Filled Lecture Hall in the Smithsonian Institution Building

Summary

Engraving of the Lecture Hall in the Upper Main Hall of the Smithsonian Institution Building, or "Castle" shows an audience listening to a lecturer with demonstration using scientific apparatus. The engraving was published in the Smithsonian Guidebook of 1857. Pew-like bench seats held over 1,500 attendees. The Hall was used from 1855-1865 until the fire of 1865 destroyed all the upper rooms of the building. The lecture room was used for scientific demonstrations, free public lectures, meetings and concerts. The design of the room afforded clear sight-lines and evidently superb acoustics. There is both a lower area and a balcony area.

Subject

• Smithsonian Institution Building Lecture Hall
• Smithsonian Institution Building (Washington, D.C.)

Category

Historic Images of the Smithsonian

Contained within

Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 95, Box 31, Folder: 40

Contact information

Institutional History Division, Smithsonian Archives, 600 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20024-2520, SIHistory@si.edu

Date

1857

Restrictions & Rights

No restrictions

Topic

• Engraving
• Lectures and lecturing
• Balconies
• Scientific apparatus and instruments
• Guide books
• Museums
• Visitor's Guide
• Museum visitors

Form/Genre

• Photographic print
• Interior
• Engraving

ID Number

SIA2011-2390 or 43804-K or MAH-43804K

Physical description

Number of Images: 1 Color: Black and White ; Size: 10w x 8h ; Type of Image: Engraving ; Medium: Photographic print

Full Record

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