DC Pages / History of DC / Arts and Industry
Location: 900
Jefferson Drive, SW A landmark structure of red brick and Ohio sandstone, the Arts and Industries Building (originally known as the U.S. National Museum) was designed in a high Victorian style by the Washington architectural firm of Cluss and Schulze. Opened in 1881 in time for the inaugural ball of President James A. Garfield, the building was constructed to exhibit materials acquired from the nation's Centennial exhibition at Philadelphia.
The name of this museum was derived from the theme of that exposition; the statue above the entrance depicts the figure of Colombia protecting the two-seated figures of Science and Industry.
Over the years, the Arts and Industries Building has served as a repository for many special exhibitions, from the first ladies' gowns to the Spirit of St. Louis, now displayed in other Smithsonian museums on the Mall. The museum was partially restored in 1976 to its original appearance for the nation's bicentennial. Also re-created for 1976 from the original patterns are geometric stencils in proper Victorian colors of yellow, red, green, and blue on the rotunda and hall spandrels.
In the Rotunda, a working fountain surrounded by seasonal plants provides a quiet respite in a picturesque setting. Located off the west hall is the Discovery Theater, showcasing programs for young children throughout the year.
After nearly 20 years, signage for the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Exhibition came down in 1996. The North Hall was vacated, and it will present exhibitions by the National Museum of the American Indian. In the East Hall, cases from the 1876 Centenial eshibition will be reconfigured to look as they might have been displayed in the late 1800's.
The West Hall is retaining its current look to exemplify the collections and display practices during 1950's. The South Hall collections and display practices during the 1950's. The South Hall continues to feature changing exhibitions by the Center for African American History and Culture. The display will show how collecting and exhibition have evolved at the Institution.