Smithsonian Institution Castle Floor Plan Area

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.

Smithsonian institution castle floor plan area. Behind the national museum of african art and the sackler gallery houses the smithsonian institution s administrative offices and information center. Smithsonian institution building revitalization of the castle is at the heart of the south mall master plan. The building is constructed of seneca red sandstone in the norman revival style a 12th century combination of late romanesque and early gothic motifs. 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. Extended spring summer hours are determined annually. You must follow all posted instructions while visiting the smithsonian including instructions about wearing face coverings and social distancing. Completed in 1855 the castle is our signature building and home to the smithsonian visitor center.

The smithsonian is doing its part to mitigate transmission intensity and we ask you our visitors to do the same and help us reduce the spread of covid 19. The smithsonian institution s first building the castle was designed by architect james renwick. The smithsonian institution building located near the national mall in washington d c. 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.

Collectively called the smithsonian institution this world renowned museum and research complex consists of 17 museums galleries and a zoo. 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. Opened in 1855 the castle now serves as a visitor information center and the headquarters of the institution. Floor plan of smithsonian institution building as published in hints on public architecture by robert dale owen.

The centerpiece of the south mall master plan is the revitalization of the iconic smithsonian castle. The proposed plan will provide an expanded and improved visitors center and accessibility to and from the museums and gardens of the south mall. Plan your visit at the smithsonian visitor center in the castle open daily from 8 30 a m.