photo courtesy of the Smithsonian Institution
From the Smithsonian:
“As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, the Smithsonian will reopen two of its most iconic and historic buildings, inviting visitors to reconnect with familiar spaces and explore new stories about the American experience.
This summer, the Arts and Industries Building will reopen for regular public hours for the first time since 2004, marking a new chapter after years of use for special and temporary exhibitions and events. The Smithsonian Castle will also reopen to visitors following a closure for major renovations that began in 2023. These milestones build on the permanent return of the Smithsonian National Carousel, which resumed operation Friday, April 24, after an extensive restoration.
Together, these reopenings are part of “Our Shared Future: 250,” the Smithsonian’s multi‑year initiative commemorating the nation’s Semiquincentennial through exhibitions, programs and experiences that encourage reflection on America’s past and imagination of its future.
Smithsonian Castle
The Smithsonian Castle will reopen from Friday, May 22, through Monday, Sept. 7, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily, as renovations temporarily pause to allow public access. Completed in 1855 and designed by architect James Renwick Jr., the Castle is the Smithsonian’s oldest building and its symbolic heart, originally housing the Institution’s first museum, library and administrative offices.
During the reopening, visitors will be able to explore the restored Great Hall, where interpretive displays trace the Castle’s history, transformation and future. The Castle will also host “American Aspirations” (Tuesday, June 2–Sunday, July 26), a special exhibition co-curated by Lonnie G. Bunch III, Secretary of the Smithsonian.
Bringing together iconic objects from across Smithsonian museums for the first time in a single exhibition, “American Aspirations” examines moments of the nation’s founding, progress and change to explore themes of democracy, innovation and civic participation. Highlights include the desk on which Thomas Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence, a flight suit worn by Amelia Earhart and a model of the Statue of Liberty by Frederic Auguste Bartholdi.
photo courtesy of Smithsonian Enterprises
The Castle will also feature the Summer Shack café and retail spaces with seasonal offerings and 250th‑themed items. Visitors can join daily outdoor docent tours and learn more about the history of the Castle and the Smithsonian through educational carts.
This temporary reopening offers a rare opportunity to experience the Castle mid‑transformation and learn how the Smithsonian is preserving its historic core while preparing for the future.
photo courtesy of the Smithsonian Institution
Smithsonian Arts and Industries Building
Built in 1881, the Arts and Industries Building is the Smithsonian’s second‑oldest building and a cornerstone of its history. Nearly every Smithsonian museum traces its roots to this space, where the public first encountered artifacts ranging from dinosaur fossils to early rockets.
Reopening from Tuesday, June 16, through Monday, Sept. 7, the building will welcome visitors daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., once again serving as a gathering place for exhibitions, programs and conversations. This summer’s offerings include “Voices and Votes: Exploring Democracy Across America,” a special edition of the Smithsonan’s Museum on Main Street traveling exhibition examining civic participation and representation, along with displays highlighting handmade works from past Smithsonian Folklife Festivals, a seasonal Folklife Marketplace and public conversations spotlighting Smithsonian research and expertise.
photo courtesy of the Smithsonian Institution
On July 25, there will also be a special one-day Family Day celebration complete with music and dance performances and historical reenactors that the whole family can enjoy.
Photo by Donny Bajohr, Smithsonian Magazine
Smithsonian National Carousel
The Smithsonian National Carousel returned to permanent operation Friday, April 24, following a comprehensive restoration. Built in 1947 by the Allan Herschell Company, the carousel first operated at Gwynn Oak Amusement Park in Baltimore and was desegregated Aug. 28, 1963, the same day as the March on Washington. It was installed on the National Mall in 1981, where it has remained a favorite for generations.
Closed in November 2023, the carousel has been restored with refurbished hand‑carved horses, modernized safety and mechanical systems and newly designed ADA‑accessible chariots, as well as a redesigned platform, ticket booth and enhanced pathways. Located in front of the Arts and Industries Building, the carousel operates daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., weather permitting. Rides cost $6 per person and do not require advance reservations.
By reopening these storied spaces and restoring a cherished landmark, the Smithsonian marks America’s 250th anniversary with a renewed sense of welcome. This summer offers visitors the opportunity to rediscover familiar icons, encounter new perspectives and engage with the Smithsonian’s role in connecting people with the nation’s past, present and future.”