New Deal Art Tour at the Wilbur J. Cohen Building

Meet: July 22, 2026, 10am Capitol South Metro exit, 1^st and C Streets, SE.

End: Noon, Eisenhower Memorial, Independence Ave, SW

When Franklin Delano Roosevelt accepted the Democratic Party nomination in 1932, he said:  “I pledge you, I pledge myself, to a new deal for the American people.”  The New Deal included putting Americans back to work during the Great Depression, and enacting legislation such at the Social Security Act to provide a safety net for working Americans in the future. These two ideals come together in the Wilbur J. Cohen building, sometimes referred to as the Sistine Chapel of the New Deal, where muralss by such renowned artists as Ben Shahn extol Social Security. In 2020, the GSA placed the Cohen Building (now home to the Voice of America) on a list of government buildings to be sold.  Preservationists have rallied to save the murals and GSA is offering tours.

Please join us for a walk and tour of the New Deal murals in the Cohen building.  Following the tour, we will visit the Eisenhower Memorial and tour other nearby sights, time allowing.

 We must provide GSA with a list of names one week in advance, so registration will close July 14.  Please provide your name as it appears on your REAL ID which you will be required to present to enter the building. No large bags or items prohibited by airlines.