Smithsonian Institution Castle: Renwick Model

This original model of the Castle was found here in an upstairs attic sometime in the late 1960s or early 70s. The medieval revival building style was chosen for the building because it was associated with the architecture of English colleges, and education was - and remains - at the heart of the Smithsonian mission. The style was also thought to express the practical, flexible, independent American character. Medieval forms and details from different periods, such as double pointed-arch windows within a single rounded-headed arch, were combined for the picturesque effect popular at the time. Adding to the picturesque or visually pleasing quality are the building's asymmetry, underscored by the nine towers - all different - and the red sandstone facade. To cut costs, the main part of the building was reduced from three to two stories and one 12-story front tower out of the two originally proposed was eliminated between the creation of the model and the building's construction.

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