The Castle
Constructed between 1847 and 1855 and designed by James Renwick, Jr., the Castle is the museum system’s oldest building. Serving as the public’s doorway to and the symbol of the Smithsonian Institution, the Castle is home to administrative offices and a visitor information center. The modernization work will preserve the building’s picturesque exterior silhouette while restoring the principal interior spaces to their early 20th-century splendor and architectural significance. The team will also completely replace the building systems, upgrade windows, and provide structural reinforcement to protect against seismic events.
New Central Utility Plant
The project also includes a large below-grade addition to provide space for a new central utility plant that will supply the Castle and AIB and allow for future connection to other Smithsonian museums on South Campus. The addition will expand the existing loading facilities and include new spaces for critical support areas to serve the Castle and AIB. Infrastructure for storage, maintenance, and modern mechanical equipment will be located in the below-ground space so visitors can enjoy these historic buildings as they were intended.
