National Public Radio's Honey Bee Hives – Washington, D.C. - Atlas Obscura
What's near me?

National Public Radio's Honey Bee Hives

Washington, D.C.

Atop this media building, two hives containing more than 30,000 bees keep the surrounding area vibrant.  

View all photos
National Public Radio's Honey Bee Hives katyaGilbo (Atlas Obscura User)
National Public Radio's Honey Bee Hives katyaGilbo (Atlas Obscura User)
19
68
Top Places in Washington, D.C.
Sergeant Stubby at the Smithsonian
Sergeant Stubby
Washington, D.C.
The Throne of the Third Heaven of the Nations' Millennium General Assembly
Washington, D.C.
Rockefeller Mansion in Rock Creek Park
Washington, D.C.
 See All
This entry is a stub
Help improve Atlas Obscura by expanding National Public Radio's Honey Bee Hives with additional information or photos.

Surrounded by bustling traffic in the NoMA neighborhood is National Public Radio’s headquarters. Atop this edifice of media resides several beehives maintained by NPR. They were first installed in 2013 as part of NPR’s environmental initiative to create a rooftop green space. The installation helped NPR achieve a gold Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification. 

The two hives containing more than 30,000 bees pollinate plants on the roof and the surrounding area supporting the flowers, bushes, and trees of the nation’s capital. 

Know Before You Go

Make a reservation to tour the day before you plan to visit as walk-ins are not allowed. The headquarters is a short walk from the NoMA-Gallaudet Metro.

Atlas Obscura Experiences

Explore Alexandria's Brewing History

Alexandria, Virginia
$30 per person
bees
Nearby
Washington Coliseum
0.33 miles
Government Printing Office
0.35 miles
Owney the Postal Dog
0.43 miles
Want to see fewer ads? Become a Member.
Near This Place
Washington, D.C.

Washington Coliseum

A historic arena where The Beatles played their first concert in the U.S.
Washington, D.C.

Government Printing Office

Need a hardcopy of the 50-title Code of Federal Regulations? This is the place.
Washington, D.C.

Owney the Postal Dog

The traveling postal dog covered 48 states and more than 140,000 miles in his lifetime, and lives on as taxidermy patched up with a rabbits foot and a pigs ear.
Washington, D.C.

Site of the Union Station Train Crash

A 1,100-ton train fell through the floor in 1953. Workers got it patched up in just 72 hours.
Related Places
Rhodes, Greece

Bee Museum of Rhodes

Learn about the sweet, storied legacy of beekeeping in ancient Greece.
Manchester, England

'22 Bees'

This massive memorial commemorates those who died in the Manchester Arena bombing.
Kangaroo Island Council, Australia

Kangaroo Island Bee Sanctuary

An island off the coast of South Australia is home to the last purebred Ligurian bees.
Watford, England

The Watford Hornet

Flying high, this unusual hornet statue celebrates the local soccer team formerly owned by Elton John.