Visit the Eames Archives
The Institute now offers scheduled, guided tours of our collection in Richmond, California.
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 Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays and are limited to groups of 10. They run for approximately 90 minutes and must be booked in advance.
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.
Schedule
| Day of week | Time of day |
|---|---|
| Thursdays | & |
| Fridays |
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
| Ticket type | |
|---|---|
| Cost | |
| 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.
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
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.
The Gallery
Delve into an exhibition illuminating the history of the Eameses’ creative practice and partnership and the principles that guided their process.
Collections Center
Walk the aisles of our expansive display of furniture, prototypes, and ephemera to see firsthand how the Eameses developed their groundbreaking designs.
The Shop
Browse a selection of books, vintage items, and design objects inspired by the Archives’ one-of-a-kind collection.
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
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.
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 10-person maximum) to ensure the best experience for each guest. Walk-ins cannot be accommodated.
Can I schedule a private tour?
During our initial launch period, we are prioritizing public access to the archives through our online booking system. If you’d like to be notified when private tours become available, please let us know here.
Can I schedule a tour for a large group?
Our current Eames Archives tour experience has been designed for small groups and is not able to accommodate groups of more than 10 people. If you’d like to be notified when large group bookings become available, please let us know here.
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:
- 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 – a shoreline picnic area with a secluded cove, swimming beach, and fishing pier
- Oakland Museum of California – a museum with art, history, and natural science exhibitions and with terraced gardens facing Lake Merritt
- 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
Where can I stay overnight?
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)
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.
Llisa Draws a Letter
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.
Toys & Play
The Eameses’ eclectic collection of toys goes beyond fun and games, it also offers a window into the couple’s singular approach to design.
Design Q&A: David Zilber
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.
Tables! Tables! Tables!
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.