Smithsonian Castle

The red sandstone Norman revival building completed in 1855 is the oldest building of the Smithsonian Institution and still its headquarters. Founded in 1846, the Smithsonian today runs 19 national museums and a zoo, holds over 154 million objects and admits everyone free of charge. The Castle served as its first museum; the neighbouring Arts and Industries Building of 1879 was the second, and the collections once shown there seeded the specialised museums along the Mall.

The tallest of the three towers is 44 m. The Enid A. Haupt Garden behind the Castle is a formal parterre garden and one of the calmer corners of the Mall. Note that the Castle has been closed for a multi-year renovation; check current status before planning an interior visit. The exterior and garden are the main draw in any case.