I like the architecture. A great resource for information about all the Smithsonian Museums. The Castle has a cafe, restrooms, and rest areas.You can browse select exhibits from the various Smithsonian Museums here. Also inside the Castle you will find some zoo exhibits as well.

Beautiful museum/information center that provides an excellent background of how the Smithsonian set of museums came to exist. The building itself is fantastic and they have displays and sort of random exhibits from the multiple museums from the area. It is nice in that it is not as crowded as many of the other museums, is cool, and provides an oasis where you can relax from the chaos from the other museums. Friendly staff and clean restrooms which is great as they seem to be rare in DC.

Amazing gardens. Can't enter due to remodeling, please plan accordingly

Very great, helpful place but the security guard at the entrance was beyond rude and totally soured our day in DC as this was the first place we went. We didn’t notice the very tiny sign on the wall stating all visitors’ bags must be checked. He was not at the security stand either, so walked in. He then comes out of nowhere saying “see this sign? Doesn’t anybody read anymore?” He needs to not work with the public. Extremely rude.

The building has a lot of information to offer about the Smithsonian’s, they also contain a little bit of artifacts to view of what all the Smithsonian’s have to offer on the inside. Also has a gift shop, restrooms too. Good place to stop by and relax for a bit and away from the hustle and bustle of the museum traffic/ crowd. The grounds are very pretty with lots of flowers on the grounds. The flowers smell really good!

A beautiful place to go when on the national law. This Smithsonian castle has public restrooms, gift shops, exhibits (a really unique exhibit on birds in one of the rooms), and a interactive information center. The information personal that are there to provide assistance are also very friendly. It will take about 1-2 hours to get through the exhibits on the mail floor.

It's a really cool castle that I was really excited to go to but couldn't because they were remodeling :( but overall it was really cool

Wanted to go to the visitor center here. Also enjoyed the displays here beautiful building.

The architecture and garden area are amazing. So many exhibits at the Smithsonian Museums we’re closed during our visit. True for the Castle as well - large parts were closed (gift shops are always open though 😎).

It is the place that you can see the overview of Smithsonian's. It's great to visit. If you don't have much time exploring all museums, please go to this place. It's worth visiting!

The historical building and garden are nice.

Food was pricey. I was hoping for a hot meal experience but wasn't sure what it was until we got inside what it was. Lots of drink and desert options. Cashier was super friendly and positive attitude. Plenty of spaces to sit and eat. Very pretty

Excellent resource to get oriented to the layout of the Smithsonian Museums. Has a small collection in of itself and a beautiful garden!