When the word “Smithsonian” is mentioned, the hearts of museum lovers beat a little faster. Designed by architect James Renwick Jr. (1818 – 1895), the Smithsonian Institution Building was made possible because of the donation from James Smithson (1765 – 1829), an English chemist and the founding donor of the Smithsonian Institution. Nicknamed The Castle, this neo-gothic styled building is constructed from Seneca red sandstone, which gives its distinctive red colour.

Inside, the building holds a modern Visitor’s Centre, amidst the Victorian arches and dark woodwork. It also holds the marble crypt of James Smithson in a small room, where visitors can pay tribute to the benefactor of the Smithsonian Institution. Today, the Smithsonian Institution composes of 16 museums and galleries from all over the world, nine of which are held within the National Mall, between the Washington Monument and the Capitol.