The private interior tour of the Eames House

Why it is on the list

Charles and Ray Eames built the house in 1949 as Case Study House No. 8, moved in that Christmas Eve and lived there for the rest of their lives; it has been a National Historic Landmark since 2006.¹ The rooms are kept much as they left them, and entry to the residence is limited and managed under guidance from the Getty Conservation Institute.² Every other visit sees the house from outside; this tour takes a party of up to four across the ground floor, after an introduction in the meadow and a visit to the Studio.²

It is the wrong tour for a group with children under 12, who are not admitted inside, or for more than four people.² For them, the private exterior tour takes up to 10 for 60 minutes, looks into the residence from its doorways and includes the Studio.²

How to get it

Write to visitorinfo@eamesfoundation.org and ask for a private interior tour.² It costs $2,500 for up to four guests and lasts 90 minutes; it stays on the ground floor of the residence.² The tour can be given in Japanese, French or Spanish on request.² There is no parking at the house: park, or set the car's drop-off and pick-up, on Corona Del Mar just above it; a parking map comes with the confirmation.² Food, drink, cigarettes, vapes, tripods and large camera equipment stay outside, and so do pets other than service animals.²

Discretion

No photographs may be taken inside the residence, including through its open doors, windows or glass; photographs of the exterior and the Studio are for personal use only.² Cars stop on Corona Del Mar above the house, not at the door.²