goSmithsonian - February 2008 - (Page 5) Smithsonian Institution Building, the Castle Who Was James Smithson? The founder of the Smithsonian Institution, the well-todo English scientist James Smithson (1765-1829), devoted his life to research in chemistry, mineralogy and geology. Although he never visited the United States, Smithson bequeathed his estate of $508,318, or $10 million in today’s dollars, to establish in Washington, D.C. an institution for the “increase and diffusion of knowledge. When ” he died, Smithson was buried in Genoa, Italy. But in 1903, Smithsonian regent Alexander Graham Bell had his remains brought to Washington. Today, they rest in a crypt in the Smithsonian Castle’s vestibule (located at the north entrance). The Smithsonian Castle, the Institution’s original home, is a medievalrevival-style building designed by James Renwick Jr. and completed in 1855. Its nine towers, battlements and chimneys make it an easy landmark to find on the National Mall. An elegant bronze sculpture located just outside the Castle’s north entrance depicts the Institution’s first Secretary, Joseph Henry (1797-1878), who worked and lived in the Castle with his family, overseeing a staff of 19 people. Today, the Smithsonian Institution’s 19 museums and its research facilities employ more than 6,000 people. THE BASICS HOURS: 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; closed December 25. ADDRESS: 1000 Jefferson Drive, SW WEB: www.si.edu TEL: 202.633.1000 (voice/tape); 202.633.5285 (TTY) METRO: metro ® S M I T H S O N I A N I N ST I T U T I O N B U I L D I N G , T H E C AST L E M ● ● Smithsonian Station (BLUE AND ORANGE LINES) Getting Started The Castle is home to the Smithsonian Information Center, where volunteer information specialists answer questions and help plan visits. Times and dates of all programs, events and exhibitions are subject to change, the most current information is available here at the Information Center, along with interactive touch-screen stations, free brochures in various languages and an 18-minute orientation video. At the membership desk, sign up for subscriptions to Smithsonian and Air & Space magazines, which also include valuable benefits that you can enjoy during your visit. Current members can pick up their welThe Castle building. come materials. Also, visit online at www.smithsonian.org/visit; or call Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5:15 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., (202) 633-1000 (voice/tape), (202) 633-5285 (TTY). SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION (3) In the shadow of the famous Smithsonian Castle is the Enid A. Haupt Garden, 4.2 acres of formal gardens and pleasant walkways.Tours of the garden are offered May through September (weather permitting). Castle Café and Coffee Bar Featuring coffees, sandwiches, salads and desserts, the Castle Café and Coffee Bar is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. WHAT’S GOING ON: “Classically Greek: Coins and Bank Notes From Antiquity to Today” is on view April 1 through June 1, 2008 in the Castle’s Schermer Hall. “America’s Treasure Chest:” Objects representing all of the museums are in the Castle’s Commons area (permanent). www.goSmithsonian.com 5 http://www.si.edu http://www.smithsonian.org/visit http://www.goSmithsonian.com
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