Work Begins on the Smithsonian "Castle"
Title
Work Begins on the Smithsonian "Castle"
Description
James Renwick, Jr began work on the original Smithsonian Institution building in 1847. Renwick's design was inspired by western European structures originally built in the 1100s, making this Gothic Revival building look like a castle. When construction began, the Mall was quiet and the Smithsonian building was isolated from the city Washington. When it opened in 1855, the Castle housed the first museum on the Mall.
Source
Smithsonian Institution Archives. View original.
Date
1847
Coverage
Event Type
Event Sort Date
18470000
Description
James Renwick, Jr began work on the original Smithsonian Institution building in 1847. Renwick's design was inspired by western European structures originally built in the 1100s, making this Gothic Revival building look like a castle. When construction began, the Mall was quiet and the Smithsonian building was isolated from the city Washington. When it opened in 1855, the Castle housed the first museum on the Mall.Date
1847Coverage
1830-1859Source
Smithsonian Institution Archives. View original.