SeeNational Mall

Smithsonian Castle

This distinctive brick-red structure was the original Smithsonian museum. The building now presents an overview of the Smithsonian system as well as occasional exhibitions. Just south of the castle, the beautiful Haupt Garden features an ornate parterre as well as some quieter enclaves; it is a great place to stop to rest or eat.

Hours: 8:30AM-5:30PM daily
Website: si.edu (opens in a new tab)

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Listing from Wikivoyage: Washington, D.C./National Mall, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Updated 28 Sept 2026. Something wrong? Tell us.

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DrinkCafé
Castle Café
1000 Jefferson Dr SW
SeePublic art
Joseph Henry
Professor Joseph Henry, also known as the Joseph Henry Memorial, is an outdoor bronze sculpture depicting scientist Joseph Henry, the first president of the Smithsonian Institution. The statue stands in front of the Smithsonian Institution Building in Washington, D.C., facing the National Mall. It was sculpted by artist William Wetmore Story, and dedicated in 1883, a few years after Henry's death.
DoPark
Enid A. Haupt Garden
The Enid A. Haupt Garden is a 4.2 acre public garden in the Smithsonian complex, adjacent to the Smithsonian Institution Building (the "Castle") on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. It was designed to be a modern representation of American Victorian gardens as they appeared in the mid to late 19th century. It replaced an existing Victorian Garden which had been built to celebrate the nation's Bicentennial in 1976.
SeeGarden
Parterre
1050 Independence Ave SW