Past Exhibitions | Smithsonian Institution

World View: Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest

See 50 finalists from over 17,000 entries submitted from the United States and around the world to the Smithsonian magazine for its 6th Annual Photo Contest.

July 1, 2009 – April 11, 2010

Smithsonian Castle

Winston S. Churchill: Painting as a Pastime

View 50 paintings by the renowned statesman and honorary American citizen that make up a virtual diary of his private life after 1915, including landscapes from his home and travels and portraits of his family and friends.

September 21, 1983 – November 2, 1983

Smithsonian Castle

Well-Dressed Walls: Spanning Three Centuries of Wallpaper from the Cooper Hewitt Collection

In this small display, reproductions of wallpaper dating from the 1770s to the 1950s from the collection of the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum are installed in pairs to reflect the practice of designing wallpapers to be used together.

March 23, 2016 – January 31, 2023

Smithsonian Castle

Welcome to Your Smithsonian

This exhibition looks at the history of the Smithsonian, focusing on its research; museums; and public programs in art, culture, history, and science, and the role of the American public in the Smithsonian's museums and research. The Smithsonian is a partnership between its specialist staff and the American people.

March 20, 2015 – January 31, 2023

Smithsonian Castle

Views from the Tall Tower

See how the Washington skyline, as seen from the north tower of the Castle, has changed since 1863.

August 1, 2012 – January 31, 2023

Smithsonian Castle

Treasures of London

See outstanding examples of 500 years of British silver work, including modern jewelry and pieces.

June 26, 1976 – July 18, 1976

Smithsonian Castle

Treasures from the Smithsonian

These photo panels are an adaptation of an exhibition of Smithsonian artifacts on view at the Edinburgh Festival, Scotland.

August 1, 1984 – September 30, 1984

Smithsonian Castle

Traditional Architecture of Saudi Arabia

See 22 graphite drawings by Syrian architectural historian/artist Professor Wahbi Al-Hariri-Rifai that document diversity of architectural styles, building materials, and geographic regions in Saudi Arabia today.

October 10, 1984 – November 7, 1984

Smithsonian Castle

Through Our Reader's Eyes: Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Winners

See 27 finalists from over 8,000 photographs from around the world submitted to Smithsonian magazine's 4th Annual Photo Contest.

July 1, 2007 – December 9, 2007

Smithsonian Castle

The Wonder of Light: Touch and Learn

View objects from the museums' collections related to light - a symbol of discovery.

October 29, 2010 – February 6, 2012

Smithsonian Castle

The West Wing: A Chronology

Use images and text to trace the history of the west wing of the Castle -- from its first use as the Institution's library to its use as The Commons restaurant (closed May 12, 2003).

April 5, 2002 – September 30, 2003

Smithsonian Castle

The Lost World of James Smithson

View parts of James Smithson's book collection and some of his mineralogical notes that survived a fire that destroyed the top floor of the Smithsonian Castle building in 1865.

April 16, 2007 – February 6, 2008

Smithsonian Castle

The Federal City: Plans & Realities

Explore the planning history of the City of Washington in photographs, prints, paintings and 3-dimensional models.

February 1, 1976 – August 30, 1987

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The Earliest Known Photograph of the Castle

The earliest known photograph of the Castle, taken in 1850 during the building's contruction, is on view.

August 10, 2015 – January 31, 2023

Smithsonian Castle

Stamps of Approval

See eight objects featured in the U.S. Postal Service's Pioneers of American Industrial Design series of Forever stamps.

November 15, 2011 – April 29, 2012

Smithsonian Castle

Souvenir Nation: Relics, Keepsakes, and Curios

What is a souvenir? What becomes a souvenir? Find out in this exhibition!

August 9, 2013 – January 28, 2015

Smithsonian Castle

Smithsonian Stamped!

In this small display, learn about the origins of the commemorative stamp and view two Smithsonian commemorative stamps celebrating our 100^th and 150^th anniversaries.

December 16, 2021 – January 31, 2023

Smithsonian Castle

Smithsonian Exhibit on the National Museum of African American History and Culture

Witness the beginning of construction of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, which will be completed in 2015. See porcelain and glass shards from the 18th and 19th centuries found on the site, a model of the building, and artistic renderings of the interior spaces.

May 16, 2012 – May 20, 2012

Smithsonian Castle

Smithson's Gift

Trace the history of the Smithsonian beginning with James Smithson (1765-1829) who started the tradition of philanthropy with his bequest to the United States.

January 26, 1996 – December 29, 2005

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Smithson Crypt

The final resting place of the Institution's benefactor, James Smithson (1765-1829), is a small chapel-like room located at the north entrance to the Castle.

March 6, 1905 – January 31, 2023

Smithsonian Castle

Skitch Henderson: A Man and His Music

On view are approximately 10 photographs highlighting the work of Skitch Henderson, musician, composer, bandleader, and founder and music director of The New York Pops.

January 30, 2005 – March 13, 2005

Smithsonian Castle

Read My Pins: The Madeline Albright Collection

See pins from former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright's collection, highlighting her use of jewelry as a tool of diplomacy and capturing her wit.

June 18, 2010 – October 17, 2010

Smithsonian Castle