Smithsonian Castle

The Smithsonian Institution Building - The Castle.

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, DC an institution for the "increase and diffusion of knowledge.


The Castle, the Smithsonian'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. It was the original museum until the building became too small and today the Smithsonian Museum is a collection of nineteen facilities around the city.