goSmithsonian - February 2009 - (Page 5) S M I T H S O N I A N I N S T I T U T I O N B U I L D I N G —T H E C A S T L E Smithsonian Institution Building—The Castle SMITHSONIAN INFORMATION CENTER Begin a Smithsonian visit at the Castle to get up-to-the-minute times and dates for events and exhibitions in all 17 Washington, D.C.-area Smithsonian museums, as well as the American Indian Museum’s Heye Center and the Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum in New York City. Interactive touchscreen stations, free brochures in various languages and a 10minute orientation video, plus a café and free public wireless Internet access are all available. Sign up for subscriptions to Smithsonian and Air & Space magazines at the Membership Desk and receive benefits to be enjoyed while visiting. Current members can pick up their welcome materials and sign up for a Castle tour. Visit smithsonian.org/visit; or call Monday to Friday from 9 to 5:15, Saturday 9 to 4, 202-633-1000 or 202-633-5285 (TTY). THE BASICS HOURS: 8:30 to 5:30; closed December 25. ADDRESS: 1000 Jefferson Drive, SW PHONE: 202.633.1000 (voice/tape) 202.633.5285 (TTY) WEB: smithsonian.org goSmithsonian.com METRO: M metro ® ● ● Smithsonian Station (BLUE AND ORANGE LINES) WHO WAS JAMES SMITHSON? The founder of the Smithsonian Institution, 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 $12 million in today’s dollars, to establish in Washington, D.C. an institution for the “increase and diffusion of knowledge.” CASTLE EXHIBITIONS “The Smithsonian Institution: America’s Treasure Chest” permanent, Commons area. THE S. DILLON RIPLEY INTERNATIONAL GALLERY Enter at the copper dome on Jefferson Drive next to the Castle. Exhibitions on view: “Road to Freedom: Photographs of the Civil Rights Movement, 1956-1968” and “After 1968: Contemporary Artists and the Civil Rights Legacy,” through March 9. “Staff Photo Contest Winners: 2008” opens March 4. “Jamestown, Quebec, Santa Fe: Three North American Beginnings” opens May 18. The Discovery Theater offers the best in live performing arts for young people. Each season more than 30 performances feature puppets, music, theater, storytelling, dance and cutting-edge science for groups and families. Visit DiscoveryTheater.org or call 202-633-8700. Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES) showcases 40 to 50 exhibitions in cities across the nation every year. Look for a SITES event at a museum or public center near you at sites.si.edu. goSmithsonian.com The Castle, the Smithsonian’s original home, is a Medieval Revival building designed by James Renwick Jr. and completed in 1855. Its nine towers, battlements and chimneys make it an easy landmark to spot on the National Mall. Castle Café and Coffee Bar Featuring coffees, sandwiches, salads and desserts, the Castle Café and Coffee Bar is open daily from 8:30 to 5. SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION; JEFF TINSLEY 5 http://www.smithsonian.org http://www.goSmithsonian.com http://www.smithsonian.org/visit http://www.DiscoveryTheater.org http://sites.si.edu http://www.goSmithsonian.com
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