Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
The Smithsonian Institution Building, known as the Castle, is the institution’s first home and its symbolic heart. Built in 1855, this National Historic Landmark originally housed all the institution’s operations. Every idea for the growth of the Smithsonian began or was first exhibited at the Castle.
Last comprehensively renovated in 1968, the Castle was closed in 2025 for an extensive, multiyear interior and exterior restoration, but has reopened temporarily from May 22 to September 7 to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, including a special exhibition entitled American Aspirations (June 2–July 26) that brings together some of the Smithsonian’s most treasured objects.
Join Smithsonian staff Carly Bond, associate director of architectural history and historic preservation, and Jamil Burnett, supervisory senior construction manager, to learn about the Castle’s current restoration project and the many stories this iconic historic building tells.
ASL interpretation and live captioning will be available both in person and on the livestream video.
The Smithsonian Institution Building, known as the Castle, is the institution’s first home and its symbolic heart. Built in 1855, this National Historic Landmark originally housed all the institution’s operations. Every idea for the growth of the Smithsonian began or was first exhibited at the Castle.
Last comprehensively renovated in 1968, the Castle was closed in 2025 for an extensive, multiyear interior and exterior restoration, but has reopened temporarily from May 22 to September 7 to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, including a special exhibition entitled American Aspirations (June 2–July 26) that brings together some of the Smithsonian’s most treasured objects.
Join Smithsonian staff Carly Bond, associate director of architectural history and historic preservation, and Jamil Burnett, supervisory senior construction manager, to learn about the Castle’s current restoration project and the many stories this iconic historic building tells.
ASL interpretation and live captioning will be available both in person and on the livestream video.
