Visiting Smithsonian Castle in DC: Everything You Need to Know

The Smithsonian Castle is a beautiful neo-Gothic building towering over the National Mall in Washington DC. “The Castle” is actually the Smithsonian Visitor Center, and you should check it out before going to the other Smithsonian museums around the city. Here’s everything you need to know bout visiting the Smithsonian Castle.

As soon as I learned there was a “castle” in Washington DC, I was all over it! And it’s free to visit, which makes it even better!

A visit to the Smithsonian Castle is a must before visiting the other Smithsonian museums in DC. In this guide, I’ll tell you everything you need to now about visiting this unique museum, including how to get a tour, what to see while you’re there, and where to stay nearby.

Smithsonian Castle Overview

The Smithsonian Castle, sometimes called just The Castle, is officially called the Smithsonian Institution Building. It’s the Smithsonian’s first and oldest building as it was built to be the institution’s administrative building.

Today, the Castle serves as the Smithsonian’s visitor center for all of their museums. It’s a great starting point before you visit the other Smithsonian museums as the Castle has information about what’s going on at each museum for that day, in-house experts who can help guide you on your visit, and a collection of treasures from each museum.

History of the Smithsonian Castle

James Renwick, Jr. designed the Castle as part of a design competition in 1846. The Castle was built in 1855 as the institution’s administrative building and visitor center in Washington DC

Just 10 years after it was built, the Castle caught fire and lost many important artifacts: the correspondence of James Smithson, the namesake of the Smithsonian; 200 oil paintings of Native Americans by painter John Mix Stanley; and so many more priceless treasures were lost to the fire. The building was then further fireproofed and expanded over the years.

The Gothic Revival and Romanesque building strikes a commanding pose on the south side of the National Mall. It has nine towers in all, though only four have occupiable space; others are simple decoration or house stairs.

Touring the Smithsonian Castle: What to See

You don’t have to visit the Castle before going to the Smithsonian museums, but it’s a great starting point if you need any help planning your visit to DC as it is technically the visitor center for all the Smithsonian museums.

You can see what’s going on at the museums for that day and get help from an in-house expert on what to see and do on your visit.

In their America’s Treasure Chest display, you can find items from each of the Smithsonian museums on display, so you can get a taste for what’s on at each of the museums. This is also nice if you have to miss a museum, you can still see a little of its artifacts.

And a crypt inside the north entrance holds the tomb of James Smithson, the namesake of the Smithsonian.

You can also learn more about the Castle and DC through interactive exhibits and maps on display throughout the museum.

There is a free docent-led tour of the castle where you can learn more about the building’s architecture and history. This tour is offered twice a day and is a great way to see the castle and to learn even more about it.

Visiting the Smithsonian Castle

Admission: The Smithsonian Castle is free to visit.

Hours: Note: The Castle is currently closed for renovations. The Castle is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The castle’s free docent-led tours of the building take place at 9 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

Address: 1000 Jefferson Dr SW, Washington, DC 20560

Hotels Near the Smithsonian Castle

Find a place to stay near the Tower of London. Here are the closest hotels to this impressive museum:

• Hilton Washington DC National Mall The Wharf
• Holiday Inn Washington Capitol-National Mall
• Waldorf Astoria Washington DC
• citizenM Washington DC Capitol Hotel
• Hyatt Place Washington DC/National Mall

Smithsonian Castle FAQ

Castle Count: 30

So why does this castle count? These American castles would never count if I weren’t playing it fast and loose with my “castle” designation. I like the idea of this castle being in the capital — the nation’s most important city should definitely have a castle in it! Plus, I’ve always been a sucker for Gothic castles.

More Washington DC Resources

• 29 Best Things to Do in Washington DC
• 14 Best Restaurants in Washington DC
• Where to See Cherry Blossoms in Washington DC
• Best Rooftop Bars at The Wharf in Washington DC
• Where to Eat in Chinatown, Washington DC
• One Day in Alexandria, Virginia: Day Trip from Washington DC
• One Day in Baltimore, Maryland: Day Trip from Washington DC

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Ready to visit the Smithsonian Castle in Washington DC? Plan your trip with these tips.

• Book your flight: Find the cheapest flights using Skyscanner, my favorite flight search engine.
• Find accommodation: You can find top hotels in Washington DC using Hotels.com.
• Get packing: Make sure you’ve packed everything you need with my packing list resources.

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Cheers!

Paige

Have you visited the Smithsonian Institution Building, aka the Smithsonian Castle? Let me know in the comments!