Smithsonian Institution Information Center (“The Castle”)

1000 Jefferson Dr. SW • (202) 633-1000
Metrorail: Smithsonian
Metrobus: V7, V9, 13A, 13G, 13B, 13F

The Smithsonian Castle is a great place to start your adventure. In fact, it’s where the Smithsonian Institution itself got started. In the movie, the Castle is where Larry and his friends see the Gate of Kah Mun Rah, door to the Underworld, on display. The red brick building features an orientation theater, scale models of Washington, DC and its famous attractions and an interactive touch-screen in six languages. You’ll also find the crypt of founder James Smithson inside, plus changing exhibitions on the first floor. si.edu

Behind the Scenes Secret: In the movie, Larry’s historical friends are stored in the Federal Archives beneath the Smithsonian. Most of the Smithsonian’s more than 140 million artifacts and specimens are actually in storage in facilities located miles away from the National Mall.