Smithsonian Castle Floor Plan

Revitalization of the castle is at the heart of the south mall master plan.

Smithsonian castle floor plan. Patrick s cathedral in new york city and the smithsonian s renwick gallery also in washington d c. As such it makes a great starting point for your journey here you can get a grasp of the scope and scale of the smithsonian see collections highlights from each of our museums tour the castle s 19th century architecture see what s going on today at all the museums and consult. The first secretary of the smithsonian joseph henry lived in the east wing of the building with his family starting in 1849 during the initial construction period. Extended spring summer hours are determined annually.

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. There s also a coffee and snack shop and a large seating area with free wi fi an ideal place to take a break and plan your next move. Plan your visit at the smithsonian visitor center in the castle open daily from 8 30 a m. Official website of the smithsonian the world s largest museum and research complex with 19 museums 9 research centers and affiliates around the world.

The building committee held a nationwide design competition in 1846 and selected renwick s design by a unanimous vote. Which has been altered by partitions that cut its floor space almost in half and the addition of a two level underground space. The proposed plan will provide an expanded and improved visitors center and accessibility to and from the museums and gardens of the south mall. 901 7th street nw 4th floor washington dc 20001 3719 202 789 7000 fax 202 789 7037.

Opened in 1855 the castle now serves as a visitor information center and the headquarters of the institution. Completed in 1855 the castle is our signature building and home to the smithsonian visitor center. Shows the lecture hall in the east wing the library and a larger lecture theatre in the main building the gallery of art in the west wing and range and the museum running the length of the second floor. Gateway to museums history.

For many years the building also known as the castle housed all of the smithsonian operations including an exhibit hall from 1858 until the 1960s. The national portrait gallery and smithsonian american art museum are. Hours museums in the washington d c area are open daily except december 25 most from 10 a m. The centerpiece of the south mall master plan is the revitalization of the iconic smithsonian castle.

The castle was the first smithsonian building designed by architect james renwick jr whose other works include st.