The history of the Center for Advanced Study in the Visual Arts (CASVA) at the National Gallery of Art is closely intertwined with that of the institution, and especially with the planning and design of the East Building. This richly illustrated lecture—delivered on August 6, 2017 by Dean Elizabeth Cropper—goes behind the scenes into the conception of a research institute housed at the gallery, and traces the development of the Center since its founding in 1980. Cropper looks at CASVA’s programs of fellowships, meetings, publications, and research, and discusses the wider importance of research institutes today.