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Smithsonian Institution Building (The Castle)
History Museum
Southwest Washington, Washington
"visible landmarks in the National Mall of Washington D."(2 Tips)
"In love woth the architecture 😍 such a fabulous muisam."(7 Tips)
"Beautiful gardens to sit and read a book in the morning."(8 Tips)
"Great place to start cafe and wifi available here."(4 Tips)
79 Tips and reviewsFilter:
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Raj MukherjeeJuly 8, 2013It is a great resource to begin the various museum visits. There are multiple smithsonian museums so be sure to grab a handy map from the info center located in the smithsonian castle.
The building itself is eye-catching, and is on the mall, which is a pretty central location for the history lovers! Go inside! This museum provides a good amount of history for museum buffs!- Oscar FajardoMarch 11, 2016Great place to start cafe and wifi available here. Clean restrooms and maps of all sorts to start your adventure. There's people to help answer questions and also gift shops.
Hannah LuddyJanuary 11, 2017Ask about the free tour to get a quick overview of the history plus some stories that aren't in the displays.
CJ RSeptember 26, 2016If visiting the Smithsonian Institute is in your list, visit the Smithsonian Castle 1st Docent tours are held 2x/day @ 9a & 1:30p. The tour give you perspective into the history of the Smithsonian.
SmithsonianJune 7, 2012Our guides at the visitors desk can help you plan your visit. See a sampling of what each museum has to offer in the Commons and then take off with our mobile app as your guide (si.edu/qr)
ToryBurchJune 26, 2013The world’s largest museum, The Smithsonian consists of 19 smaller museums and galleries and the National Zoo.
Ashley CookMay 15, 2012Great place to start when visiting the smithsonian buildings. Not very crowded on the day we came. Nice place to sit and cool off. They even have a panda cam from the zoo.- Plaza ScienceMarch 19, 2014Fantastic place! You can see a photo of Yuri Gagarin's Space Suit on PlazaScience, the social network for people who likes science and photography Read more
Jonathan LSeptember 4, 2017The Smithson Crypt gives some good insight into the founding father of the Smithsonian Institute.
IWalked Audio ToursMay 27, 2013Originally to be constructed of white marble like similar DC bldgs but too costly. Founder James Smithson's tomb moved here upon being retrieved by Alexander Graham Bell in 1904.Full history via<LINK> Read more
loran jonakApril 1, 2015This is worth an hour at the beginning of your Smithsonian day. Maps for planning and they have some good items on display
The staff is exceptionally friendly. Two points of interest: the tomb of the Institution's founder, and a gallery with sample exhibits.
Markus von SteinfortMay 9, 2013Beautiful architecture and, if you're tired of Starbucks, there's a nice little cafe with a good atmosphere on the first floor...- Derrick LichtiMarch 8, 2019Free admission to see some interest artifacts and architecture! Wifi is also available if you're traveling and need a sync.
- Hilsdon Photography LLCAugust 19, 2012Beautiful gardens to sit and read a book in the morning. Nice and peaceful, with some really quiet corners.
Ross GuthrieSeptember 7, 2013Make sure to check out the manicured garden on the Constitution Ave side of the building.
Brent BeemanJuly 4, 2013The visits are never long enough, and the memories last forever! What a cool collection of history.
Lydia Soto RodriguezJuly 16, 2015Cool building! Gives you cool information about the museums and helpful tips!
BilalNovember 4, 2016If you _HAVE_ to eat at the cafe, the soup is better than the sandwiches. Otherwise avoid this place.
Jenny Barnett RohrsApril 7, 2012Make sure you take in the movie at the Orientation Theatre. Helpful & cute narration by Ben Stiller.- Fazal BahardeenFebruary 3, 2012Heyy guys! Popular as The Castle, the Smithsonian Institution Building is one of the most visible landmarks in the National Mall of Washington D.C. Read more
Ros47 DeltaAugust 15, 2014The claim to be one of the premier scientific and educational facilities on this planet is called into question by lack of ABBA exhibit. Earth will never get into Intergalactic Council this way.
HISTORYMarch 31, 2010The Smithsonian Institution was founded for the "increase and diffusion" of knowledge from a bequest to the United States by the British scientist James Smithson, who had never visited the US himself.
Manuel PadillaJuly 20, 2014I really love to know everything about history and it is the best place to do
James HilsdonAugust 19, 2012The gardens open early, so take advantage of the peace and quite before the crowds arrive :)
Calvin WebsterJanuary 30, 2010This is, obviously, a good starting point for the national mall. Friendly staff help you get your bearings, and there is free wifi to check email and stuff.
Shannon M.April 24, 2013This building has indoor seating to give your feet a break but is just an information center
- Susan MareckOctober 2, 2011Freer gallery free Asian films Friday evenings and Sunday. Afternoon, check out the schedule on line
NinaApril 30, 2012Make sure to snap a picture of the Washington, DC physical mini map. It's quite cool.
Savannah SmithNovember 14, 2015I was holding my phone and my selfie stick...(I wasn't planning to take a picture)and this man told me "you need to put that away...no selfies!" Then he wouldn't let me go into a certain part.🙄
HypercriticalJune 4, 2016The atmosphere is something to check out once. I wouldn't say it's necessary, and I wouldn't eat here. It's expensive canned processed meals.
DC Preservation LeagueMay 11, 2011"Castle" built 1847-55 (James Renwick, architect); alterations by Adolph Cluss after 1865 fire; National Historic Landmark.
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Smithsonian Institution Building (The Castle)
1000 Jefferson Dr SW (btwn 9th & 12th St SW)
Washington, D.C. 20560
United States
Washington, D.C. 20560
United States
At: National Mall
Home to the Smithsonian Information Center as well as the Institution’s administrative headquarters.
Closed until 8:30 AM tomorrow (Show more)
- Mon–Sun
- 8:30 AM–5:30 PM
(202) 633-1000
Features
Credit Cards
Yes (incl. American Express)
Wi-Fi
Free
See More
Places inside Smithsonian Institution Building (The Castle)
- 7.4
"Many of the classes offered through the Smithsonian are in classrooms here. Enter through the kiosk next to the Castle, this museum is underground, and for the most part peaceful and quiet."
Catherine - 7.4
"A neat collection of random objects. Also a fantastic place to plan your visit"
Mike Davis - 6.1
"Pretty good turkey sandwich."
David Weathersby
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