Saturday, June 08, 2013
Smithsonian Arts & Industries Building
National Mall
Metro: Smithsonian (Blue/Orange Line)
Tour Times
9-10:15 am
10:30 – 11:45 am
Join the DC Preservation League and the Smithsonian Institution for a tour of the Arts and Industries Building (AIB). Designed by Adolf Cluss and Paul Schulze to house the rapidly growing collections of the National Museum, AIB was built between April, 1879 and March, 1881. It is the Nation’s best-preserved example of nineteenth century world’s fair or exposition architecture.
Due to lack of funds, the building fell into a state of disrepair. Concerns over a leaking roof and structural deficiencies caused the Smithsonian to close the building to the public in 2004. In 2009, Smithsonian began efforts to repair the building’s shell including structural repairs, the replacement of the roof and windows, and improvements to bring the building into compliance with current codes for wind, snow, seismic and blast performance.
DCPL Members Only!
Space Is Limited!
9:00am Tour Registration
10:30am Tour: This tour is full!
