Activity Overview
If you are passionate about architecture and history, the Smithsonian Institution Building is the place to go on a weekend. The Castle was the first building to be a part of the Smithsonian Museum and nowadays it is the information center and administrative building of the museum. Venture inside the Castle and go down the hall to discover a small museum filled with interesting pieces related to the history of the Smithsonian and America.
The Castle is home to various sample items from other Smithsonian Museums. Temporary exhibitions are often available in the hallways of the Castle.
Things to Do
- Take a walk in the Enid Haupt Garden located in the vicinity of the Castle.
- Pick up some of the informational leaflets at the Visitor's Center if you are planning to visit other buildings of the museum.
- Have lunch in the cafeteria of the museum, which serves a variety of sandwiches as well as other refreshments.
Smithsonian Institution Building (the Castle) Insider Tips
- Only the first floor is open to the public
- The Smithsonian Institution Building is home to the crypt of the founder of the Smithsonian Museum, James Smithson. The final resting place of the museum's benefactor is located in a chapel-like room at the north entrance.
- Getting to the Smithsonian Institution Building is easy, as the Smithsonian Metro Station is located right across the road.
