Arts & Industries Building
900 Jefferson Dr SW
Washington, DC 20560
202-633-1000
www.si.edu/ai/
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Note: The Arts & Industries Building is temporarily closed for renovations. Easily overlooked and often misunderstood, the Arts and Industries Building has only begun in recent years to emerge from the shadows of the better-known Smithsonian museums that surround it. The second oldest building on the National Mall, Arts and Industries opened in 1881 -- just in time for the inaugural ball of James A. Garfield. Originally built to showcase artifacts gathered for the U.S. Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia, over the years the Arts and Industries Building became temporary home to a variety of exhibitions devoted to facets of American life. Exhibits ranged from the inventions of women to the culinary traditions of Japanese immigrants in Hawaii; from the ball dresses of first ladies to the Spirit of St. Louis. In 1976, the museum was restored to its original Victorian appearance, including its palette of red, blue, green and yellow embellishments. Today, the building's four halls host changing exhibitions on various subjects -- from the workings of the brain to Chicano art to the history of lawn furniture. The museum also houses the Smithsonian Associates' Discovery Theater, which presents programs for young children throughout most of the year. Finally, to the west of the Arts and Industries Building is the beautiful Haupt Garden, open year-round.
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