Smithsonian reopens oldest building for America 250 before renovations resume

The Smithsonian Institution Building, commonly known as the Castle, has been out of commission since 2023 for renovations. That work will be paused until Sept. 7, giving visitors time to explore the iconic landmark as the nation marks its 250th anniversary of independence this summer.

Because the Castle is a relic of U.S. history, Smithsonian leaders believed its brief reopening was important to educate Americans about the nation’s founding ideals. The museum complex is achieving this goal through its “American Aspirations” exhibit, which will feature some of the country’s most treasured objects, including Thomas Jefferson’s desk and an 1884 replica of the Statue of Liberty.

“If you think about what the Smithsonian’s doing this summer with the American Aspirations exhibit, it needed to be in a building like the Castle that’s centrally located and important to all of the institution rather than maybe one of our museums,” Carly Bond, a Smithsonian