DC: Day Three, Pt 3--Admiring Architecture

As we walked through the Mall, we had to pause to admire one building in particular--the currently abandoned Arts and Industries Building, the second oldest Smithsonian.

 Definitely the most beautiful architecture on the Mall. 

Trying to see into the interior--it is clear this space is in transition, and the Smithsonian system is not quite sure how to use it, but it was also clear the building itself is being maintained & saved for when they do know. That makes me so glad--not like amazing buildings like this all over the U.S. that have fallen into disrepair because no one has a current use/vision/money for them. (Now that I think about it, that's the story of Mt. Vernon I shared earlier--wonderful buildings around the States that current generations don't value, so they don't bother to preserve them for future generations.) I would hope they would at least clean it up and make it available for rental--I can see fabulous parties in this space!

(Update: It looks like that is what they currently use it for! Well, if you meet their requirements for what is appropriate use--alas, no Steampunk weddings.)

The detail of this building reminded me of the Library of Congress. Oh, I wish we could have seen the inside!

So Steampunky!

 It lies catty-corner to the Smithsonian "Castle," another beautiful building that I'm sorry visitors can't explore to their hearts' content. 

 I'm so glad they are maintaining the gardens--they were peaceful spaces that enhance the Mall, even with the building itself closed. (Here some thoughtful tourists offered to take a photo of all of us--nice to have a pic with the kids, even if I look bedraggled from the heat--and that earlier monuments marathon!)

Writing this post re-awoke my curiosity about this building and led to this insightful article. And this photo:

From its building, in 1880.  Second from left--Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman, one of the building committee members. 

From there we moved next door to the architecture and gardens of the Castle, oldest of the Smithsonian buildings.

 There was a fascinating sign there showing that once a small herd of American bison grazed upon that very spot!

Way too many pretty corners not to take advantage of in photo shoots. : )