The National Academy of Air Conditioning

The National Academy of Air Conditioning (NAAC), located on the Upper East Side, is a popular NYC tourist destination, particularly during the summer months. Here are some photos and information about the museum, and some highlights from its photography collection:
The museum contains many "sitting rooms". They are maintained at a range of temperatures from 65 to 82 degrees, in one degree increments, so each person can find the one that is exactly right for them, given their age, and what they happen to be wearing that day.

For the most popular temperatures (69 - 73 degrees), there are three levels of humidity one can choose from.

Friends and Corporate Friends can lounge in these rooms after museum hours for a nominal fee of $5. Patrons are allowed to stay overnight for a $20 fee.



The museum is open year-round. In the winter the A/C units are removed and stored, and the gallery space mainly given over to space heaters and humidifiers.

The museum offers certificate programs in Air Conditioner Repair, HVAC Theory, and Air Conditioner Photography.

Dave Beedon:  "Does the Academy provide dormitory housing for out-of-state students who are studying air conditioner photography?"
Yes - according to the brochure, it is in a nearby building -- a former SRO hotel that was converted by the Academy back in the eighties. I will try to get a picture next time I'm up there.

With funds raised during the "Campaign for the 21st Century", expansion of the museum is underway. Windows will be added to the long-blank north wall, matching those on the other sides. Staff office space will be provided in the new West Tower.


Currently the staff offices are located on 58th street, about a 15 minute walk from the Museum. Because of budgetary constraints, only the Museum Director's office has air conditioning. This encourages the rest of the staff to spend more time working around the Museum.

Dave Beedon:  "Those at the top must be cool to weather the stresses brought on by managing such an important and multi-faceted institution."

The highlight of the museum is its collection of Air Conditioner Photography.