavailable due to holidays and other scheduled activities.
This is a 90-minute walking tour. Doors open 15 minutes before the start time and tours begin promptly as scheduled.
| 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.
Please see our FAQs for accessibility information, and email us at visit@eamesinstitute.org at least 24 hours in advance if you require any special accommodations, such as seating, walkers, or wheelchairs.
Change of plans? To cancel or reschedule your reservation, contact us at visit@eamesinstitute.org. Reservations cancelled at least
For urgent requests, contact us at
We are happy to welcome teams, organizations, and large groups. Large Group Tours are considered 6 or more people (up to 15) and are available for booking on Thursdays at 10:00 am. Please email us at visit@eamesinstitute.org to inquire.
Researchers at an educational institution, museum, or affiliated nonprofit can email research@eamesinstitute.org to inquire about arranging a visit.
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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Delve into an exhibition illuminating the history of the Eameses’ creative practice and partnership and the principles that guided their process.
Walk the aisles of our expansive display of furniture, prototypes, and ephemera to see firsthand how the Eameses developed their groundbreaking designs.
Browse a selection of books, vintage items, exhibition catalogs, and design objects inspired by the Archives’ one-of-a-kind collection.
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.
Eames Institute
1330 South 51st Street
Richmond, CA 94804
Get Directions
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.
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Tickets must be purchased in advance. We keep our tour groups small (with a 10-person maximum) to ensure the best experience for each guest. Walk-ins cannot be accommodated.
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.
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
There are many great cafés, restaurants, and wine bars in the area. Click here for a map of our recommendations.
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.
Due to the fragile nature of the objects on view, infants and children
Leave pets and support animals at home. ADA-recognized service dogs are welcome throughout the Archives.
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
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.
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.
Make a day of your visit. Nearby attractions include:
Albany Bulb — a landfill-turned-park with outdoor sculptures, wildlife, and walking trails
Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive — a university museum with exhibitions, screenings, and programs featuring leading artists and filmmakers
Miller/Knox Regional Shoreline —
Oakland Museum of California —
Richmond Arts Center — a local creative hub hosting exhibitions, events, and classes in weaving, pottery, painting, and more
Rosie the Riveter National Historical Park — a park featuring a Rosie the Riveter memorial and interactive exhibitions about American life during World War
Slow Burn Glass — a glass studio offering glassblowing workshops
Hotels in the area include:
Hyatt Place Emeryville/San Francisco Bay Area (10-minute drive)
Hotel Shattuck Plaza (15-minute drive)
Claremont Club & Spa (20-minute drive)
Cavallo Point (30-minute drive)
A working farm, the
Explore our online exhibitions and digital magazine, Kazam!, where we share stories about the people, projects, and ideas shaping a better tomorrow.
Llisa Demetrios goes behind the scenes to recount how her childhood memories of Ray and Charles come full circle in her new role as chief curator.
The Eameses’ eclectic collection of toys goes beyond fun and games, it also offers a window into the couple’s singular approach to design.
From the acclaimed menus of Noma to the labs of Chr. Hansen, David Zilber devotes his genius to revolutionizing food, billions of microbes at a time.
Eames chairs have always stolen the spotlight, but an adjacent thirty-year legacy of table designs demonstrates the designers’ same thoughtful approach to problem-solving.