The Smithsonian Institution Building, Washington D. C. Photo: Diliff/Wikimedia Commons Completed in 1855, The Smithsonian Institution Building is built in Seneca red sandstone in a faux Norman style. This is a combination of Romanesque Revival and Gothic styles. It was the winning entry of James Renwick Junior in 1846 nationwide held competition for its design. It was originally meant to be built in white marble and then in yellow sandstone but the designers and building committee finally settled on Seneca sandstone. The change in materials was due to it being less expensive than marble and very easy to work. It underwent a general renovation in the late 1960's to install modern electrics, elevators, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. Today, the building houses the administrative offices for the Smithsonian. |
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