Study Tour Programs



Experience architecture first hand

SAH draws on its vast network of scholars and practitioners around the world to create a study tour program that focuses on the architecture and landscapes of different regions, periods, cities, styles, and architects. SAH offers study day programs in partnership with current exhibitions, collections at museums and other institutions. The SAH Study Tour program is comprised of either 1-day programs at one site both in the US and internationally, or 10-12 day programs that visit non US destinations covering multiple buildings and larger geographic areas.

Every SAH study tour program is the result of extensive scholarship and research, designed specifically for those whose interest in architecture goes beyond the standard guidebook. Our tours are not “canned” – each one is designed by a member whose expertise and knowledge are authoritative. Our tour leader’s connections allow for unprecedented access to significant structures, making SAH tours legendary for granting members access to buildings and places usually inaccessible to the general public. One of the greatest benefits of SAH Study Tour program is the company – the experience is always enhanced with debate and input from colleagues with expertise in a variety of disciplines.

Upcoming Study Tours:


Study Day: "Woolworth at 100" - Sold Out



Woolworth Building, image courtesy of the New York Historical Society
Dates: March 22, 2013
Place: New York City, NY
Price: $199 per person non-refundable
General Registration Opens: January 15, 2013 - 3pm CST

Join SAH at the The Skyscraper Museum’s exhibition, “Woolworth at 100,” on March 22, 2013. SAH will be presenting a customized study day that will offer participants an opportunity for an in-depth look at the exhibition with the curators Gail Fenske, Susan Tunick, and Carol Willis along with a tour of Cass Gilbert’s buildings in lower Manhattan led by Andrew Dolkart and Gail Fenske, featuring the United States Custom House, the West Street Building, and the Broadway-Chambers Building, concluding with a visit to the Woolworth Building. The exhibition features original design drawings by Cass Gilbert and his office staff, along with original documents, photographs, and artifacts. The original drawings will be available only for a limited time. The day will end with a tour of the Woolworth Building which will include a visit of a typical office space and view what remains of the design’s European-inspired interiors. Read the full description of the "Woolworth at 100" Study Day.

A Study Tour Fellowship will be awarded and applications will be accepted November 20 - January 17, 2013.


SAH Study Tour: Second Tour to Cuba - Sold Out



Dates: 15 May, 2013 - 27 May, 2013
Price: $5,695 per person sharing a room (double occupancy) 
  $6,360 per person single occupancy
Deposit: 
 $600 per person is required for each individual reserving a space on this tour.  

The Second Study Tour to Cuba is now full. The lottery spots have been filled by Henry Flax (for two), Siri Skjold Lexau (for two), Ralph Belton (for two), and Barbara Roney (for two). 

The second tour will be May 15-27 and will follow the same itinerary led by Belmont Freeman. 

Unfortunately, SAH will not be able to offer a study tour fellowship for this tour.


Other Opportunities:


SAH Local Chapter Tours 
The SAH Chapters, which are located across the U.S., also organize tours on a regular basis. Click here for chapter websites and contact information. 
SAH Annual Conference Tours
In conjunction with each SAH Annual Conference, the Local Committee organizes dozens of tours to explore the architectural wealth of the host city and its surrounding region. Visit the annual conference website for tour updates. 
Catch up on previous study tours with our Study Tour Fellow Reports written by graduate students who have been awarded SAH Study Tour Fellowships. 
Earn AIA Continuing Education Learning Units
The Society of Architectural Historians currently offers AIA / CES learning units for this program. SAH is registered with the American Institute of Architects Continuing Education System (AIA / CES) and is committed to developing quality learning activities in accordance with the AIA / CES criteria.