Revitalize Historic Core
The Smithsonian Institution Building (the Castle) and the Arts and Industries Building (AIB) have welcomed multitudes of visitors for more than 150 years. These buildings have embraced artifacts, curiosities, science laboratories, lecture halls, libraries, art galleries, and so much more. Over their lifetimes, both buildings have experienced numerous changes—accommodating expanding collections, evolving to meet public needs, and surviving fires and earthquakes.
Page-Loring LLC, a joint venture between Page and Loring Consulting Engineers, is honored to work with the Smithsonian Institution to provide design and engineering support to modernize these historic structures for the 21st century. The Revitalize Historic Core (RHC) project includes the Castle, the AIB, new underground central utility plant, and sustainable landscape.
Once complete, the RHC will honor and protect architectural treasures while providing a visitor experience that promotes the Smithsonian's vision to engage, inspire, and impact the nation and the world.
The Castle
The museum system's oldest building, the Castle is the public doorway to the Smithsonian Institution and home to administrative offices and a visitor information center. Modernization will preserve its picturesque exterior silhouette, restore principal interior spaces to their early 20th-century splendor. System upgrades and window replacement reduce energy by 30%.
Arts and industries building
Opened in 1881, the AIB is the nation's best-preserved example of 19th-century World's Fair or exposition architecture. Since 2015, the Smithsonian has used the building for special events, but after the team completes the full interior building rehabilitation, the AIB will reopen to the public.
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