Children's Room, Smithsonian Institution Building, or Castle

ID: SIA RU000095 [SIA_000095_B41_F08_004]

Creator: United States National Museum Photographic Laboratory

Form/Genre: Black-and-white photographs

Date: 1901

Citation: Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 95, Box 41, Folder 08, Image No. SIA_000095_B41_F08_004

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Summary

Interior view, Children's Room in the South Tower of the Smithsonian Institution Building, or Castle, with kaleidoscope designed by Secretary Langley which had live fish swimming in the triangular tank at the end in view at right.

Subject

  • Temple, Grace Lincoln
  • Smithsonian Institution Building (Washington, D.C.)

Notes

  • USNM No. 13383
  • SPS Copy No. 85-7818
  • The natural history displays were conceived by Secretary Samuel P. Langley (1887-1906) and were intended to inspire children to study the natural world. Cases were specifically designed to suit a child's height and all Latin labels were replaced with poetic inscriptions. To enhance children's interest in natural history, Langley had live birds and fish placed in the room. Grace Lincoln Temple designed the decorative scheme of the room, which featured a stenciled Celtic wall frieze of stylized birds and an elaborate painted ceiling of a leaf-covered trellis with birds peering down.

Cite as

Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 95, Box 41, Folder 08, Image No. SIA_000095_B41_F08_004

Repository Loc.

Smithsonian Institution Archives Capital Gallery, Suite 3000, MRC 507; 600 Maryland Avenue, SW; Washington, DC 20024-2520

Date

1901

Restrictions & Rights

  • No access restrictions. Many of SIA's holdings are located off-site, and advance notice is recommended to consult a collection. Please email the SIA Reference Team at osiaref@si.edu
  • No Copyright - United States

Topic

  • Natural History
  • Exhibitions
  • Museums
  • Natural history
  • Museum exhibits

Form/Genre

Black-and-white photographs

Local number

SIA RU000095 [SIA_000095_B41_F08_004]

Full Record

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