The Smithsonian Institution’s first building, the Castle, was designed by architect James Renwick. 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. Today, the Castle houses administrative offices and the Smithsonian Information Center.
Strolling in Front of Castle, c. 1849
Castle Seen from Downtown, 1855
Visitors to Castle Exhibits, 1867
North Façade of Castle, c. 1858
Secretary Henry’s Apartment, 1862
Fire in Castle, 1865
Prehistoric Archeology Exhibit in Upper Main Hall, c. 1879
International Exchange Service, early 1900s
Castle after Snowfall, 1903
Researchers Studying Collections, 1903
Star Spangled Banner outside Castle, 1907
Women Repairing Star Spangled Banner, 1914
Castle and Mall from National Museum, 1928
Workmen Repair Tower, c. 1930s
Division of Radiation and Organisms Laboratory in Castle Basement, c. 1930
Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars Library, 1972
Owls, Increase and Diffusion in Castle Tower, 1977
Refitting Tower Clock, 1991
Castle and Quadrangle, 1987
150th Anniversary Fireworks from Castle, 1996