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Smithsonian Castle
4.5 ★★★★★ 997 Google reviews · Castle wedding venue in Washington, District of Columbia
Plan your visit
- Today see hours ·
- Phone (202) 633-1000
- Website si.edu — most castles book tours right on their site
Hours
| Monday | 8:30 AM–5:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 8:30 AM–5:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 8:30 AM–5:30 PM |
| Thursday | 8:30 AM–5:30 PM |
| Friday | 8:30 AM–5:30 PM |
| Saturday | 8:30 AM–5:30 PM |
| Sunday | 8:30 AM–5:30 PM |
The setting
“It’s called the Smithsonian Castle for a reason—it looks like something straight out of a medieval storybook dropped right into the middle of DC.”
“It’s a real shame that I wasn’t able to explore the inside this time around, but even from the outside, the building exudes historical charm and architectural splendor.”
“The dark red sandstone (called Seneca Red) is a total contrast to all the white marble buildings nearby.”
“It’s called the Smithsonian Castle for a reason—it looks like something straight out of a medieval storybook dropped right into the middle of DC.”
Inside the castle
“Even from the outside, the architecture is super gnarly with all the different towers and turrets.”
“, who blended Romanesque and Gothic Revival elements to create a structure unlike anything else in Washington.”
“A small chapel like room and there is a historic carousel at the north entrance.”
What couples say again and again
“Its distinctive Seneca sandstone gives it that deep, rich color that looks especially beautiful in the morning light.”
“Visitor center…Amazing architecture, looks totally diff in zones of same boring buildings This castle is basically a welcome visitor center.”
“Haupt Garden right behind it—it’s a great place to escape the noise of the Mall and just vibe with the plants and the view of the castle’s back towers.”
From the reviews
The Smithsonian Castle is a quaint building that offers an extensive history of the museum series and institution. Here, one can explore the beautiful outdoor gardens, appreciate the classic stone architecture, and develop a master understanding of the world's anthropological, archeological, and historical collections.
Visitor center…Amazing architecture, looks totally diff in zones of same boring buildings This castle is basically a welcome visitor center. Almost all the museums are free in DC and when I tried to find out why I got to know, it was James Smithson who was a British scientist who left his estate to the United States…
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Even with the main building currently closed for renovation, the Smithsonian Castle grounds are a must-visit in DC! We spent a wonderful afternoon exploring the Enid A. Haupt Garden and the surrounding architecture.
Smithsonian Castle with There is also a beautiful garden. . It is built of red sandstone and looks like a Medieval Revival style building. A small chapel like room and there is a historic carousel at the north entrance. Great Place to spend few hours for relaxing views in the heart of DC! Stunning architecture.
