Smithsonian Institution Building (The Castle)

The Smithsonian Institution Building, known as the Castle, was designed by James Renwick Jr. and completed in 1855 to house the Smithsonian's collections and offices. Today it serves as the Smithsonian's visitor center and contains administrative offices, information desks for the Smithsonian museums, and access to the Enid A. Haupt Garden immediately behind the building. The red Seneca sandstone structure is a prominent historic landmark on the National Mall.