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Washington, D.C., District of Columbia / Museums

Smithsonian Arts and Industries Building

The Smithsonian's second oldest building, this 1881 architectural icon served as the first U.S. National Museum and remains a premier example of World's Fair architecture on the National Mall.

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What is the Smithsonian Arts and Industries Building known for?

It is known as the country's first U.S. National Museum and the Smithsonian's second oldest building. It is regarded as a significant landmark in American museum history and one of the finest surviving examples of World's Fair architecture.

Is the building open to the public?

The building is currently closed for renovation, though it may open for special events.

Where is it located?

It is located at 900 Jefferson Drive Southwest on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

How do I get there using public transit?

The nearest Metro station is Smithsonian. The accessible entrance is located at the NW corner of 12th St. & Independence Ave., SW.

Is there parking available?

There is no public parking facility for Smithsonian museums on the National Mall, but a limited number of city-operated metered and accessible street parking spaces are available.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

Opened in 1881, the Arts and Industries Building stands as the second oldest structure in the Smithsonian collection. It was the first building created solely to house the U.S. National Museum, serving as a foundational institution that showcased American contributions to culture and industry. Located at 900 Jefferson Drive Southwest, it originally stood as a companion to the Smithsonian Castle at a time when the National Museum of Natural History was still only a dream. The structure is a masterwork of World's Fair architecture, designed by Washington architects Adolf Cluss and Paul Schulze. Civil War General Montgomery C. Meigs oversaw the construction, which was specifically intended to house materials from the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Exhibition. Because of its historical and architectural importance, the building was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1971. Throughout its history, the soaring halls of the building introduced millions of visitors to world-changing technological wonders. Notable exhibits once included the first telephone, Apollo rockets, and Edison’s lightbulb. While it no longer serves as a permanent exhibition space for these artifacts, its restored architectural features continue to tell the story of American design and museum history. In recent years, the building has undergone significant revitalization, receiving funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Although it is generally closed for renovation, it occasionally opens for special events. For instance, it reopened briefly in November 2021 to host the 'FUTURES' exhibition, which bridged the building's storied past with visions of the future.

Visitor tips

  • Check the Smithsonian schedule for special events, as the building is typically closed for renovation.
  • Use the Smithsonian Metro station; the accessible entrance is located at the NW corner of 12th St. and Independence Ave., SW.
  • Avoid driving as there are no public parking facilities for Smithsonian museums on the National Mall; look for limited city-operated metered street parking instead.

Nearby context

Situated at 900 Jefferson Drive Southwest, the building is a cornerstone of the National Mall. It sits in close proximity to the Smithsonian Castle, reflecting the early growth of the Smithsonian Institution before the expansion of the larger museum complexes nearby.

Sources

Evidence and links