Built to give the Smithsonian its first proper facility for putting its growing collections on public display, the Arts and Industries Building is the second oldest of the Smithsonian museums on the National Mall, after the Castle. It was originally named the National Museum.
Architects Adolf Cluss and Paul Schulze designed the building, which opened in 1881 by hosting the inaugural ball for President James A. Garfield. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1971 and is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its history as the Smithsonian's original exhibition hall will most interest visitors drawn to architecture and the early story of the institution.
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