Posted In Smithsonian

Garnet Jex's 1936 Painting: An Aerial View of the Smithsonian

Explore the beauty of Garnet Jex's 1936 painting, an aerial view of the Smithsonian. See the stunning details and learn more about this amazing artwork.

Looking south from the corner of Pennsylvania Avenue and 11th Street, the silhouette of the Smithsonian Institution Building is seen in the distance. The photograph, taken by William Henry Holmes and signed "W.H.H. Phot.," shows horse-drawn carriages along the avenue of storefronts. Above the first building to the right of 11th Street, the sign reads "Latimer & Cleary Auction and Commission Merchants", the next building has a sign "Star Buildings," and the third building "Metropolitan."

Exploring the Smithsonian Institution Building in 1874 - A Look Back at History

Take a step back in time and explore the Smithsonian Institution Building in 1874. See the horse-drawn carriages, the storefronts, and the signs as captured in this historic photograph taken by William Henry Holmes.

Aerial view from the Washington Monument showing the "Tempos" or temporary buildings before their demolition. They were located on the site of the future National Museum of History and Technology (NMHT), now the National Museum of American History (NMAH)

A Rare Look at the Washington Monument in the 1940s

Take a rare look at the Washington Monument in the 1940s, when temporary buildings occupied the current site of the Museum of American History. See the aerial view from the Washington Monument and learn more about the history of the area.

At the turn of the century, visitors are entering and leaving the United States National Museum Building, now Arts and Industries Building, via the North Entrance. The entrance has glass doors, which dates it to before the Hornblower and Marshall designed doors installed between 1902-1907

Exploring the Smithsonian's Flickr Feed: A Look at the Arts and Industries Building Around 1905

Take a look back in time as we explore the Smithsonian's Flickr feed and uncover a photograph of the Arts & Industries Building around 1905. Learn more about this historical moment here!

Smithsonian Castle between 1860 and 1865

A Rare Look at the Smithsonian Castle in the 1860s - Thanks to Shorpy

Take a rare look at the Smithsonian Castle in the 1860s, thanks to the amazing photograph from Shorpy. This appears to be a photo we haven't yet seen!

West-southwest view with Maryland Ave. SW and B Street SW

An Amazing View of DC in 1867 – Found on Library of Congress Site

Check out this amazing view of Washington, DC in 1867. We found this gem on the Library of Congress site and have included the full caption. See the image and find out more about the view!

Unearthing the Mysterious Origins of D.C.'s Official Dinosaur, Capitalsaurus

Discover the mysterious origins of D.C.'s official dinosaur, Capitalsaurus. Read about the bone found in 1898 and its controversial classification as a prehistoric beast, and the story of the District's embrace of this unique creature.

Daniel H. Riggs, Howard University Medicine, in the South Yard of the Smithsonian Institution Building, stands next to his carriage. Picture shows the East Wing after Adolph Cluss' 1884 renovation. Against the building are sheds, used by the Department of Living Animals, 1887-1890 (Smithsonian Archives)

The Malpractice Lawsuit of Dr. Daniel H. Riggs of Howard University, 1890

In 1890, Dr. Daniel H. Riggs of Howard University was the defendant in a malpractice lawsuit. This post looks at the case, Dr. Riggs' life, and the building in which the trial was held.

Alligators in their enclosure in the original Animal House, also known as the Carnivora House, which opened in 1892 and was the first permanent building at the National Zoological Park. The alligators are housed in the "temporary" wooden wing of the structure (Smithsonian)

Proposed National Zoo in Rock Creek Park

We are a great nation and Americans in the 1880s were proud of their rapidly growing and dominant country. But how can you truly be a great nation without a national zoo to show off all the wonderful creatures that roam your lands, as well as those of foreign lands? Not only that, how will you help preserve the species that were being decimated by the rapid westward expansion and industrial progress? A group of school children viewing the first bison at the National Zoological Park in 1899. Photograph...

All Eyes On The Hirshhorn, But It Wasn't Always Pretty (Or Round)

This is a guest post by Aaron. Rendering of “SONG 1” (hirshhorn.si.edu) Art fans will focus Thursday night on the outer walls of the Hirshhorn Museum. Eleven video projectors will paint the Smithsonian’s modern and contemporary ring with 360 degrees of a looping film called, “SONG 1.” The Hirshhorn’s exterior will become exhibition space as artist Doug Aitken transforms the circumference into an inside-out movie screen. Just for a few...

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