Smithsonian Institution Building

The Smithsonian Institution Building, located on the National Mall in Washington, DC and houses the administrative and service center of the Smithsonian Institution. The building was of red sand stone in the Norman style (a mixture of late Romanesque and early Gothic ), but it carries the nickname of The Castle.

History

The construction of the first building of the Smithsonian was started in 1847 under the direction of architect James Renwick Jr.. Since the construction preceded very slowly, this was released in August 1853. The construction management was transferred to Lieutenant Barton S. Alexander, a topographical engineer of the U.S. Army. Under his leadership, the building was completed in 1855.

Over the years, several modifications have taken place. The first was undertaken after the devastating fire of 24 January 1865. In the fire the greater part of the upper floor of the main building as well as the North and South Tower were destroyed. In 1884, fire protection measures were carried out in the east wing, also has been expanded, as more office space was needed. The renovation work from 1968 to 1969 the building was restored in the style Victorianisch, reminiscent of the time of Erstbezuges of the building.

The first director of the Smithsonian, Joseph Henry, and his family lived in the building that housed many years, all activities of the Smithsonian, including an exhibit hall from 1858 to the 1960s. In 1901, the first children's room of Washington was established in the south tower of the building. The room was in 1987 restored to its original state. On January 12, 1965, the Smithsonian Institution Building was a so-called National Historic Landmark. Near the north entrance is the crypt of James Smithson, the founder of the institution, and in front of the building, at the mall, honors a bronze statue by William Wetmore Story the scientist Joseph Henry. On the 150th birthday a bell was installed in 1996. A bell was in fact provided for in the original plans of Renwick, but it was not enough money available for the installation. The clock strikes every hour now.

Current use

The Smithsonian Castle serves as the " brain" of the Smithsonian. It houses the entire administration and all activities are controlled from here. The lobby also houses the Visitor Center of the Smithsonian Institution with interactive displays and maps. The main questions to be answered by computers.