By Sadia Rahim
Rutgers University Extern

The Smithsonian Institution Building, familiarly known as the Smithsonian Castle, is one of the most iconic landmarks in Washington, D.C. This stunning architectural marvel was completed in 1855 and was designed by James Renwick Jr., the architect behind St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City. It is constructed from red sandstone extracted from Poolesville, Maryland. The Norman style Castle became a symbol of the Smithsonian Institution and remains one of the most recognizable buildings on the National Mall.

The Castle was the first home of the Smithsonian Institution, which was established in 1846 thanks to a generous donation from James Smithson, a British scientist who never visited the United States. His vision was to create an institution that would “increase and diffuse knowledge among men.”

When first constructed, the Castle stood on a plot of land separated from downtown Washington, D.C., by a canal. Over time, it became the anchor of the National Mall as museums and government buildings were constructed around it, transforming the area into the cultural hub it is today. The building’s history is rich with significant events. In 1865, a devastating fire destroyed its upper story and several towers. There was a significant reconstruction effort after the fire, including fireproofing and expansion in the late 19th century and restorations in the mid-20th century, which preserved the Castle’s Victorian-era interior character.

The Castle housed all aspects of Smithsonian operations until 1881, including offices, research facilities, lecture halls, exhibit spaces, and living quarters for the first Smithsonian Secretary, Joseph Henry, and his family. As the institution expanded, many of these functions moved to other nearby buildings, such as the neighboring Arts and Industries Building, which opened in 1881 to display museum collections, and the National Zoological Park, which began in the Castle’s South Yard.

Today, the Castle remains a vital part of the Smithsonian Institution’s story. Inside the building near its north entrance is the crypt of James Smithson. A bronze statue of Joseph Henry is nearby, across Jefferson Drive on the National Mall. These features, along with the Castle’s enduring architecture, make it a symbol of knowledge and discovery that continues to inspire visitors. It stands as a reminder of the Smithsonian’s origins and its ongoing commitment to innovation, exploration, and education.

Last comprehensively renovated in 1968, the Castle closed in February 2023 to undergo a full rehabilitation of the exterior and interior, and replacement of building infrastructure. The ACHP played a key role in Section 106 consultation for this project and participated in the project’s Programmatic Agreement. The ACHP’s work includes advising the Smithsonian Institution during the Section 106 consultation process to develop good design outcomes to avoid changes that would detract from its historical character. During the renovation, all elements of the building will undergo extensive repairs and upgrades to ensure the longevity of this iconic structure.

ATTACHMENTS