Smithsonian Information Center

Begin a Smithsonian visit at the Castle to get up-to-the-minute times and dates for 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. Ben Stiller is your host in a ten-minute film tour of the museums. Friendly information specialists, free brochures in various languages, a museum store, plus a cafe and free wireless Internet access are 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 smithsonian.org/visit or call Monday through Friday from 9 to 5:15, Saturday 9 to 4, 202-633-1000 or 202-633-5285 (TTY).

Who Was James Smithson?

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 about $15 million in today’s dollars, to establish in Washington, D.C. an institution for the “increase and diffusion of knowledge.” In 1904, Smithsonian regent Alexander Graham Bell had Smithson’s remains brought from Genoa, Italy, where he was buried, to Washington, and interred them in a crypt in the Smithsonian Castle’s north entrance vestibule.

Castle Exhibitions

“The Smithsonian Institution: America’s Treasure Chest” Commons area

“Read My Pins: The Madeleine Albright Collection” (June 18-Oct. 11) Schermer Hall

“Editors’ Picks: The Best of Smithsonian Magazine’s 7th Annual Photo Contest” (July 1-Feb. 28, 2011) Great Hall.