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:


June 6 - Study Day at MoMA

This study day will highlight two exhibits:
Henri Labrouste: Structure Brought to Light
Curated by SAH member Barry Bergdoll, The Philip Johnson Chief Curator of Architecture and Design, MoMA; Corinne Belier, Chief Curator, Cite de l’Architecture & du Patrimoine; and Marc Le Coeur, Art Historian, Bibliothèque Nationale de France, Departement des Estampes et de la Photographie.  

Le Corbusier: An Atlas of Modern Landscapes
Guest curated by SAH member Jean-Louis Cohen,  Institute of Fine Arts, New York University.

July 19: Study Day at the Getty

Overdrive: LA Constructs the Future 1940-1990
Curated by SAH members Wim de Wit, Senior Curator of Architecture and Design at the Getty Research Institute, and Christopher James Alexander, Curator of Architecture and Design at Getty Research Institute, with Rani Singh.  


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.  This deposit is non-refundable.  SAH is working in conjunction with Friendly Planet Travel and their policies for this tour. Friendly Planet Travel holds the required OFCA license to conduct travel programs in Cuba.
Register: Limited spaces are available. Please contact Kathy Sturm at ksturm@sah.org to reserve a spot on this special program. 


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


The tour includes:
  • Transfer to Miami Airport
  • Round trip charter flight from Miami to Cuba, including airport taxes
  • Cuba Entrance Visa Fee
  • 13 hotel nights
  • 11 Breakfasts
  • 9 lunches
  • One drink of choice per meal
  • 3 dinners
  • Private English speaking national guide during duration of tour (Cuban Government requirement)
  • Air-conditioned modern motorcoach  as noted in the itinerary
  • All applicable entrance fees to sites
  • 2 bottles of water per person/per day (excluding arrival and departure days)
  • Authorization documentation allowing passengers to clear US immigrations upon returning to the United States
  • Cuban Travel Insurance covering medical expenses
  • Services of a Friendly Planet Travel program manager
  • An SAH Tour Leader
  • SAH Board Representative
  • Voluntary donation to SAH
  • SAH administrative costs
  • 77 AIA/CES Learning Units

Not included:
  • Passport Costs
  • Expenditure for personal items (laundry, telephone, internet fees, meals not included in tour price)
  • Gratuities for guides, drivers, hotel maid service, porters and restaurant waiters
  • Cuban Departure Tax of 25CUC (approximately $30USD per person) – must be paid in cash on departure from Cuba.
  • Trip cancellation/interruption insurance. You may purchase through a preferred agency or through Friendly Planet.
  • Hotel in Miami.  A special offer will be available to those who have a confirmed space on the 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.