Smithsonian Castle and Museums
For July, often the hottest month in our area, we will explore the Smithsonian Castle and the Arts and Industries Building. Both buildings are open this summer, allowing access during their extended renovations.
Smithsonian “Castle”
(From the Smithsonian Web Site) “Completed in 1855, the Castle is our signature building. Amidst its first major renovation in more than 50 years, part of the first floor is open through September 7, 2026, for Our Shared Future: 250 programming to commemorate the nation’s 250th birthday.”
Arts and Industries Building
(Again, from the Smithsonian Web Site) “The Arts and Industries Building is the Smithsonian’s second oldest building. Arts and Industries opened in 1881 as the country’s first U.S. National Museum, an architectural icon in the heart of the National Mall. Its soaring halls introduced millions of Americans to wonders about to change the world—Edison’s lightbulb, the first telephone, Apollo rockets. Over the years, Arts and Industries has been the origin and incubator for almost every other Smithsonian museum, debuting everything from dinosaurs to rocket ships. To celebrate the United States’ 250th anniversary, the Arts and Industries Building is open through September 7, 2026, hosting the Voices and Votes traveling exhibition.”
Within an easy walk are the Hirshorn Museum, the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, and other Smithsonian Museums.
Additional Information:
• Smithsonian Institution Building (The Castle) | Smithsonian Institution
• Arts and Industries Building | Smithsonian Institution
• Smithsonian Museums and Zoo | Smithsonian Institution
When:
Saturday, July 18, 2026, from 9:00 AM to Noon.
We will meet at the Enid A. Haupt Garden near the Smithsonian Castle.
Post Field Trip Snacks:
For any that wish to join for post-picture refreshments, there is the Castle Café Summer Shack 250.
Where:
Meet at the Enid A. Haupt Garden, near the Smithsonian Castle.
• Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ygs6CQg5r38UBmgr6
• Street Address: 1050 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20560
Metro is often the best way to get to the Smithsonian on the National Mall. Travel to the “Smithsonian” station on the Orange, Blue, or Silver line: Trip Planner | WMATA Rider Tools
Cost:
Admission is free.
Equipment and Notes:
• Your normal “walk-about” (24-70, 24-105) will likely suffice
• For inside exhibits you may find a fast lens (f2.8) helpful
• A mid-telephoto lens can be useful for indoor subjects you cannot approach closely
Remember, field trips are an ideal opportunity to try lenses and techniques that you are not familiar with! An ultra-wide-angle lens in the garden, or a long telephoto. Field trips can also be an opportunity to bring just one camera and lens, or perhaps just your cell phone. Some of us find we approach our picture selection differently, with better results than we expected. Don’t forget, even with a single piece of equipment almost all of us have the “two-foot” zoom where we use our two feet to move closer and “zoom in”, or further away and “zoom out”.
We hope you can join us!
Seton Dropper
Additional images:
