Smithsonian Institution Building (The Castle)

It is a great resource to begin the various museum visits. There are multiple smithsonian museums so be sure to grab a handy map from the info center located in the smithsonian castle .

The building itself is eye-catching, and is on the mall , which is a pretty central location for the history lovers! Go inside! This museum provides a good amount of history for museum buffs!

Great place to start cafe and wifi available here. Clean restrooms and maps of all sorts to start your adventure. There's people to help answer questions and also gift shops .

If visiting the Smithsonian Institute is in your list, visit the Smithsonian Castle 1st Docent tours are held 2x/day @ 9a & 1:30p. The tour give you perspective into the history of the Smithsonian.

Our guides at the visitors desk can help you plan your visit. See a sampling of what each museum has to offer in the Commons and then take off with our mobile app as your guide (si.edu/qr)

Ask about the free tour to get a quick overview of the history plus some stories that aren't in the displays.

Originally to be constructed of white marble like similar DC bldgs but too costly. Founder James Smithson 's tomb moved here upon being retrieved by Alexander Graham Bell in 1904.Full history via<LINK> Read more

The Smithson Crypt gives some good insight into the founding father of the Smithsonian Institute.

Great place to start when visiting the smithsonian buildings. Not very crowded on the day we came. Nice place to sit and cool off. They even have a panda cam from the zoo .

The world’s largest museum , The Smithsonian consists of 19 smaller museums and galleries and the National Zoo .

Fantastic place! You can see a photo of Yuri Gagarin's Space Suit on PlazaScience, the social network for people who likes science and photography Read more

The staff is exceptionally friendly . Two points of interest: the tomb of the Institution's founder, and a gallery with sample exhibits .

Beautiful architecture and, if you're tired of Starbucks, there's a nice little cafe with a good atmosphere on the first floor...

Free admission to see some interest artifacts and architecture ! Wifi is also available if you're traveling and need a sync.

This is worth an hour at the beginning of your Smithsonian day. Maps for planning and they have some good items on display

The Smithsonian Institution was founded for the "increase and diffusion" of knowledge from a bequest to the United States by the British scientist James Smithson , who had never visited the US himself.

Heyy guys! Popular as The Castle , the Smithsonian Institution Building is one of the most visible landmarks in the National Mall of Washington D.C. Read more

Beautiful gardens to sit and read a book in the morning. Nice and peaceful , with some really quiet corners.

Good snacks for a stop while touring DC.

Great spot to be in DC. Enjoyed every branch.

Cool building! Gives you cool information about the museums and helpful tips!

Fun to go inside - a good preview of the rest of the museums .

The claim to be one of the premier scientific and educational facilities on this planet is called into question by lack of ABBA exhibit . Earth will never get into Intergalactic Council this way.

The visits are never long enough, and the memories last forever! What a cool collection of history.

Must go: Hope Diamond, Level 2. Beautiful diamonds there.

I really love to know everything about history and it is the best place to do

Make sure to check out the manicured garden on the Constitution Ave side of the building.

The gardens open early, so take advantage of the peace and quite before the crowds arrive :)

Make sure you take in the movie at the Orientation Theatre . Helpful & cute narration by Ben Stiller.

I enjoyed the maps and computer-driven displays

In love woth the architecture 😍 such a fabulous muisam.

Lots of cool stuff to see and learn. Its probably a whole day event .

If you _HAVE_ to eat at the cafe , the soup is better than the sandwiches . Otherwise avoid this place.

This is, obviously, a good starting point for the national mall . Friendly staff help you get your bearings , and there is free wifi to check email and stuff.

Love the gardens

Make sure to snap a picture of the Washington, DC physical mini map. It's quite cool.

The gardens on the back are perfect for pictures!

Great diorama of the whole museum ...

"Castle " built 1847-55 (James Renwick, architect); alterations by Adolph Cluss after 1865 fire; National Historic Landmark .

Freer gallery free Asian films Friday evenings and Sunday. Afternoon, check out the schedule on line

Institute environment is great

This building has indoor seating to give your feet a break but is just an information center

The atmosphere is something to check out once. I wouldn't say it's necessary, and I wouldn't eat here. It's expensive canned processed meals.

Very nice!

Great meet up place for groups. Free street parking for up to 3 hrs.

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Beautiful gardens ! Loved it

A wonderful piece of history!

Great souvenir exhibits !

Easy access to clean bathrooms .