SMITHSONIAN CASTLE
Washington DC, USA
At the heart of the Smithsonian Institute which holds no less than 16 Museums and a Zoo (not to mention galleries, studios and theatres), stands the castle which today is home to the Smithsonian Information Center.
The castle was completed in 1855 to designs by James Renwick Jr. (who also designed St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York). Renwick’s design was far more elaborate than what stands today but less than ten years after it’s completion, on January 24 1865, a fire destroyed the upper storey of the main section and the north and south towers. In 1884 the east wing was enlarged and further remodelling in the 1960s has “restored the building to the Victorian atmosphere”, although in reality this has just meant more changes to the original structure, particularly internally.
The castle was initially the home for the first Secretary of the Smithsonian Institute, Joseph Henry and between 1858 and 1901 was the sole building that housed the Smithsonian collection. Close to the entrance is the crypt housing the tomb of James Smithson who was the earliest benefactor of the institute and gave the complex his name.
Throughout the 20th Century the Smithsonian has increased in size and today it is one of the greatest series of museums in the world and the heart of Washington D.C. Guided tours can be taken of the castle buildings. It is certainly worth checking out the Smithsonian website to see what else is available as there is far too much to document in Castle of the Week!
© Text copyright - Raving Loony
Productions and Andrew J. Müller
© Photos and Artwork - Andrew J. Müller & Jacqui Harris
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2019
