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. Interactive touch-screen stations, free brochures in various languages and a ten-minute orientation video, plus a cafe and free 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 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 $12 million in today's dollars, to establish in Washington, D.C. an institution for the "increase and diffusion of knowledge." In 1903, 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
"World View: Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest" (closes Jan. 17, 2010)

Upcoming Museum Events

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