Scientific illustration is one aspect of what makes a museum collection important; it enhances and supports scientific research by showing minute details and distinguishing characteristics of the specimens being studied. Joseph Henry, the first secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, established a program to publish scientific research -- with detailed scientific illustrations -- in 1848, a mere two years after the founding of the Smithsonian.

On view in these cases are works by four scientific illustrators who worked in the Smithsonian Institution Building between 1852 and 1898: William Stimpson (1832-1872), John H. Richard (1807-1881), Robert Ridgway (1850-1929), and his brother John L. Ridgway (1859-1947). These illustrations offer a glimpse of their lifetime devotion to the study of science and nature. Also on view are several plaster casts of fish painted by John H. Richard.

• 2 information desks, serving the public and Smithsonian Associate members, which are staffed by volunteers from 8:30 AM-4 PM daily.
• 1 orientation theater (northeast wall) featuring an 10-minute video overview of the Institution (runs continuously, beginning at approximately 9 AM).
• 2 interactive "touch-screen" programs on the Smithsonian Institution in 6 languages.
• 1 scale model of Washington's monumental core.
• Smithson's Gift showcase (provides information on the history of the Institution).
• A tactile map of the Washington's monumental core with Braille labels.

Web: smithsonian.org/visit/infocenter

• Smithson's Crypt: (First Floor, North Entrance, Jefferson Drive)
The final resting place of the Institution's benefactor, James Smithson (1765-1829), is a small chapel-like room located at the north entrance to the Castle. Exhibit cases contain a few of Smithson's personal effects as well as the Smithsonian's official Mace and Badge of Office. A panel exhibit explains how Smithson's remains came to the United States in 1904 and the Smithsonian's plans to build a memorial to him.

• Children's Room: (First Floor, South Entrance, Independence Avenue)
The Children's Room -- with the theme "Knowledge Begins in Wonder" -- was installed in the south tower of the Castle in 1901 and featured natural history exhibitions for children. The original decorative scheme by designer Grace Lincoln Temple was restored in the mid-1980s.

• The Commons: (First Floor, West Wing)
The Commons, in the 19th-century Gothic Revival architectural style, features a soaring, groin-vaulted ceiling, elaborate corbels, a ribbed-vaulted apse, and a rose window on the south wall. Encircling the room are 28 walnut exhibit cases built in 1871 and refurbished in July 2004 with selected objects representing the Smithsonian's collections (for details, see permanent exhibition The Smithsonian Institution: America's Treasure Chest). The room served as a dining facility for many years, closing in June 2004.

• Schermer Hall: (First Floor, West Wing)
Schermer Hall, named for Smithsonian donors Lloyd G. and Betty A. Schermer, is in the Romanesque Revival style with clerestory windows, rounded arches, and a barrel-vaulted ceiling. Furnishings from the Castle Collection include a pair of Rococo Revival gilded mirrors that belonged to Simon Cameron, Secretary of War (1860-1862) under President Lincoln; a pair of Renaissance Revival armchairs (c. 1860) that belonged to Edwin M. Stanton, Secretary of War (1862-1867) under Presidents Lincoln and Grant; and Georgian Revival tables (c. 1910) in mahogany and verdi marble with classically carved motifs, including anthemion and acanthus leaves and guilloche (running dog) borders. Also in this room is a small, 2-panel display on the history of the west wing; for details, see permanent exhibition The West Wing: A Chronology.

Note: The room is open to the public during regular hours except when it has been booked for a special event.