The Revolutionary Tools Exhibit contains several early model instruments designed by Dr. Arnold O. Beckman. It also features photographs from various stages of his life as he went from a curious science student, to a Caltech faculty member, to an international business owner, and finally to a philanthropist creating a lasting legacy in support of scientific research.
“I have done more for science in general by making instruments available for thousands to use than I could have done in my own laboratory, by myself”
Dr. Arnold O. Beckman
Before Your Visit
Click here to view the current operating status of the building, including guidance for visitors and COVID-19 response. Exhibit tours require reservations in advance (see Admission, Parking and Accessibility).
Exhibit Location
The Revolutionary Tools Exhibit is housed in the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Center of the National Academies in Irvine, California:
100 Academy Way, Irvine, CA 92617
Click here to view this location on Google Maps.
Driving Directions
From the 405 Southbound:
- Follow I-405S to University Drive
- Take a right at the exit and continue on University Drive
- Turn left onto California Avenue
- Turn right at the first cross-street, Academy Way
- Your destination is on the right at 100 Academy Way
From the 5 Northbound:
- Follow I-5N and transition onto the I-405N at the interchange
- Follow I-405N to the Jeffrey Road/University Drive exit
- At the exit, turn left onto University Drive
- Continue on University Drive
- Turn left onto California Avenue
- Turn right at the first cross-street, Academy Way
- Your destination is on the right at 100 Academy Way
From John Wayne Airport (SNA):
- Head southeast and keep right at the fork to continue toward JWA Roadway
- Continue onto JWA Roadway
- Take a slight left toward N. Airport Way
- Use the middle lane to turn slightly left onto N. Airport Way
- Turn right onto MacArthur Boulevard
- Take the University Drive exit toward UC Irvine
- Turn right onto University Drive
- Turn right onto California Avenue
- Turn right at the first cross-street, Academy Way
- Your destination is on the right at 100 Academy Way
Admission, Parking and Accessibility
Guided tours of the Revolutionary Tools Exhibit require reservations in advance, scheduled by request. There is no charge for admission. On-site parking is free; there are five handicapped accessible parking spaces and over 270 open/overflow parking spaces. The exhibit is located on the ground floor of the building and does not require use of elevator or stairs.
