Begin a Smithsonian visit at the Castle to get up-to-the-minute times and dates for programs, events and exhibitions in all 17 Washington, D.C.-area Smithsonian museums, as well as the American Indian Museum's Heye Center and the Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum in New York City. Interactive touch-screen stations, free brochures in various languages and an 18-minute orientation video, plus a café and free public wireless Internet access are all available. Sign up for subscriptions to Smithsonian and Air & Space magazines at the Membership Desk and receive benefits to be enjoyed while visiting. Current members can pick up their welcome materials and sign up for a Castle tour. Visit www.smithsonian.org/visit; or call Monday to Friday from 9 to 5:15, Saturday 9 to 4, 202-633-1000 or 202-633-5285 (TTY).
The founder of the Smithsonian Institution, English scientist James Smithson (1765-1829) devoted his life to research in chemistry, mineralogy and geology. Although he never visited the United States, Smithson bequeathed his estate of $508,318, or $12 million in today's dollars, to establish in Washington, D.C. an institution for the "increase and diffusion of knowledge."
(walk-in; meet at info desk; tour of public areas)
Tours subject to docent availability:
• Most Mon. and Fri., 9:30 AM
• Most Sat., 9:30 AM and 10:30 AM
• Most Sun., 10:30 AM as announced by docent
Except
• Fri., Jan. 25, no tour
• Sat., Jan. 26, no tour
(for groups of 10 or more, by appointment only, 3-week notice required; call Mon.-Fri., 9 AM-5 PM, except federal holidays: 202-633-2987 (voice) or 202-633-5285 (TTY), or e-mail CastleTours@si.edu)
Notes:
• Behind-the-Scenes tour offered Saturdays and Sundays only.
• Not recommended for school groups.
(for National, Air and Space, Resident, and Contributing Members; by appointment only, up to 2-week notice required; space may be available on a walk-in basis the day of the tour)
• In person: at the Associates' Desk in the Castle
• By phone: call Mon.-Fri., 9 AM-5 PM, except federal holidays: 202-633-2987 (voice) or 202-633-5285 (TTY)
• By e-mail: CastleTours@si.edu; please provide tour date, name, home address, local telephone number (residence or hotel), number in group (up to 5)
Note: Phone and e-mail reservations must be made by 12 Noon on the Friday before the tour.
• Tours offered every Sun., 9:45 AM
(by appointment only, 3-week notice required; call Mon.-Fri., 9 AM-5 PM, except federal holidays: 202-633-2987 (voice) or 202-633-5285 (TTY), or e-mail CastleTours@si.edu)
Featured by Horticulture Services Division
(walk-in; meet outside near the Castle doors, south entrance)
Tours offered May 7 - September 24, 2008:
• Every Wed., 1 PM, weather permitting
Except
• Federal holidays, no tour
Featured by Horticulture Services Division
(walk-in; meet outside at fountain in garden)
Tours offered June 6 - September 26, 2008:
• Every Fri., 1 PM, weather permitting
Except
• Federal holidays, no tour
Castle Café and Coffee Bar
Featuring an Espresso/Cappuccino bar, Argentinean Gelato, Panini, Antipasti, Organic salads, Specialty Sandwiches, Soups and Pastries. Discount for Smithsonian Members
Hours: 8:30a.m.-5:00p.m.
