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Smithsonian Castle

National Mall, Washington DC

Smithsonian Castle, Washington DC

Museums & Galleries
National Mall, Smithsonian Institution, Washington DC

The Smithsonian Castle looks like it should housing exotic treasures. But it doesn’t really–at least, not many and not any more. The Smithsonian now sprawls across 19 different facilities, but this is the original building. And as you enter through the Mall entrance, you’ll pass the crypt of James Smithson, the institution’s founder, on your left.

There are some items on display there, especially in the West Wing, but for the most part the building serves as the administrative headquarters of the Smithsonian Institution.

It was completed in 1855 and designed by James Renwick Jr in a Gothic Revival style replete with the distinctive castle turrets. And research in recent years has revealed that its distinctive red bricks were quarried by slaves.

Photos of the Smithsonian Castle

071218_8762 .Smithsonian Castle183-15521997 Smithsonian Castle James Smithson Crypt.071218_8760 John Smithson Statue and Smithsonian Castle.183-15452681 Smithsonian Castle Main Hall.183-15501096 Smithsonian Castle Peacock Display.183-15493692 Smithsonian Castle Exhibits in West Wing.071218_8756 Smithsonian Castle Towers.183-15465284 Smithsonian Castle West Range Exhibit.183-15461282 Smithsonian Castle Schermer Hall and Commons Corridor.183-15483589 Smithsonian Castle West Wing Exhibit Hall.Smithsonian Castle, Washington DC

How to Get to the Smithsonian Castle

The Smithsonian Castle sits directly on the southern side of the National Mall, in the heart of the cluster of other Smithsonian museums. The closest metro stop is Smithsonian (Orange and Blue lines); L’Enfant Place (Orange, Blue, Yellow, and Green lines) is only a couple of blocks away. Depending on the day of the week and time of day, there’s some on-street parking, but it’s best not to count on it.

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Taking Photos at the Smithsonian Castle

There’s no problem using tripods or flash from the outside of the building. For a different angle, and some spectacular gardens, head around the back of the building to the Enid A. Haupt Gardens. A personal favorite is early spring when the magnificent saucer magnolias are in bloom. The gardens are closed at night, but the are on the National Mall in front of the building is always accessible.

Tripods aren’t allowed inside the building for the usual safety reasons, but flash is mostly allowed.

Commercial shoots and filming may require a permit.

Nearby & Related:

  • Saucer Magnolias in bloom at the Enid A. Haupt Garden
    How-to Guide | Saucer Magnolias at the Smithsonian Castle
  • Apollo Theater Exhibit
    Smithsonian National Museum of American History
  • US Capitol Police Photography Permit
    Photography & Filming Permits & Permissions
  • Seal lions at the National Zoo
    Smithsonian National Zoological Park (National Zoo)
  • Smithsonian Natural History Museum in Washington DC
    Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
  • Photo of Smithsonian American Art and Portraiture Museum Interior Courtyard
    Smithsonian American Art Museum & National Portrait Gallery

Washington DC Visitor Guides

If you're coming in from out of town, here are some of the most popular guidebooks that can help you make the most of your visit.

Lonely Planet Washington, DC (City Guide)
Lonely Planet Washington, DC (City Guide)
  • Lonely Planet (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
Check Price on Amazon
Fodor's Washington, D.C.: with Mount Vernon, Alexandria & Annapolis...
Fodor's Washington, D.C.: with Mount Vernon, Alexandria & Annapolis...
  • Fodor's Travel Guides (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
Check Price on Amazon
Frommer's EasyGuide to Washington, D.C. 2020
Frommer's EasyGuide to Washington, D.C. 2020
  • Pratt, Meredith (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
Check Price on Amazon
A History Lover's Guide to Washington, D.C.: Designed for Democracy...
A History Lover's Guide to Washington, D.C.: Designed for Democracy...
  • Fortier, Alison (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
Check Price on Amazon

And here are some interesting options for less traditional guidesbooks if you'd like an emphasis on exploring DC on foot or diving into some of the region's rich history.

National Geographic Walking Washington, D.C. (National Geographic Walking...
National Geographic Walking Washington, D.C. (National Geographic Walking...
  • NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC
  • Kennedy, Barbara Noe (Author)
Check Price on Amazon
A History Lover's Guide to Washington, D.C.: Designed for Democracy...
A History Lover's Guide to Washington, D.C.: Designed for Democracy...
  • Fortier, Alison (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
Check Price on Amazon

David Coleman Photography

I’m a professional travel & location photographer based in Washington DC and traveling all over. Seven continents. Dozens of countries. Up mountains. Under water. And a bunch of places in between. You can find my main site at havecamerawilltravel.com. Or check out what’s in my go-to travel photography kit.


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      # Museums & Galleries
      # National Mall
      # Smithsonian Institution
      # Washington DC



About David Coleman

I take photos. I travel. I write. I do it for a living.

I’m based in Washington, DC.

You can find more of my work at havecamerawilltravel.com.

And if you’re visiting DC in the spring, be sure to check out my DC Cherry Blossom Watch site.

David Coleman Photography

I’m a professional travel & location photographer based in Washington DC and traveling all over. Seven continents. Dozens of countries. Up mountains. Under water. And a bunch of places in between. You can find my main site at havecamerawilltravel.com. Or check out what’s in my go-to travel photography kit. Or get in touch here.

Licensing Images

Looking for travel stock photos or prints? I might be able to help. You can search my collection here:

If you already have a buyer account with Alamy and would prefer to use that, you can search my images directly here.

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