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On July 6, 1953, the NIH Clinical Center opened its doors to patients. Oveta Culp Hobby, the Secretary of Welfare, said at the time, "We are now carrying on in the United States the most intensive and widespread research attack on human disease that the world has ever seen."

Seventy years later, the Clinical Center remains a national focal point for clinical research and creating cures that improve the health of the nation and the world.

Anniversary Events

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Anniversary Celebration
Summer 2023
Lipsett Auditorium

Scientist Artists Exhibit
July 8 - Oct. 7, 2023 and Oct. 7, 2023 - Jan. 9, 2024
Clinical Center

IF/THEN Exhibit
May 22 - Aug. 25 2023
Clinical Center Arboretums

70th Anniversary Grand Rounds Lecture
June 28, 2023
Lipsett Auditorium

Lecture featured former NIH Director Dr. Francis Collins.

Then and Now

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THEN: The foundation of the NIH Clinical Center under construction is visible in the background behind Building 1 in the late 1940s.
NOW: The NIH Clinical Center has evolved in the last 70 years as shown in the background behind Building 1 in the early 2020s.

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THEN: Scientific analysis equipment is being used by a researcher in the 1950s.
NOW: Scientific analysis equipment has advanced in the last 70 years as seen shown by a researcher in the 2020s.

Reflections