Arts and Industries Building: What to Know Before You Go
Have you ever wondered what the beautiful brick building on the National Mall is?
So did I! It is the Arts and Industries Building. Built in 1879, it is the second oldest Smithsonian museum on the National Mall. (The oldest is the Castle, which was built in 1855).
The Arts and Industries Building formerly housed the Futures exhibit, which travels through space and time as it envisions the future. It is currently closed for renovations until 2028 and is only open for special events.
Although it’s not open, it is a really great place to take pictures.
Arts and Industries Building
Opening Hours: Closed for renovation until 2028
Admission: Free
Location: 900 Jefferson Drive SW in Washington D.C.
A Short History of the Arts and Industries Building
The Arts and Industries Building is where the Smithsonian’s story truly took off. It was opened in 1881 and was the first dedicated space for America’s growing collection of wonders. Collections ranged from dinosaur bones to Edison’s lightbulbs.
This vibrant red structure was more than just a building. It even hosted President James Garfield’s inaugural ball the same year it opened.
For over a century, it showcased human achievement, scientific discovery, and artistic creativity. Though it closed for regular exhibitions in 2004, the building made a brief, exciting comeback in 2021-2022 with the FUTURES exhibit.
What You Can See from Outside
Even if the building is closed, the outside is worth a look. The red brick, tall towers, and arched windows stand out on the National Mall.
You can walk all the way around and admire its old-style details such as the stained glass and ironwork. It’s a great spot for photos, especially in the morning or late afternoon.
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Past Exhibit: FUTURES at the Arts and Industries Building
From 2021 to 2022, the Arts and Industries Building briefly reopened for a special exhibit called FUTURES. Visitors could walk through glowing orbs, see prototype robots, and step inside visionary art installations. FUTURES invited people to imagine what’s next, for science, society, and the planet.
Although the exhibit has ended, it gave a glimpse into the kind of visionary storytelling the Arts and Industries Building hopes to bring back when it reopens.
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How to Visit the Arts and Industries Building
Take the Metro to the Smithsonian Station (use the Mall exit). The nearest accessible entrance is at the northwest corner of 12th St. & Independence Ave., SW. Check Metro’s website for elevator or escalator updates.
There’s no public parking at the museum. A few metered spots are nearby, including some accessible ones. You can also reserve a space in advance through ParkWhiz. Accessible parking is available.
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FAQs: Arts and Industries Building
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding “Arts and Industries Building” along with my answers.
What is the building’s historical importance?
Built in 1881 as the U.S.’s first National Museum, it introduced Americans to inventions like Edison’s light bulb and the Apollo rockets.
Who designed the building?
Architects Adolf Cluss and Paul Schulze, with oversight by engineer Montgomery Meigs. Its design was influenced by world exposition halls.
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What architectural features remain intact?
It features a second-oldest Smithsonian design, a central 108-ft rotunda, polychrome red-brick facades, Romanesque towers, and even fossils embedded in marble flooring.
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Final Thoughts
The Arts and Industries Building is closed until 2028, but you can still admire it from the outside. Its red brick and towers stand out on the National Mall. This was the first Smithsonian museum open to the public, and it played a big role in sharing science, art, and history with Americans.
The Arts and Industries Building is not open daily, but special events are sometimes held there. If you are walking past, it’s worth a quick look.
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