The Smithsonian
Institute Buildings
Air
& Space Museum
The
Air & Space Museum is one of the essential stops on a visit to
Washington D.C. It is the most visited museum in the world for good
reason, as exhibits like the Wright Brothers’ plane, the Apollo 11
command module and IMAX movies never fail to captivate young and old
alike.
Arts
& Industry Building
Site
of James Garfield’s inaugural Ball, the Arts and Industries Building
houses changing exhibits from other Smithsonian Museums as well as its
own
collection of Victorian era machinery.
The
Freer Gallery of Art
The
Freer Gallery of Art is a member of the Smithsonian Family of Museums
and Galleries. It contains over 26,000 works of art from Japan, China
and the Far East.
The
Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Gallery
The
Hirshhorn Museum houses the Smithsonian’s collection of modern and
contemporary art. The drum-shaped building is located next to the Air
and Space Museum and has a fascinating sculpture garden across the
street.
National
Postal Museum
A new
member to the Smithsonian Family of Museums and Galleries, the National
Postal Museum chronicles the history of the U.S. mail. Complete with
interactive displays, models and over 55,000 stamps the National Postal
Museum has activities for visitors of all ages.
National
Museum of Natural History
The
National Museum of Natural History chronicles the development of man,
animals and nature from prehistoric times to the present. Exhibits
include fossils, a living coral reef and of course the Hope diamond.
Kids will love the writhing O. Orkin Insect Zoo.
National
Museum of American History
The
National Museum of American History helps the Smithsonian earn the
nickname of "the nation’s attic". One can view the mementos
of a nation ranging from the flag that inspired " The Star
Spangled Banner" to Fonzie’s leather jacket.
National
Gallery Of Art
The
National Gallery of Art is a world-renowned collection of American and
European paintings, sculptures and graphic arts. Separated by 4th street
on the National Mall, the National Gallery is divided into the West
Building and the East Building designed by I.M. Pei.
National
Museum of African Art
The National Museum of African Art is a Smithsonian museum dedicated to
the art of sub-Saharan Africa. Located next to the Castle on the
National Mall, the National Museum of African Art has over 7,000
artifacts in its collection.
National
Portrait Gallery
The
National Portrait Gallery is currently closed for renovations.
Smithsonian
Institution Building
The
Smithsonian Institution Building, better known as the Castle, is a
Norman-style red sandstone building on the National Mall. It is the
first Smithsonian building ever built, and now houses the Smithsonian
Information Center.
