Smithsonian Institution Castle Floor Area

Located inside near the north entrance is the crypt of james smithson benefactor of the institution while outside on the mall a bronze statue executed by william wetmore story honors joseph henry.

Smithsonian institution castle floor area. While the victorian arches and dark woodwork of the castle suggest a bygone era it now holds a thoroughly modern visitors center with interactive 3 d maps pinpointing and detailing the 17 dc area smithsonian institution properties including museums galleries and the national zoological park. The smithsonian institution s first building the castle was designed by architect james renwick. The building is constructed of seneca red sandstone in the norman revival style a 12th century combination of late romanesque and early gothic motifs. Completed in 1855 the castle is our signature building and home to the smithsonian visitor center.

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 smithsonian continued to expand and by the turn of the 21st century its various constituent museums housed over 1 3 million artifacts among them many american national treasures the institution comprised more than 15 museums and a number of research centres. Explore and learn about everything from the origins of man and the future of flight to the history of art across multiple continents with more than 150 million objects works of art and specimens to discover. The smithsonian institution building located near the national mall in washington d c.

Today the castle houses the institution s administrative offices and the smithsonian information center. Today the castle houses administrative offices and the smithsonian. Collectively called the smithsonian institution this world renowned museum and research complex consists of 17 museums galleries and a zoo. Behind the national museum of african art and the sackler gallery houses the smithsonian institution s administrative offices and information center.