Past Exhibitions | Smithsonian Institution

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

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

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

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

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

Building America's National Collection: 175 Years of Collecting

See selected objects representing all of the museums that offer a tantalizing sample of the breadth and depth of the Smithsonian's vast collections.

May 8, 2005 – December 14, 2022

Smithsonian Castle

Model of the National Museum of African American History and Culture

The architectural design model submitted by Freelon Adjaye Bond/SmithGroupJJR to the Museum design competition in 2011 is on view.

September 16, 2016 – January 31, 2017

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

First 3-D Printed Presidential Life Mask and Bust

The first presidential portraits created from 3-D scan data are on display. The portraits of President Barack Obama were created based on data collected by a Smithsonian-led team of 3-D digital imaging specialists and include a digital and 3-D printed bust and life mask.

December 2, 2014 – December 31, 2014

Smithsonian Castle

LEGO Model of the Smithsonian Castle

This Smithsonian Castle model, constructed of more than 45,000 LEGO bricks, was built to celebrate the origins of the Smithsonian's National Zoological Park. It is displayed in the Children's Room in the spirit of the room's early use as a museum designed to inspire wonder in children.

August 5, 2013 – July 23, 2014

Smithsonian Castle

Experience Civil War Photography: From the Home Front to the Battlefront

See stereo-view (3-D) photographs from the Civil War to learn how Americans experienced the conflict.

August 1, 2012 – July 7, 2013

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

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

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

Editors' Picks: The Best of Smithsonian Magazine's 7th Annual Photo Contest

See the finalists from Smithsonian magazine's 7th annual photo contest. View 30 photographs from the 45,000 entries received from around the world .

July 1, 2010 – February 28, 2011

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

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

Pile of Loot from Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian

View the "pile of loot" from the Twentieth-Century Fox movie Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian.

May 4, 2009 – October 1, 2009

Smithsonian Castle

Judges Desk and Chairs from American Idol

See the judges' desk and chairs from the Fox television show American Idol.

June 27, 2009 – September 13, 2009

Smithsonian Castle

Design Models: National Museum of African American History and Culture's Architectural Design Competition

View six architectural design models submitted to the Smithsonian in a design competition for the new National Museum of African American History and Culture to be built on the Mall and completed in 2015.

March 27, 2009 – April 19, 2009

Smithsonian Castle

Eyes on the World: Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest

View 36 finalists from the thousands of photographs submitted to Smithsonian magazine's 5th Annual Photo Contest from the United States and around the world.

July 1, 2008 – February 17, 2009

Smithsonian Castle

American Heroes of the Olympic Spirit

See 49 medals and 4 torches, along with photos and stories, that highlight Olympic and Paralympic athletes and their achievements over several decades in a variety of sports.

June 20, 2008 – October 12, 2008

Smithsonian Castle

Classically Greek: Coins and Bank Notes from Antiquity to Today

View bank notes and coins that vividly portray Greek culture, history, and mythology. These common objects of everyday exchange preserve rich stories about people, politics, and the powerful forces that shaped both ancient and modern Greece.

April 10, 2008 – June 15, 2008

Smithsonian Castle

Legendary Coins & Currency

See some of the National Museum of American History's National Numismatics Collection's (NNC) rarest holdings, including a 1913 Liberty Head nickel and the unique 1849 Double Eagle.

December 8, 2005 – February 10, 2008

Smithsonian Castle