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The Smithsonian Institution Building, commonly called “The Castle,” was the first home of the institution. Its nine dark asymmetrical towers and its fortress-like embattlements represented a...
Smithsonian Institution Building (The Castle) Completed in 1855, the Castle is our signature building. The Castle is closed for its first major renovation in more than 50 years. But even though the Castle is closed, there is lots to see and explore online! Learn more. Philanthropy at the Smithsonian.
The Smithsonian Institution Building, popularly known as the "Castle," was designed by architect James Renwick, Jr. The building is constructed of red sandstone from Seneca Creek, Maryland, in the Norman style (a 12th-century combination of late Romanesque and early Gothic motifs).
The towered, neo-Gothic structure, designed by up-and-coming New York City architect James Renwick, initially held the entire institution: a gallery, a natural history collection, a laboratory and even the first secretary of the organization’s apartment. What’s inside the Smithsonian Castle?
The Smithsonian Institution’s first building, the Castle, was designed by architect James Renwick. Until 1881, it housed all aspects of Smithsonian operations, including research, administration, lecture and exhibit halls, library, laboratories, collections storage, and living quarters for the Secretary.
The result was the Smithsonian Building, known as the Castle, located along the National Mall in Washington, DC, between the Capitol Building and the Washington Monument. Tomb of James...
Facilities. Smithsonian Institution Building (The Castle) URL. https://www.si.edu/Museums/smithsonian-institution-building. Year. Completed in 1855, the Castle is our signature building and home to the Smithsonian Visitor Center. Measurements. Gross Exterior: approx. 153,000 sq. ft. Gross Interior: approx. 126,000 sq. ft. Location.
