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    • Visitors in the Eames Archives under several paper lanterns, surrounded by furniture and displays from the Eames collection.

    As Charles Eames observed, “Eventually everything connects.” The Eames Archives brings that philosophy to life through one of the world’s most comprehensive and personal collections of material related to influential designers Ray and Charles Eames. Located in Richmond, California, the Archives holds more than 40,000 objects⁠—from furniture, films, prototypes, and exhibition materials to tools, correspondence, ephemera, and personal belongings. Drawn largely from the Eameses’ themselves and their office in Venice, California, the collection reflects the boundless curiosity and problem-solving spirit that defined their work. It showcases not only what they made, but also what they loved⁠—the ideas, objects, interests, and experiences that shaped them and their creative practice.

    Through the breadth and depth of the collection, visitors are immersed in the Eames world. The space reveals unexpected connections across projects, disciplines, and decades of creative inquiry. By experiencing materials side by side and tracing how one idea informed the next, guests gain a deeper understanding of the Eames process. The Archives offers more than a look at the past⁠—it reveals how ideas evolve, intersect, and inspire new ways of seeing the world today and into the future.

    Explore the Eames Archives through guided tours, team retreats, and group gatherings that bring people together to spark curiosity, encourage connection, and inspire new ways of thinking.

    A guided tour of the Eames Institute archives among shelves filled with furniture and objects from the Eames collection.

    Explore⁠—and re-explore⁠—the archives during a guided tour with our knowledgeable docents. You’ll hear about who Ray and Charles Eames were before they met, their first collaborations, and the astonishing range of work they produced together. Along the way, you’ll read private correspondence, peek into the original drawers of their design studio, and finish with a “chair tasting,” an opportunity to experience 15 pieces of iconic Eames seating for yourself. Tours are held Thursdays and Fridays and are limited to groups of 12. They run for approximately 60 minutes and must be booked in advance. Please join us.

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    Interior of the Eames Institute in Richmond California where several attendees came to a design event.

    Host your team retreat or creative convening at the Archives, including a private tour⁠. Designed to inspire creativity and connection, and meaningful work, our spaces accommodate both large gatherings and small breakout discussions. Please reach out to our Experience Team at visit@eamesinstitute.org to tailor a perfect day for you and your team.

    Llisa Demetrios stands beside an Eames Elephant in the Eames Institute archives, where she leads private tours.

    Eames granddaughter Llisa Demetrios offers a uniquely personal view into the collection. As Co-Founder & The Lucia Eames Chief Curator of the Eames Institute she shares intimate family stories and shows not only iconic designs but rarely seen artifacts that fed the Eameses’ curiosity and informed their design process. Additionally, your private tour will include a selection of archival works not typically on display, specially curated for your group, with surprises along the way and a parting gift.

    We offer private tours, which are 90-minutes and led by Llisa, for 6 to 22 people. If you are interested in booking, please email us at visit@eamesinstitute.org.

    Public Tour Schedule

    Thursdays 2:00 pm & 4:00 pm
    Fridays 10:00 am & 1:00 pm

    Tickets are released on the first of each month at 10:00 am Pacific time for the following month. Certain tour days may be unavailable if they fall on holidays and other scheduled activities or coincide with Institute events.

    Doors open 15 minutes before the start time and tours begin promptly as scheduled. This is a 60-minute walking tour, so please wear your most comfortable shoes. There will be Eames chairs along the way if you’d like to pause and rest.

    Public Tour Pricing

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

    Children over 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

    We are unable to accommodate infants and children under 12 at this time.

    Accessibility

    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.

    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.

    Research Inquiries

    Researchers at educational institutions, museums, or affiliated nonprofits can email research@eamesinstitute.org.

    What will you discover during the tour? Decades of design iteration and innovation, unique objects from around the globe that provide fresh insight into the Eameses’ life and work, and a whole world of creative problem-solving.

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    Visitors browse books in the Eames Institute Welcome Center, surrounded by design objects, and Eames furnishings.

    Gather in a colorful, light-filled atrium beneath dozens of Akari lanterns to await the start of your tour. Eames artifacts and photography depicting the Institute’s various programs surround you from the moment you arrive.

    Visitors explore the Life Gallery at the Eames Institute, viewing the Eameses personal artifacts, books, and objects.

    Enjoy the public’s first view of the couple’s legendary toy collection, the reinstallation of the Eames Office’s original reference library, and a previously unknown prototype of the iconic Eames lounge chair and ottoman, among other works.

    Visitors explore the Work Gallery at the Eames Institute, viewing graphic designs, exhibition materials and archival objects.

    Explore the evolution of the Eameses’ design practice through one-of-a-kind examples of their molded plywood experiments, including the Organic Chair that started it all, as well as projects developed with clients such as IBM, Herman Miller, and Vitra.

    Visitors at the Eames Archives Collections Center, viewing furniture components and prototypes from the Eames collection.

    Go behind-the-scenes with us, walking aisles stacked with furniture, prototypes, and ephemera to see firsthand how the Eameses developed their groundbreaking designs.

    A visitor browses books, stationery, and design-inspired gifts in the Eames Institute Archives Annex retail shop.

    Browse a curated selection of books, design objects, and other collectibles, inspired by the Archives⁠—many produced by our friends at the Eames Office, Herman Miller, and Vitra.

    Guests attend a presentation in the Eames Institute Connections Center, where talks, workshops, and gatherings are hosted.

    Carrying on Lucia Eames’s tradition of hosting retreats at the Eames Ranch and House, this flexible venue for groups of up to 70 people is equipped with full audio/visual facilities and features displays of artifacts from the archives.

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

    Our Address

    Eames Institute
    1324 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

    Can I buy a ticket at the door?

    Tickets must be purchased in advance. We keep our tour groups small (with a 12-person maximum) to ensure the best experience for each guest. Walk-ins cannot be accommodated.

    Can I buy a gift certificate for a tour?

    Yes, gift certificates are available for purchase in our Archives Shop, or online here.

    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. 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?

    The Eames Ranch is not open to the public at this time.