Castle Collection
The Smithsonian Castle Collection was established in 1964 at the direction of the Institution’s eighth secretary, S. Dillon Ripley (1913-2001). Its purpose was to provide appropriate nineteenth century furnishings for the principal offices and rooms of the Smithsonian Institution Building, much like the White House and State Department, by producing “an interior that is in harmony with the exterior, and yet can serve usefully as offices and exhibit areas”.
The collection has grown to over 3500 accessioned objects and its scope has expanded to include the full stylistic range of historic furniture, decorative arts objects, and lighting devices intended primarily for daily use but also for study and exhibition. The collection also includes historic prints, drawings, and photographs of the Castle, objects relating to the Institution’s benefactor and namesake James Smithson, sculpture, and Castle-related objects.
The collection also includes historic prints, drawings, and photographs of the Castle, objects relating to the Institution’s benefactor and namesake James Smithson, sculpture, and Castle-related objects.
The collection highlights and exhibits featured below were selected to celebrate the Smithsonian Institution's 175th Anniversary.
Collection Highlights and Exhibits
Explore the history of the Smithsonian Institution in The Castle: An Illustrated History of the Smithsonian Building (Revised Edition by Richard E. Stamm).
Available from various booksellers: