The founder of the Smithsonian Institution, the well-to-do 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 $10 million in today's dollars, to establish in Washington, D.C. an institution for the "increase and diffusion of knowledge." When he died, Smithson was buried in Genoa, Italy. But in 1903, Smithsonian regent Alexander Graham Bell had his remains brought to Washington. Today, they rest in a crypt in the Smithsonian Castle's vestibule (located at the north entrance).
The Smithsonian Castle, the Institution's original home, is a medieval-revival- style building designed by James Renwick Jr. and completed in 1855. Its nine towers, battlements and chimneys make it an easy landmark to find on the National Mall. An elegant bronze sculpture located just outside the Castle's north entrance depicts the Institution's first Secretary, Joseph Henry (1797-1878), who worked and lived in the Castle with his family, overseeing a staff of 19 people. Today, the Smithsonian Institution's 19 museums and its research facilities employ more than 6,000 people.
The Castle is home to the Smithsonian Information Center, where volunteer information specialists answer questions and help plan visits. Times and dates of all programs, events and exhibitions are subject to change, the most current information is available here at the Information Center, along with interactive touch-screen stations, free brochures in various languages and an 18-minute orientation video. At the membership desk, sign up for subscriptions to Smithsonian and Air & Space magazines, which also include valuable benefits that you can enjoy during your visit. Current members can pick up their welcome materials. Also, visit online at www.smithsonian.org/visit; or call Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5:15 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., (202) 633-1000 (voice/tape), (202) 633-5285 (TTY).
(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)
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.
